After five deaths in the United States, toy manufacturer Fisher-Price is recalling more than two million baby cribs worldwide. The recall includes all ‘Snuga Swings’, cribs that have been on the market since 2010.
The ‘Snuga Swings’, which have been for sale since October 2010 for around 160 dollars (more than 145 euros) at Amazon, Toys R Us, Target and Walmart, among others, were made in China, but the vast majority were sold in the United States. States and Canada. About 500 are also said to be circulating in Mexico. All 2.1 million units sold are now being recalled by Fisher-Price, a subsidiary of Mattel.
These are automatically rocking cribs that play soothing music, designed to help babies sleep or relax peacefully. However, between 2012 and 2022, swings were involved in the deaths of five infants, between one and three months old, in the US, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). In most cases, the cribs were used as sleeping places, which was not actually the intention. The babies were not secured and extra bedding was often added, “increasing the risk of suffocation”.
Parents and caregivers with such a crib are asked to immediately remove the headrest by cutting the strap and body support insert from the seat cushion before using the swing for awake activities, the consumer group said. Fisher-Price is offering a $25 refund in exchange.
U.S. consumers can also contact Fisher-Price at a toll-free number or through the website www.service.mattel.com.
Not first time
Fisher-Price is not ready for this test. In 2019, the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper also had to be recalled en masse. It is said to be linked to approximately 100 deaths. Authorities once again warned never to use swings or other resting products as a sleeping place for babies, especially without parental supervision.