Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Rock ’n Glide Soother Lawsuit | Get the Right Lawyer

Why was the Infant Rocker Recalled?

This recall affects Fisher Price 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers model numbers CHP56, CHP55 and CBT81, according to a CPSC Recall Notice issued June 3, 2021.

The infants who died were reportedly placed on their backs unrestrained in the glide soothers and later found on their stomachs. The deaths occurred between April 2019 and February 2020. The fatalities included a 4-month old from Missouri, a 2-month old from Nevada, a 2-month old from Michigan, and an 11-week old from Oklahoma City.

“These types of incidents are heart-breaking,” said Acting CPSC Chairman Robert Adler. “Loving parents put their babies in these products never expecting a tragedy. Inclined products, such as gliders, soothers, rockers and swings are not safe for infant sleep, due to the risk of suffocation.”

What is the Fisher-Price Baby Glider?

The Fisher-Price powered glider seat was designed to mimic the soothing motion and feeling of being cradled and rocked. Infants can rock or glide side-to-side with battery-powered calming vibrations.

The soothe n play gliders have 2 use modes: A powered glider seat and an infant rocker. In both modes, the soother can move in a head-to-toe or side-to-side motion. The model number is located on the underside of the base.

Where Was the 4 in 1 Rock ‘n Glide Sold?

The recalled Play Gliders were sold online, at Target stores, juvenile product stores, and mass merchandisers nationwide. The 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers were sold from January 2014 through December 2020 for about $108. The 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders were sold from November 2018 through May 2021 for about $125.

If you purchased a Rock n Glide Soother that is affected by this recall, you should stop using it immediately and contact Fisher-Price for a refund.

“CPSC continues to emphasize that the best place for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet or play yard,” the agency said. “Parents and caregivers should never add blankets, pillows or other items to an infant’s sleeping environment. Babies should always be placed to sleep on their backs.”

What’s the Problem with Inclined Sleepers?

Parents often choose soothe n play gliders and other similar devices to give them a safe place to put their infant so they can rest or have a free hand. However, many parents may not be aware that leaving a child in an inclined position can be dangerous.

Reputable medical organizations have warned against the dangers of letting infants sleep in an inclined position and a reliance on baby products known as inclined sleepers. These dangerous products are often lumped into the “positioner” category shared with glide soothers, rockers, nappers, nests, pods, loungers, and docks. These devices are stationary and come with a cot or sleeping area that’s at a slight incline (usually between 10 and 30 degrees).

However, as opposed to jumpers, bouncers and swings, inclined sleepers were specifically marketed as far back as 2009 with the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper as a safe place to let babies sleep. They’re popular with parents because many assume that the incline helps to reduce the chance of reflux or spitting up, which isn’t the case. Letting infants sleep at an incline contradicts all data from reputable medical and scientific organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Because of the angle created by an inclined sleeper, the risk is that a baby’s airway can become obstructed. This can include their heads slumping forward in a chin-to-chest position that can make it difficult to breathe. Another concern is that infants may potentially roll over or shift positions, which can cause suffocation if their faces are pressed against the padding. This is especially risky for very young babies, which have a harder time moving their heads out of an unsafe position. Another problem is that very active sleepers may roll completely out of an inclined sleeper and become injured, either by the fall or by tipping the sleeper over and being trapped beneath it.

From January 2005 to June 2019, the Consumer Products Safety Commission received at least 1,108 incident reports — including 73 infant deaths — associated with inclined baby sleeper injuries. CPSC had Erin Mannen, PhD, an independent expert from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, research the safety of inclined sleeper products marketed for infants. Mannen tracked infant muscle movements and oxygen saturation and compared them based on the sleep surface — a flat crib, an inclined crib, and various inclined sleepers. Her investigation concluded that no inclined sleep surface is safe for an infant to sleep on.

Also read: Boppy lounger products being recalled over concerns of a potential suffocation hazard

An incline of more than 10 degrees and soft or plush surfaces increase the risk of infant injury, Mannen found. In contrast, flat and firm surfaces are safer for infant sleep.

The ABC’s of Safe Sleep for Babies

Safe sleep is as easy as A, B, C – Alone, Back, and Crib:

Babies should always sleep alone

• Don’t sleep in the same bed as baby
• The safest place for infants to sleep is the same room as their caregiver
• You should place cribs next to the bed
• Keep the room smoke and pollutant-free
• Keep the room cool to prevent overheating

Baby should sleep on their back

• Place baby on their back to sleep and stomach to play
• Help to prevent flat spots on the head by changing sleep direction daily

Baby should always sleep in a crib

• Use a crib or bassinet that meets current safety standards
• Provide your baby with a firm sleep surface
• Keep crib empty
• Remove loose bedding, bumpers, and toys as they can put safety as risk
• Avoid using sleep positioning devices

Safe Sleep for Babies Act

In 2019, H.R. 3172 — a bill known as the Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2019 — was presented in the House of Representatives. It seeks to completely ban the sale of inclined sleepers and label them as hazardous recalled products under section 8 of the Consumer Product Safety Act. The bill passed the House and as of December 2020, is currently in the Senate.

Other Infant Sleeper Recalls:

• Delta Inclined Sleeper Recall: January 30, 2020 – Delta Enterprise Corp. issued safety alerts for about 5,900 incline sleeper products sold by mass merchandisers nationwide under at least 5 brand names over concerns the sleepers were defectively designed and pose a suffocation risk to babies.
• Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Incline Sleeper Recall: January 30, 2020 – Delta Enterprise Corp. recalled nearly 6,000 incline sleepers after similarly designed sleepers were linked to at least 73 infant deaths and thousands of serious injuries.
• Beautyrest Beginnings Incline Sleeper Recall: January 30, 2020 – Beautyrest Beginnings Incline Sleeper with Adjustable Feeding Position for Newborns recalled by Delta Enterprise Corp.
• SwaddleMe Sleeper Recall: January 17, 2020 – SwaddleMe By Your Bed Sleeper recalled by SUMR Brands over suffocation risk.
• Fisher Price Rock n Play Sleeper Recall: April 9, 2019 – Fisher-Price Rock n Play Sleeper recalled after being linked to at least 32 reports of infant deaths.

Related Article: Nemschoff Hospital Bassinet Case

See all product liability claims from Schmidt and Clark, LLP.

FAQs

1. Who Is Eligible to File a Lawsuit Against Fisher-Price for the Rock ‘n Glide Soother?

Individuals or families whose children were injured or harmed by the Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soother may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer.

2. What Injuries Have Been Reported in Connection With the Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soother?

Reported injuries connected to the Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soother include suffocation, asphyxiation, and other serious harm, leading to severe consequences, including death in some cases.

3. Has the Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soother Been Recalled?

Yes, the Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soother has been recalled due to safety concerns, including risks of suffocation and injuries, following reports of infant deaths linked to the product.

Do I have a Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Rock ’n Glide Soother Lawsuit?

The Product Liability Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Rock ’n Glide Soother Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new baby sleeper injury cases in all 50 states.

Again, if your child or another loved one has been injured by a Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Rock ’n Glide Soother, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.