Fisher-Price’s Baby Rocker Products Have Led to More Than a Dozen Infant Deaths

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Fisher-Price, in the last decade, at least 13 infants have died while reclining in a Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker or Newborn-to-Toddler Rocker.

“Just three years ago, this agency oversaw the recall of the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play after a staggering number of infant deaths. Tragically, we now grieve 13 more infant deaths in Fisher-Price Rockers,” CPSC commissioner Rich Trumka Jr. explained.

Rockers for babies are designed to gently swing back and forth, delivering a peaceful, tranquil action that helps babies relax. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, other baby products with an incline include baby bouncers, infant positioners, and inclined sleepers, sometimes known as baby nests, docks, pods, loungers, or nappers.

Consumers were also encouraged to call Fisher-Price at 800-432-5437 to report any incidences and to visit the company’s Safe Start webpage for safety videos and suggestions.

Trumka said the deaths were identified more than two months ago but that the agency could not notify the public owing to a “gag rule,” which prevents the CPSC from disclosing unfavorable information about a product or company until the company has had a chance to respond.

In a statement, Teresa Murray, head of the Consumer Watchdog office of the US Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, said, “It makes me sick inside to think that babies may have died after authorities were investigating suspicious deaths involving rockers,” Murray said. “Commissioner Trumka is right: Congress should take action to revoke what the CPSC calls the ‘gag rule’ so regulators who want to protect us can do their jobs properly.”