Fisher-Price has issued a recall for over 2 million of its infant Snuga Swings due to a suffocation risk that has been linked to the deaths of five children. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an alert stating that the device should not be used for sleep, and bedding materials should not be added to it as they can increase the risk of suffocation.
The deaths occurred between 2012 and 2022, with the infants being between 1 and 3 months old. In most cases, the children were not restrained and bedding materials were present in the swings. To prevent such tragedies, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises keeping loose items such as blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys out of the sleep space.
There are 21 models of the Snuga Swing that are part of the recall, and the full list of models and product numbers can be found on the CPSC website. The swings have been sold in the US, Canada, and Mexico since 2010, and were available at retailers like Amazon, Toys R Us, Target, Walmart, and Sam’s Club.
If you own a Snug Swing, it is recommended to immediately remove the headrest and body support insert on the seat pad. Fisher-Price is offering a $25 refund to owners who remove these parts, which can be accessed on Mattel’s website. However, some critics, like CPSC commissioner Richard Trumka Jr., believe that the recall is insufficient and that the entire product should be refunded to customers.
Fisher-Price has a history of recalls, including the Rock ‘n Play Sleepers, which were involved in two recalls and linked to eight infant deaths. Despite the $25 refund offer, some are still concerned about the safety of the Snuga Swings and advise against keeping them in homes even after the so-called repair.
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