The ACCC is looking for recommendations on dealing with “potentially deadly” baby sleepers following recalls of products linked to more than 70 infant deaths.
Inclined products like the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper and Kids II Rocking Sleeper, both of which have been recalled, have been involved in the deaths of 73 babies in the US between 2005 and 2019.
Due to their incline, soft surfaces, and curvature, products such as “bouncers, rockers, swings, loungers, bassinet-type products, wedges, recliners and sleep accessories” can suffocate infants left in them, warns Delia Rickard, deputy chair of the ACCC.
Delia Rickard, ACCC.
“Baby bouncers, rockers and recliners can be potentially deadly for infants, and the public health advice remains for infants to sleep on a flat, firm surface without pillows or bumpers.
“We are looking for feedback about these products to address the risks of injury and death,” she said.
There are at the moment no industry standards – either voluntary or mandatory – that apply to infant inclined products specifically, and the ACCC is looking for stakeholder feedback on what to do about them.
“We are urging parents and carers to check if they have any of these products and to stop using them. You should contact the manufacturers directly to seek a refund.
“Often, baby products are handed down to family or friends when a child outgrows them. Make sure you do not unknowingly pass on a dangerous product,” she said.
Fisher-Price was last month excoriated in a US Congressional report over the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper, which slammed the Mattel-owned company for “10 years of failure” and “endangering lives to help its bottom line”.
No infant deaths in Australia have been linked to the products.
