Urgent Recall Issued for All Models of Fisher-Price Snuga Infant Swings Due to Suffocation Hazard
Attention, UK parents and caregivers! We want to bring an important safety notice to your attention regarding the Fisher-Price Snuga Infant Swings. While these products are primarily sold in North America, they may be available in the UK through online marketplaces, second-hand sales, or imported directly. Your child’s safety is paramount, which is why we urge you to be aware of this serious recall.
In a deeply concerning development, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Fisher-Price have announced the recall of approximately 2.1 million Snuga Infant Swings due to a suffocation hazard that has tragically been linked to five infant deaths. This recall affects all models of the Fisher-Price Snuga Swing product line, and we strongly advise you to take immediate action if you own this product.
Urgent Recall Issued for All Models of Fisher-Price Snuga Infant Swings
Manufactured by Fisher-Price, a well-known children’s product brand owned by Mattel, the Snuga Infant Swings have been sold at major retailers including Amazon, Toys R Us, Walmart/Sams Club, and Target from October 2010 through January 2024 for approximately £125 (about $160). Despite being primarily marketed in North America, these swings may have made their way into UK homes through various channels.
While you might not have purchased this item directly from a UK retailer, it’s crucial to check if you have acquired one of these swings through online platforms such as eBay, Amazon Marketplace, or from friends or family who may have imported the product. The safety of your little one depends on your vigilance in identifying and addressing this hazard.
“It is absolutely critical that parents and caregivers understand that these infant swings are not designed for sleep under any circumstances,” emphasizes the CPSC. “The tragic deaths associated with these products occurred when they were misused as sleep environments, often with added bedding materials that increase suffocation risks. We urge all consumers to immediately follow the recall instructions to make the product safer for awake-time activities only.”
The CPSC further stresses that, “Parents and caregivers should never use any inclined seated products, such as swings, gliders, soothers, and rockers, for infant sleep and should not leave infants in these products unsupervised, unrestrained, or with bedding material due to the risk of suffocation.”
What Makes This Product Hazardous?
The recall specifically identifies two components of the swing that pose suffocation risks:
- The headrest – This can restrict an infant’s airway if the child’s head moves into certain positions, particularly during sleep.
- The body support insert – This can create a gap where an infant could become trapped or positioned in a way that obstructs breathing.
These risks are significantly heightened when:
- The swing is used as a sleep environment (which it is not designed for)
- Bedding materials such as blankets, pillows, or additional padding are added
- Infants are left unrestrained in the swing
Between 2012 and 2022, there have been reports of five deaths involving infants 1 to 3 months of age when the product was used for sleep. In most of those incidents, the infants were unrestrained and bedding materials were added to the product. These tragic outcomes highlight the serious nature of this safety concern.
How to Identify if You Have a Recalled Swing
The recalled Snuga Infant Swing platform has a total of 21 models, which feature the same basic design with minor differences in fabric colours and toy accessories. The model number and name are printed on the underside of the swing motor housing.
The complete list of recalled models includes:
- BGB32 – My Little Snugakitty™ Cradle ‘n Swing
- CCF38 – My Little Snugabunny™ Swing
- CHM56 – My Little Snugabear Cradle ‘n Swing
- CHM69 – My Little Snugabear Ballerina Cradle ‘n Swing
- CHM76 – Safari Dreams Cradle ‘n Swing
- CHM78 – Moonlight Meadow Swing
- DRG43 – Sweet Snugapuppy™ Swing
- FKL21 – Deluxe Swing- Surreal Serenity™
- GJB53 – Sweet Snugamonkey Swing
- GKH44 – Blooming Flowers Swing
- GNG38 – Fawn Meadows Deluxe Swing
- GNG40 – Peek-a-boo Fox Swing
- GVF83 – Dots & Spots Puppy Swing
- HBM23 – Snow Leopard Swing
- HDY10 – Hearthstone Swing
- HGX49 – Baby Raccoon Swing
- V0099 – My Little Snugabunny Cradle ‘n Swing
- W9510 – My Little Sweetie™ Deluxe Cradle ‘n Swing
- X7051 – My Little SnugaMonkey™ Cradle ‘n Swing
- X7345 – My Little Snugapuppy™ Cradle ‘n Swing
- X7347 – My Little Snugabear Cradle ‘n Swing
Additionally, any replacement seat pads for the above models are also included in this recall.
What You Should Do Immediately
If you own any model of the Fisher-Price Snuga Infant Swing, you should:
- Stop using the swing for sleep immediately – The swing should never be used as a sleep environment under any circumstances.
- Remove both the headrest and the body support insert – Fisher-Price provides instructions to remove the headrest by cutting its tether, and removing the body support insert completely from the seat pad.
- Contact Fisher-Price for remediation – Fisher-Price is offering a $25 (approximately £19) refund to consumers who remove and destroy the headrest and body support insert.
For detailed instructions and assistance, you can contact Fisher-Price toll-free at 855-853-6224 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.service.mattel.com and click “Recall & Safety Alerts” or www.service.mattel.com/us/recall.aspx for more information.
Safe Sleep Guidelines You Should Follow
This recall serves as an important reminder about safe sleep practices for infants. The safest place for your baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, or play yard, with nothing but a fitted sheet. Key guidelines include:
- Always place infants on their backs for sleep
- Never add blankets, pillows, or other bedding materials to an infant’s sleep space
- Infants who fall asleep in an inclined or upright position should be moved to a safe sleep environment
- Never leave infants unattended in swings, bouncy seats, or similar products
In 2022, the United States enacted the Safe Sleep for Babies Act, under which inclined sleepers for infants are banned as hazardous products. While similar legislation varies by country, these safety principles apply universally to protect infants from suffocation hazards.
Staying Vigilant in the UK Market
Even though this recall primarily affects the North American market, it’s crucial for UK parents and caregivers to remain vigilant. If you spot these products being sold in UK shops or online marketplaces, please report them to the relevant authorities, including the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) or your local Trading Standards office.
By being aware of this safety concern, you can play a proactive role in protecting your child and others from the potential hazards associated with the Fisher-Price Snuga Infant Swings. Stay informed, share this information with fellow parents, and together, let’s create a safe environment for our children.
Please note that this notice is based on the latest information available as of October 10, 2024. For any updates or further developments, we will provide prompt updates to keep you informed.
The safety of your little one should always be your top priority. Let’s stay vigilant and make informed choices to ensure their wellbeing.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended to provide awareness and promote safety precautions. It is based on the latest available information. Please consult local authorities and official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding product recalls.
