The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Boppy Company has recalled 3.3 million baby loungers after 8 infant deaths have been reported. The products included in the recall are the Boppy Original Newborn Lounger, Boppy Preferred Newborn Lounger, and Pottery Barn Kids Newborn Lounger. The deaths occurred between December 2015 and June 2020. The infants were reportedly suffocated after being placed on their back, side, or stomach on the lounger and were found on their side or stomach.
“These types of incidents are heartbreaking,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Robert S. Adler. “Loungers and pillow-like products are not safe for infant sleep, due to the risk of suffocation. Since we know that infants sleep so much of the time – even in products not intended for sleep – and since suffocation can happen so quickly, these Boppy lounger products are simply too risky to remain on the market.”
A spokesperson for Boppy commented, “We are devastated to hear of these tragedies. Boppy is committed to doing everything possible to safeguard babies, including communicating the safe use of our products to parents and caregivers, and educating the public about the importance of following all warnings and instructions and the risks associated with unsafe sleep practices for infants. The lounger was not marketed as an infant sleep product and includes warnings against unsupervised use.”
The recalled products were sold from January 2004 through September 2021 with prices ranging from $30 and $44 and were distributed nationwide and in Canada by retailers including Amazon, Pottery Barn Kids, Target, and Walmart.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies should sleep on their backs on firm, flat surfaces free of bedding, padded bumpers, or restraints.
Consumers using the recalled loungers should stop using them immediately and contact The Boppy Company for a refund. The Boppy Company can be reached toll-free at 800-416-1355 from 9am to 5pm ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.boppy.com and click “Recall & Safety Alert” for more information.
