Trying to put your baby to sleep is one of every parent’s struggle, especially when they are younger. Some parents rely on a baby rocker, sleeper, or even swing for help.
While some rocker/sleepers give parents a little “break” while taking care of baby, there have been reported cases of sudden deaths and casualties occurring while using these products.
Recalled
Fisher-Price has officially recalled all models of the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper due to reported infant fatalities after “the infants rolled from their back to their stomach or side while unrestrained, or under other circumstances.” according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
The voluntary move by Fisher-Price was a reversal for the company, which issued a joint safety warning with the CPSC after they were aware of 10 deaths since 2015 of children three months or older linked to the sleeper.
Fisher Price’s Rock ‘n Play has been recalled due to reported cases of infant deaths. | Source: Channel News Asia
In most cases, the children suffocated after rolling over in the sleeper from their back to their stomach or side while unrestrained.
The alert warned families that they should discontinue use of the Rock ‘n Play as soon as a baby starts to roll over, or at three months, whichever comes first.
Fisher Price-owner Mattel Inc said in a statement on Friday that it stood by the safety of its products but agreed to the voluntary recall “due to reported incidents in which the product was used contrary to the safety warnings and instructions.”
This recall would affect 4.7 million sleepers.
A separate investigation by Consumer Reports connected the cloth-covered rocker to 32 infant deaths from 2011 to 2018, including some involving children under three months.
The CPSC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that a baby always be placed to sleep on her back, on a firm sleep surface (i.e. cot or bassinet) with a tight fitting sheet. | Source: Pixabay
How to create a safe sleep environment for babies
- Back to Sleep
Put your baby to sleep on his/her back for every sleep, whether it’s naptime or nighttime.
- Firm Mattress Free of Hazards
To reduce the risk of suffocation, put your baby to sleep on a firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet and no bumper pads, pillows, heavy blankets, comforters, quilts or toys in the sleep space.
- Baby Cot or Bassinet
This is the safest place for your baby to sleep! You can talk to your doctor or paediatrician if you’re not sure if your cot, cradle or bassinet meets safety standards.
- Sharing Your Room
Having your baby sleep on a separate sleep surface in the same room as you for the first six months helps keep your baby safe.
- Avoid Overheating
Babies like to be warm but not hot. For sleeping, you can keep the room temperature comfortable and use a thin, lightweight blanket, sleep sack or blanket-weight sleeper. There is no need to swaddle or put a hat on indoors.
SOURCE: Channel News Asia
Read also: Most parents unknowingly endanger infants because of unsafe bedding
