Fisher-Price recalling baby soothers after 4 deaths

Fisher-Price is recalling thousands of baby soothers after the deaths of four infants. 

In a joint statement with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued on Monday, Fisher-Price said that its 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers and 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders have been recalled due to the deaths. About 120,000 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers were sold in the U.S. through December and 55,000 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders were sold through May, officials noted.

In the four reported deaths, which happened between April 2019 and February 2020, infants were placed on their back unrestrained from the products and were later found on their stomachs unresponsive, they added. 

“There is nothing more important to Fisher-Price than the safety of our products and the trust that families put in us,” said Fisher-Price General Manager Chuck Scothon in the statement. “These incidents are indeed heart-breaking. We are committed to educating parents and caregivers on the safe use of all of our products, including the importance of following all warnings and instructions to ensure the health and safety of babies and children.”

A Fisher-Price spokesperson said in the statement to The Hill, “There is nothing more important to Fisher-Price than the safety of our products and the trust consumers place in us.”

“We believe that every child should grow up in an environment surrounded by purposeful products that have been designed to keep them safe. As part of our commitment to safety, we have added respected leaders in quality, safety, and compliance; recently formed the Medical and Scientific Safety Council (MSSC) comprised of renowned pediatricians; and launched the Safe Start education campaign focused on engaging parents and caregivers in important conversations about the safety, health, and development of babies and children,” the statement continued.

Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.), the chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, commended decision to recall the products. 

“The company never should have released these dangerous products to the public, and this appears to be part of a troubling pattern of Mattel selling products that pose serious risks to infants,” Maloney said in a statement. Fisher-Price is a subsidiary of Mattel.

Maloney added that the committee has been investigating this issue for two years, and Mattel’s CEO will testify before the panel on Monday. 

The Hill has reached out to the company for comment.

Updated at 2:01 p.m.