Fisher-Price recalls baby soothers after 4 infant deaths in a year

Fisher-Price says it is recalling a model of its baby soothers after the deaths of four infants who were placed on their backs unrestrained in the devices and later found on their stomachs.

In a joint statement with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fisher-Price said Friday that it was recalling its 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soother, which is designed to mimic the motion of a baby being rocked in someone’s arms.

The fatalities between April 2019 and February 2020 were a 4-month old from Missouri, a 2-month old from Nevada, a 2-month old from Michigan and an 11-week old from Colorado, according to the statement.

Fisher-Price, a division of El Segundo-based Mattel, is also recalling a similar product, the 2-in-1 Soothe ’n Play Glider, although there were no reported deaths connected to it.

“Inclined products, such as gliders, soothers, rockers and swings, are not safe for infant sleep, due to the risk of suffocation,” CPSC Acting Chairman Robert Adler said.

Fisher-Price General Manager Chuck Scothon said the company was committed to educating parents and caregivers on the safe use of its products, “including the importance of following all warnings and instructions.”

“We believe that every child should grow up in an environment surrounded by purposeful products that have been designed to keep them safe,” said a Fisher-Price spokesperson. “As part of our commitment to safety, we have added respected leaders in quality, safety, and compliance; recently formed the Medical and Scientific Safety Council (MSSC) comprised of renowned pediatricians; and launched the Safe Start education campaign focused on engaging parents and caregivers in important conversations about the safety, health, and development of babies and children.”

The new recall follows a similar action two years ago, when Fisher-Price recalled nearly 5 million Rock ‘n Play sleepers after more than 30 babies died in them over a 10-year period. Those deaths also occurred after infants rolled over from their backs to their stomachs or sides while unrestrained.

About 120,000 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers and 55,000 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders were sold from January 2014 through December 2020 for about $108. The 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders were sold from November 2018 through May 2021 for about $125.

There were also 25,000 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers and 27,000 2-in-1 Soothe ’n Play Gliders distributed in Canada.