Fisher-Price recalls millions of swings after 5 infants die

 What are the new recalls on baby swings?

Fisher-Price is recalling more than 2 million baby swings in the United States, Canada and Mexico due to a serious suffocation hazard, after five infant deaths were reported.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has warned that all models of Fisher-Price Snuga swings should never be used for sleeping or have bedding materials added to them. The product's headrest and seat cushion may increase the risk of suffocation, the notice issued Thursday said.

According to the commission, five deaths involving infants ages 1 to 3 months have been reported when the product was used for sleeping. In most of these incidents, which occurred between 2012 and 2022, bedding materials were added to the product and the babies were not restrained.

Consumers are advised to immediately cut off the headrest and remove the body support before continuing to use the swing. Fisher-Price, a division of New York-based toy giant Mattel, is offering a $25 refund to consumers who remove and destroy these parts of the product. Instructions are available on Mattel's recall website.

In a statement, CPSC Commissioner Richard L. Trumka Jr. blasted Fisher-Price for what he called a "flawed" recall, saying the company's solution was not sufficient.

The recall "is doomed to fail and will put many babies at risk," Trumka said. He criticized Fisher-Price for recalling only part of the product and for offering consumers a fraction of the $160 they originally spent.

“My advice: Get a $25 refund and then throw this product away; don’t keep it in your home because even after the so-called ‘repair,’ this product will still be dangerous to infant sleep,” Trumka added.

He also argued that Fisher-Price was repeating past failures, pointing to infant deaths linked to products such as the brand’s “Rock ’n Play” and “Newborn-to-Toddler Rockers.”

“Fisher-Price should know better than to skimp on another recall,” Trumka said. “Fisher-Price can do more to save babies’ lives, and I think they should.”

Contacted by The Associated Press on Friday, a Mattel spokesperson had no further comment on the recall.

The currently recalled Fisher-Price Snuga swings were sold at major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Toys R Us and Target, across North America between October 2010 and January 2024, according to the CPSC. About 2.1 million swings were sold in the United States, 99,000 in Canada and another 500 in Mexico.

There are more than 21 models of Snuga swings, made in China and Mexico, available in a range of colors and play accessories. A list of affected product numbers and descriptions can be found in Thursday’s recall notice.