Rock N Play Recall
It’s a hot and debated topic right now. As of Tuesday April 9th, 2019, The American Academy of Pediatrics has formally stated that they are pushing for the recall of Fisher Price Rock N Plays.
The push for recall comes over several years of so called infant deaths caused by the Rock N Play Sleeper. They state that from 2011 to 2018 there have been 32 related infant deaths from the sleeper.
Fisher Price states that the deaths aren’t from the sleeper at all. Rather, these infant deaths were caused by an underlying medical/health condition and or, the product being used in a manner that is contrary to the safety warnings and instructions.
Is it Safe?
As a Newborn Care Specialist and Infant Sleep Consultant, I have several thoughts on this hotly debated topic.
The Cons
- The Rock N Play is currently being marketed as a “sleeper”. Amongst my colleagues, we never recommend babies be allowed to sleep in products like this, for several reasons:
- The unit can cause plagiocephaly and torticollis. This is due to the firm plastic structure and a baby’s soft skull, as well as the tendency for the infants head to angle to one side.
- The Rock N Play is not designed for safe sleep. The safest place for a baby to sleep in in their crib, alone and on their back.
- Products that keep an infant at an incline should not be used for sleep. Rock N Plays and car seats are a few. It is NOT safe for babies to sleep in these items. The incline can itself cause asphyxiation.
- Parents should not be placing babies into products like the Rock N Play and leaving them alone, to sleep or otherwise.
Proper Use
- The Rock N Play is a fine product and can be used safely. When using this product with my clients, I follow these guidelines:
- The Rock N Play may be used as a safe place to set baby when they are awake and just hanging out.
- Parents or caregiver should be monitoring baby while baby is in the Rock N Play.
- Baby should be strapped into the unit while in the Rock N Play.
- Baby should NOT be allowed to sleep in the Rock N Play.
- The Rock N Play should not be used once baby had started to roll over.
Increasing Safety
- Fisher Price should be mandated to remove “sleeper” from it’s marketing. This product is not a safe place for baby to sleep, just as a car seat isn’t a safe place for baby to sleep.
- I suspect there are parents at fault that are using the Rock N Play incorrectly, not strapping baby in and not following the manufactures directions for safe use. When baby products are not used correctly and in the manner for which they were designed, accidents and even death may occur.
Bottom Line
The safest and most conducive place for your infant to sleep is alone, on their back and in their crib. NOT in your arms, a swing, Doc A Tot, car seat or Rock N Play.
See the full article here: https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/nation-world/pediatricians-group-calls-for-recall-of-fisher-price-rock-n-play-after-several-infant-deaths/507-dc469fcf-3bea-4280-92ee-a002f6df3352
Do you have questions about the Rock N Play or any other baby products? Please contact us.
