The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled over 2 million Fisher-Price Snuga Swings sold at major retailers due to infant suffocation risks.
Fisher-Price has initiated a recall for more than two million infant swings following five reported deaths in the last ten years.
The affected Fisher-Price Snuga Swings were available for purchase at stores like Amazon, Toys R Us, Walmart/Sam’s Club, and Target from October 2010 until January 2024, priced around $160. These swings pose a suffocation risk because of the five fatalities recorded between 2012 and 2022, as stated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The infants who tragically lost their lives were between 1 to 3 months old and had been placed to sleep in these swings. Reports indicate that in most cases, they were not secured and additional bedding was placed inside the swings, the agency noted.
The company and safety agency clarified that these swings were not intended for infant sleeping. The addition of bedding increases the suffocation risk due to the headrest and body support insert present in the seat pad.
Since their launch in 2010, around 2.1 million of these swings were sold in the United States, with approximately 99,000 units sold in Canada and about 500 in Mexico.
Actions for those with the recalled Fisher-Price baby swing
If you own one of the recalled swings, you should promptly remove the headrest (by cutting the tether) and the body support insert from the seat pad. The swings may still be used when infants are awake, but not for sleeping, according to the recall advice.
Fisher-Price is offering a $25 refund to consumers who follow the instructions to remove and dispose of the headrest and body support insert. Detailed guidance can be found at www.service.mattel.com. For further assistance, consumers can contact Fisher-Price at 855-853-6224 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET on weekdays or visit the Mattel website.
Even after the removal of the headrest and insert, the swings must not be used for putting infants to sleep, and additional bedding or materials should not be added, per the recall instructions.
CPSC advises on safe sleep practices for infants
The CPSC emphasizes that infants should be laid on their backs to sleep, ideally on a firm and flat surface within a crib, bassinet, or play yard, using only a fitted sheet.
Commissioner Richard Trumka criticized Fisher-Price for not doing enough with this recall, urging parents to claim the $25 refund and dispose of the swings instead of keeping them in their homes as they remain unsafe for infant sleep.
Trumka expressed concern about Fisher-Price’s past actions regarding infant product recalls, highlighting the lack of full refunds in a 2019 recall of the Rock ‘n Play, which resulted in several additional infant deaths. He pointed out that over 100 infants died linked to that product.
With these Snuga swings, Fisher-Price acknowledges that the product is unsafe for sleeping, stating that it “should never be used for sleep” even after the pertinent soft components have been removed. The sale of inclined sleepers was banned by Congress in 2022 under the Safe Sleep for Babies Act due to their associated hazards. A firm and flat surface remains the only safe sleeping environment for infants.
In response to the recall, Fisher-Price stated that the safety of children using their products has always been their utmost priority, which is why they’ve taken the necessary steps to recall these items. They are committed to providing safe and beneficial products for families.
Which Fisher-Price infant swing models are affected by the recall?
The recall affects 21 distinct models of Snuga Swings, all using a similar design with slight variations in fabric and toy accessories.
Below are the product names along with their model numbers, which you can find printed on the bottom of the swing motor casing:
- 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)
