Fisher-Price Issues Major Recall on 2 Million Baby Swings Due to Safety Hazards Linked to Suffocation Risks Following Five Tragic Deaths

Fisher-Price is recalling more than two million infant swings following five reported deaths linked to these products over the last decade.

These recalled Fisher-Price Snuga Swings were available for purchase at retailers such as Amazon, Toys R Us, Walmart/Sam’s Club, and Target from October 2010 to January 2024, priced around $160. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the swings pose a suffocation risk, with five infant fatalities reported between 2012 and 2022.

The infants who tragically passed away were between 1 to 3 months old and had been placed in the swings for sleep. In most incidents, the infants were not secured and additional bedding was used in the swings, as stated by the CPSC.

The swings are not designed for infants to sleep in, according to both the company and the CPSC. The use of bedding materials can increase the likelihood of suffocation due to the structure of the headrest and body support padding.

Since 2010, about 2.1 million of these swings were sold in the U.S., with an additional 99,000 sold in Canada and roughly 500 in Mexico.

Steps to take if you own a recalled Fisher-Price swing

Consumers are advised to promptly remove the headrest (by cutting the tether) and the body support insert from the seat pad before allowing infants to use the swing while they are awake, according to the recall guidelines.

Fisher-Price will issue a $25 reimbursement for consumers who eliminate and destroy the headrest and body support insert. Detailed instructions can be found at www.service.mattel.com. Additionally, consumers may contact Fisher-Price toll-free at 855-853-6224 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit the Mattel website for more information.

Even after removing the headrest and body support insert, the swings are not safe for use during infant sleep, and no additional bedding materials should be included, as per the recall guidelines.

CPSC advocates for safe sleep practices for infants

Any inclined seating products, including swings, gliders, soothers, and rockers, should not be used for infant sleep. Infants should never be left unattended or unrestrained in these items, nor should any bedding materials be added due to the suffocation hazard.

The commission advises that infants should be placed on their backs to sleep, ideally “on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, or play yard, with only a fitted sheet present,” as per their guidelines.

CPSC commissioner Richard Trumka emphasized that Fisher-Price’s approach to this recall was inadequate, urging parents to accept the $25 refund and then “dispose of this product; do not keep it at home as it remains unsafe for any infant sleep.”

Trumka also criticized Fisher-Price for past issues with its infant products. “When Fisher-Price recalled the Rock ‘n Play in 2019, they did not provide full refunds to all consumers, many were only given vouchers for other Fisher-Price items,” he stated. “Eight infants died after the recall, increasing the total Rock ‘n Play fatalities to over 100.”

With the Snuga swings, Fisher-Price acknowledges that the product poses risks during sleep, explicitly stating: ‘Hazard: The swing should never be used for sleep’ and ‘never use these products for sleep,’ even after the recommended soft parts are removed.’ The sale of inclined sleepers was banned by Congress in 2022 under the Safe Sleep for Babies Act due to their hazards. Only a firm, flat surface is safe for infants to sleep on.”

In a statement, Fisher-Price expressed that the “safety of children using our products has always been our utmost concern and focus. For this reason, we have acted to recall (the products). Fisher-Price is committed to manufacturing safe and helpful products for families.”

Fisher-Price infant swing recall: Which models are impacted?

There are a total of 21 different Snuga Swing models, all featuring a similar design with slight variations in fabric colors and toy accessories.

Here’s a list of the product names and model numbers, visible on the bottom of the swing’s motor housing:

• My Little Snugakitty Cradle ‘n Swing (BGB32)
• My Little Snugabunny Swing (CCF38)
• My Little Snugabear Cradle ‘n Swing (CHM56)
• My Little Snugabear Ballerina Cradle ‘n Swing (CHM69)
• Safari Dreams Cradle ‘n Swing (CHM76)
• Moonlight Meadow Swing (CHM78)
• Sweet Snugapuppy Swing (DRG43)
• Deluxe Swing- Surreal Serenity (FKL21)
• Sweet Snugamonkey Swing (GJB53)
• Blooming Flowers Swing (GKH44)
• Fawn Meadows Deluxe Swing (GNG38)
• Peek-a-boo Fox Swing (GNG40)
• Dots & Spots Puppy Swing (GVF83)
• Snow Leopard Swing (HBM23)
• Hearthstone Swing (HDY10)
• Baby Raccoon Swing (HGX49)
• My Little Snugabunny Cradle ‘n Swing (V0099)
• My Little Sweetie Deluxe Cradle ‘n Swing (W9510)
• My Little SnugaMonkey Cradle ‘n Swing (X7051)
• My Little Snugapuppy Cradle ‘n Swing (X7345)
• My Little Snugabear Cradle ‘n Swing (X7347)

(This article has been revised to provide additional details.)