Dozens of US deaths prompt Australian recall of Mattel’s hammock-style ‘baby sleeper’
Safe while babies are on their backs, the sleeper has been linked to deaths when infants wriggle into another position. Photo: Mattel
A baby sleeper linked to more than 30 infant deaths in the US has been recalled in Australia, with parents urged to stop using the device.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will work with Mattel’s Fisher Price to recall the company’s Rock ‘n Play baby sleepers, an ACCC spokeswoman said on Saturday afternoon.
“Infant fatalities have occurred in Rock ‘N Play Sleepers after the infants rolled from their back to their stomach or side, while unrestrained or under other circumstances,” the US consumer safety agency said.
The announcement came after the US Consumer Product Safety Commission said it would recall 4.7 million Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play sleepers and advised parents to immediately stop using the product.
“Mattel has confirmed to the ACCC today that it will conduct a voluntary recall of the Fisher Price Rock n play in Australia,” the consumer watchdog said in a statement.
“The ACCC will work with Mattel to publish the recall as soon as possible.”
A recent investigation found 32 US infants had died while using the sleeper since the product was introduced in 2009.
Australia’s safe sleep guidelines state a baby should be placed on their back to sleep on a firm, clean and flat mattress with no loose bedding or other items nearby.
– with AAP
