Update October 31, 2019 – The CPSC announced that a new study confirms babies should sleep on recommended firm, flat surfaces.
The CPSC has so far received 1,108 incident reports related to inclined sleeping products that occurred between January 2005 and June 2019. Unfortunately this number includes 73 infant deaths.
The agency hired a mechanical engineer who specializes in biomechanics as an independent expert to conduct the study. Erin Mannen, Ph.D works in this area at the Medical Sciences division of the University of Arkansas.
Dr. Mannen conducted infant testing in order to evaluate the design of inclined sleeping products. They performed the study by measuring muscle movements and oxygen saturation with infants who were placed in a variety of products and positions; flat crib, inclined crib, and several other inclined sleep products.
None of the inclined products tested safe for infant sleep. The report concludes that products with inclines of 10 degrees or less, that are on flat and rigid surfaces, are most likely the safest for infant sleep. Additionally, plush-like sleeping surfaces pose a danger to infants.
Original article posted: June 27, 2019 Fisher-Price announced Thursday the company is recalling an inclined sleeper accessory included with its Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play Yards due the risk of infant death. Approximately 71,000 units are being pulled off the consumer market.
Recalled Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play Yards Sleep Accessory
The model numbers below can be found on the label on the inside of the play yard, or on the fabric on the back of the sleeping pad.
- CBV60
The Ultra-Lite Play Yard featured with the Inclined Sleeper.
- CHP86
- CHR06
- CJK24
- DJD11
If you own this accessory product, we urge to stop using it immediately.
Inclined sleepers have been associated with infant fatalities. The sleepers can cause the baby to roll on its stomach or side, while unrestrained, leading to suffocation or strangulation. However, the play yard portion of this device can still be used, along with the changing station and carry bag.
So far, there have been no injuries reported with the Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play Yard. They were sold in major retailers between October 2014 and June 2019 for roughly $90 to $100. But the threat of death and injury still looms over inclined sleep products.
Infant Sleepers Recalled After Reports of Death
Earlier this year, Fisher-Price recalled nearly 4.7 million units of its Rock ‘N Play sleeper product. Devastatingly, there had been 30 deaths reported with its sleeper in the last 10 years. Kids II recalled the entirety of its Rocking Sleeper after five reported deaths for this very reason.
Many consumer advocates have been trying to get inclined sleep products off the market for quite some time. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants not be restrained or put at an incline to induce sleep.
It is recommended babies sleep on their backs, unrestrained and alone on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, or play yard. Additionally, babies should never be put in car seats, strollers, swing, sling, wedge, or similar products for unsupervised sleep.
Inclined sleepers have been marketed to help with acid reflux in babies. However, Lori Feldman-Winter, M.D., a member of the AAP task force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and a professor of pediatrics at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, N.J., said inclined devices are not consistent with the AAP’s recommendations.
“There’s no evidence to suggest that being on an incline is helpful for reflux,” she said in an interview with Consumer Reports. “There is a misconception that that’s somehow an okay, safe sleep position, and it’s just not.”
The product liability lawyers at our firm have handled similar lawsuits in the past, and are currently representing a number of families devastated by these types of recalls. We would like to speak with you if you have suffered a tragic loss from this product.
There is absolutely no charge and no-obligation in picking up the phone to talk with us. You can reach our lawyers by calling us at (800) 279-6386, or by filling out the contact form below.
Questions About a Baby Sleeper Recall Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker Lawyer for a Free Case Review.
If you or a loved one has suffered a loss associated with the inclined sleeper accessory, you should speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker. We are currently accepting new baby sleeper lawsuits across the country.
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