Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play Sleeper Linked To 32 Infant Deaths

According to the Consumer Report, the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper has been linked to at least 32 infant deaths. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently contacted the Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall the product.

When I was in the hospital with my infant son last year, the doctors told me that babies should not sleep on an incline. They should be placed flat on their back with no blankets and soft bedding. The Rock 'n Play Sleeper goes against the professional advice that hospitals and doctors are giving out.

Frankly, shame on Fisher-Price for making a product seem "safe" to parents who are desperate to make their infants comfortable at night and able to get better sleep. I've been in those "new parent shoes" before and product marketing does influence decision making. If even one infant died while using the product I feel like it should be recalled.

Even though at least 32 babies have died while using the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper, the product is still on the market, making many people scratch their heads.

If you're wondering what's safe for babies, here is the expert advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Place the baby on his or her back on a firm sleep surface such as a crib or bassinet with a tight-fitting sheet.

• Avoid use of soft bedding, including crib bumpers, blankets, pillows and soft toys. The crib should be bare.

• Share a bedroom with parents, but not the same sleeping surface, preferably until the baby turns 1 but at least for the first six months. Room-sharing decreases the risk of SIDS by as much as 50 percent.

• Avoid baby's exposure to smoke, alcohol and illicit drugs.

(American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Report)