Fisher-Price announced on Thursday that it is recalling two parts of its Snuga Swings, which are designed to gently sway infants. The company warned parents that these swings should not be used for sleep, as they pose a suffocation risk.
From 2012 to 2022, five infant deaths occurred while babies were sleeping in Snuga Swings. Most of these cases involved added bedding materials, which increased the danger of suffocation.
In its announcement, Fisher-Price advised consumers to immediately remove the swing’s headrest and an insert from the seat pad that supports the infant’s body. These components could heighten the risk of suffocation. Parents who remove these parts are eligible for a $25 refund. To receive the refund, they must cut the parts in half, label them, and send a photo to the company.
However, Richard Trumka Jr., a commissioner of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, criticized Fisher-Price’s actions. He stated that the company’s measures were inadequate and called for a full recall of the product, which retails for about $160. “The flawed recall that Fisher-Price is announcing today is doomed to fail and will keep many babies in harm’s way,” Trumka said, accusing the company of prioritizing profit over safety. He advised parents to take the refund and dispose of the swing.
Safety experts also warn that inclined sleeper products like baby swings and rockers can be dangerous. They note that infants’ heads can slump forward, obstructing their breathing. Experts recommend placing infants on their backs on a firm, flat surface for sleep.
In 2022, Congress banned inclined sleepers for infants, but the law only applies to products with an incline greater than 10 degrees for babies up to one year old.
Fisher-Price stated that infants can still use the Snuga Swing while awake, provided the recalled parts are removed. The company reiterated that the swing should never be used for sleep and that parents should avoid adding blankets or leaving infants unbuckled or unsupervised.
The partial recall affects 2.1 million Snuga Swings sold in the U.S. between October 2010 and January 2024. These swings were sold through retailers such as Amazon, Toys R Us, Walmart, and Target. The recall also includes around 99,000 swings sold in Canada and about 500 in Mexico.
Fisher-Price has a history of recalling infant products due to safety concerns. In 2019, the company recalled millions of Rock ‘n Play Sleepers after reports of 30 infant deaths, primarily due to babies rolling onto their stomachs or sides while using the device. Another eight infant deaths were later reported, leading to a reminder about the recall.
A 2021 congressional report revealed that Fisher-Price had ignored warnings about the safety of the Rock ‘n Play and continued to market it despite knowing the risks. Reports indicate at least 100 infant deaths linked to the product.
In addition, four infant deaths were associated with Fisher-Price’s Rock ‘n Glide Soother, which vibrates and moves back and forth, prompting a recall in 2021. In this case, infants were reportedly placed on their backs without being buckled in and were later found on their stomachs. The company also recalled its Soothe ‘n Play Gliders at the same time, although no deaths were linked to that product.
In 2022, Fisher-Price warned consumers that 13 infant deaths were connected to its Infant-to-Toddler Rockers and Newborn-to-Toddler Rockers. However, the company did not recall these products. Instead, it reminded customers that the rockers should never be used for sleep. In a letter to Congress, Fisher-Price stated that its rockers could be used safely if parents monitored and properly restrained their babies.
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