Fisher-Price is recalling over 2 million infant swings across the U.S., Canada and Mexico following a serious suffocation risk, which tragically led to the deaths of five infants. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning stating that all models of Fisher-Price’s ‘Snuga Swings’ should not be used for sleep or have any bedding materials added due to the potential dangers they pose.
Reports revealed that the headrest and seat pad body support insert of the swings could increase the risk of suffocation, prompting the recall. The commission highlighted that there were five deaths of infants aged between 1 to 3 months associated with the use of the product for sleep, occurring between 2012 and 2022. In most cases, bedding materials were added to the swing and the infants were left unrestrained.
Consumers are advised to immediately remove the headrest and body-support insert from the swings before further use. Fisher-Price, headquartered in New York and owned by Mattel in California, is offering a $25 refund to consumers who remove and dispose of these parts. Instructions for the recall process can be found on Mattel’s official recall website.
CPSC Commissioner Richard L. Trumka Jr. criticised Fisher-Price for what he termed a “flawed” recall, expressing concerns that the provided remedy is insufficient to guarantee safety. He advised consumers to accept the refund but discard the product entirely, as it may still pose risks even after the suggested modifications. Trumka also recalled past incidents of infant deaths related to Fisher-Price products like the ‘Rock ‘n Play’ and ‘Newborn-to-Toddler Rockers,’ while urging the company to take more robust measures to protect infants.
It was stated that about 2.1 million ‘Snuga Swings’ were sold in the U.S., alongside 99,000 in Canada and 500 in Mexico between October 2010 and January 2024. The swings were available at major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Toys R Us, and Target across North America. The affected swings, manufactured in China and Mexico, came in various models, colours, and had different toy accessories attached. A comprehensive list of impacted product numbers and descriptions can be accessed through the recall notice issued on Thursday.