"Since the 2009 product introduction, over 30 infant fatalities have occurred in Rock ‘n Play Sleepers, after the infants rolled over while unrestrained, or under other circumstances," the recall notice said.
According to the recall, consumers "should immediately stop using the product and contact Fisher-Price for a refund or voucher."
The recall comes a week after Fisher-Price and the government agency issued a warning advising consumer to stop using the product by three months "or as soon as an infant exhibits rollover capabilities." That warning mentioned 10 infant deaths.
The consumer magazine said Monday its ongoing investigation found that at least 32 babies have died and their work "has turned up deaths of babies even younger than the 3-month threshold cited in the April 5 warning, and go beyond the risk of rollover."
Marta Tellado, president and CEO of Consumer Reports, said the recall was long overdue.
“Fisher-Price and the CPSC knew about deaths linked to this product for years and could have taken steps to avoid this unnecessary tragedy," Tellado said in a statement. "It took dogged investigation and the voices of doctors, victims’ families, and advocates across the country to make this recall a reality. Congress needs to take a hard look at the CPSC and make sure it is a watchdog that consumers can rely on.”
On Thursday, Consumer Reports reported its investigation linked four more deaths to two infant inclined sleepers made by the company Kids II. The products, which the magazine also says should be recalled, are the Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper and the Bright Starts Playtime to Bedtime Sleeper.
"These inclined products are linked to infant deaths and conflict with medical experts’ safe sleep recommendations," said William Wallace, senior policy analyst for the magazine in a statement.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. tweeted Friday he was glad the agency "heeded our call on the Rock ‘n Play, but the recall doesn’t include the Kids II sleepers & puts lots of burdens, including a complicated disassembly, on already sleep-deprived parents or caregivers."
He also urged Ann Marie Buerkle, acting chairman of the safety commission, to work with "Fisher-Price to streamline recall requirements & insist on a full refund for all affected, to ensure these deadly products are removed from homes," Blumenthal wrote in a second tweet, adding the he called on the commission "to investigate whether infant inclined sleepers are fundamentally unsafe."
Wallace agreed that Fisher-Price and Mattel "owe it to their customers to give them full refunds, rather than partial refunds or company vouchers. And that should be the case regardless of how long ago the product was bought."
A second recall notice on Fisher-Price's parent company Mattel's website gives directions on two parts that should be sent from the sleeper to Fisher-Price for the refund process.
"If you have owned the Fisher-Price Rock 'N Play Sleeper 6 months or less, you will receive a full cash refund for the suggested retail price," the notice states. "If you include your receipt you will be reimbursed for the receipt amount including sales taxes paid."
Consumers who have owned the product longer "will receive a voucher to redeem for a new Fisher-Price product commensurate with the amount of time you have owned the Fisher-Price Rock 'N Play Sleeper."
For more information, contact Fisher-Price online at www.service.mattel.com and click on “Recalls & Safety Alerts” or call 866-812-6518 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
