This week Fisher-Price recalled its 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider and the 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soother after four infants died from suffocation after rolling over in the products’ seats. The infants were reportedly placed in the soother unrestrained on their backs and were later found on their stomachs. The Soother and Glider can rock babies back and forth or side to side.
Fisher-Price stopped selling the Rock ‘n Glide Soother in December 2020 and ended sales of the Soothe ‘n Play Glider in May 2021.
The toy giant has a history with these types of product issues.
Fisher-Price recalled 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play sleepers in 2019 after it was associated with more than 30 deaths. The company claimed the deaths were caused when the product was not used according to safety warnings and instructions.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled the product deeming it unsafe for infants to sleep in because of the risk of suffocation.
This week, Fisher-Price was accused by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform of repeatedly ignoring safety warnings about the company’s Rock ‘n Play Sleeper.
Fisher-Price is not the first or last company that has been accused of not following standards to keep consumers safe. Any profit-driven company that makes products harmful to human life if basic safety standards are not followed should be required to meet minimum standards before selling its product. The problem is the organization that issues the recalls has little power over the private industry. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has never had the power required to make sure companies don’t put profits over safety.
We at Penn Law have found that ignoring safety warnings is often par for the course with many manufacturers. These businesses sell products for profits and ignore very clear safety warnings because they are allowed to.
Most companies only have to self-report compliance with safety regulations anyway which leaves the consuming public vulnerable. Companies that ignore safety should be held accountable by public citizens – either through their wallet or the courts. It is that accountability that most often changes corporate conduct for the better.
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