Infant Deaths Spark Baby Loungers Recall

FRIDAY, Sept. 24, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- The death of eight babies has prompted the Boppy Company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to recall more than 3 million baby loungers, they announced Thursday.

A year ago, the CPSC issued a safety warning about similar pillow-like baby products, CBS News reported.

When babies are placed on their back, side, or stomach on these loungers there is a danger of suffocation. Between December 2015 and June 2020, eight infants died after being placed in these loungers, according to the CPSC and the Golden, Colorado-based company.

"These types of incidents are heartbreaking," acting CPSC chairman Robert Adler said in the recall notice. "Loungers and pillow-like products are not safe for infant sleep, due to the risk of suffocation. Since we know that infants sleep so much of the time — even in products not intended for sleep — and since suffocation can happen so quickly, these Boppy lounger products are simply too risky to remain on the market."

Boppy is "devastated to hear of these tragedies," a Boppy spokesperson said in the recall notice. "The lounger was not marketed as an infant sleep product and includes warnings against unsupervised use."

The recall involves all Boppy Newborn Loungers, which were sold in three models: the Boppy Original Newborn Lounger, the Boppy Preferred Newborn Lounger and the Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Lounger. Parents and caregivers should stop using the loungers immediately and reach out to the company for a refund.

Sold from January 2004 until September 2021 for between $30 and $44, the recalled products were sold nationwide and in Canada by retailers including Amazon, Pottery Barn Kids, Target and Walmart, CBS News reported.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says babies should sleep on their backs on firm, flat surfaces free of bedding, padded bumpers or restraints.

Consumer Reports said this month that at least 28 infant deaths are connected to lounging pads and nursing pillows, CBS News reported.

More information

Visit the Boppy Company for details on how to get refunds for the recalled baby loungers.

SOURCE: CBS News