Fisher-Price’s popular Rock ‘n Play baby sleeper was recalled in April 2019 due to significant concerns about the safety of the device. The manufacturer has confirmed 32 Rock ‘n Play sleeper deaths of infants caused by asphyxiation or smothering. The design of the deadly Rock ‘n Play sleeper, also known as an inclined sleeper, features an angled seat that nestles the baby at a 30-degree incline. Marketed as “safe for all-night sleep,” the Rock ‘n Play sleeper design violates safety standards for cribs and bassinets, as well as fundamental “Safe to Sleep” recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Despite safety concerns raised since the device was first marketed in 2009, Fisher-Price and parent company Mattel have sold approximately 4.7 million Rock ‘n Plays in the United States. In comparison, Australian safety experts never permitted the sale of Rock ‘n Play sleepers, and Health Canada only allowed the product if marketed as a “soother”, with warnings to supervise infants at all times during use. Parents across the United States have put their newborns in harm’s way in the now-recalled Rock ‘n Play sleepers since 2009, with no knowledge of the deadly danger of asphyxiation or smothering. Mattel, which actively advocated the dangerous inclined sleeper be exempt from sleep safety standards, had sales of approximately $4.5 billion in 2018.
Today, Fisher Price and Mattel face difficult questions over the record of Rock ‘n Play sleeper deaths. A deep look into the design process reveals a flawed approach that prioritizes company profits over the safety of newborn babies. When a company lacks the moral compass to do right by consumers, litigation becomes the best tool for consumers to seek justice. Families whose child was harmed or died as a result of an inclined sleeper such as Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play or Kids II Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper are filing Rock ‘n Play sleeper lawsuits against the manufacturer. Filing a baby sleeper lawsuit is the only means to obtain deserved compensation for the suffering, medical expenses, and loss and hold Fisher-Price accountable for selling a deadly baby sleeper.
In an era where safe newborn sleeping recommendations are clear about flat, firm, and wide surfaces to prevent SIDS, the very idea of an inclined sleeping device marketed for overnight and unsupervised use by newborns is preposterous. The very design of the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play baby sleeper violates these standards and puts newborns and infants at risk for death by asphyxiation and smothering. Read full information on baby sleeper dangers, for both the Fisher Price Rock ‘n Play and the Kids II Moonlight Rocking Sleeper.
On April 12, 2019, Fisher-Price issued a Rock ‘n Play recall for all 4.7 million inclined baby sleepers sold by the company since 2009. The baby sleeper recall came under intense pressure from the American Academy of Pediatrics after Consumer Reports released a comprehensive investigation into product design, interactions with federal regulators, and a total of 32 confirmed Rock ‘n Play sleeper deaths. Parents are instructed to stop using the dangerous baby sleepers immediately. Read full Rock ‘n Play baby sleeper recall information.
Parents and families whose child has been harmed or killed as a result of Fisher-Price’s Rock ‘n Play sleeper may be eligible for significant compensation by filing a baby sleeper lawsuit against Fisher-Price. As is often the case with major corporate entities, it is only the threat of litigation and major settlements that finally push a company to do the right thing. Our attorneys handling baby sleeper lawsuits are now providing free Rock ‘n Play recall lawsuit case review to anyone whose child has suffered harm as a result of this dangerous device. Read comprehensive baby sleeper lawsuit information.
This page provides answers to common questions about filing a baby sleeper lawsuit. Compiled by attorneys handling Rock ‘n Play lawsuit claims, this information applies to most general questions regarding lawsuits against Fisher-Price for infant death claims. Our attorneys handling baby sleeper lawsuit claims also offer free, no-obligation case consultation. If your questions are not answered by reading this page, or you would prefer to speak directly with a lawyer handling national Rock ‘n Play lawsuits, please complete our contact form. Read full baby sleeper lawsuit questions and answers.
Our baby sleeper attorneys have a long track record of success against billion-dollar pharmaceutical corporations and are the nation’s leader in window blind cord litigation. Working tirelessly, our Rock ‘n Play sleeper attorneys seek to remove dangerous products from the market and hold companies accountable for the harm caused to young children and families. When a large corporate entity has prioritized profits over the safety of children, our baby sleeper lawyers see it as their mission to pursue justice no matter how complex the case. Our attorneys handling inclined sleeper lawsuits related to infant death or asphyxiation help parents recover the compensation they need and deserve while holding companies accountable for this unthinkable wrong. Read full information from baby sleeper attorneys at OnderLaw or file a claim against Fisher Price or another manufacturer. Call us today to schedule a free case consultation.
A growing number of lawsuits filed by aggrieved parents, as well as independent investigations, have asserted that Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleepers have a flawed design that can present a dangerous or deadly risk to infants. Rock’ n Play sleepers are baby sleepers that recline so infants are placed at a 30-degree angle while resting.
While it may seem that this would be a relaxing, comfortable position for a young child, this angle can actually pose a severe risk of suffocation and death. Despite the dangers associated with placing children in inclined sleepers for prolonged periods, Rock’ n Play sleepers were marketed for infants to nap in or sleep in overnight.
There are multiple risks associated with Rock’ n Play sleepers that have been linked to dozens of infant deaths. These deaths result from injuries, including suffocation, strangulation, internal injuries, and more. These Rock’ n Play deaths occurred from several risks connected to the sleeper’s flawed design.
When an infant is placed in an inclined position, they are resting at an angle that creates a high likelihood of obstructing their breathing airways. The child’s head may drop to their chest, preventing them from breathing properly.
While Rock ‘n Play sleepers are stationary devices, the inclined angle would often cause infants to roll over. Because infants do not have the same reflexes as older children, a child could roll over and be unable to switch positions again, leading to suffocation.
Moreover, the heavily inclined angle of Rock ‘n Play sleepers also poses a risk that the child could simply roll out of the device and fall onto the ground. Children could suffer severe internal injuries to their abdomen, neck, and chest.
Fisher-Price recalled all Rock ‘n Play sleepers in April 2019. The recall affected approximately 4.7 million sleepers on the consumer market. Several years later, in January 2023, the company re-issued its recall following additional fatalities linked to Rock ‘n Play sleepers.
On April 8, 2019, Consumer Reports released a detailed investigation into the safety of Rock’ n Play sleepers. The report found that at least 32 infants had died while using a Rock ‘n Play sleeper. While the Rock ‘n Play sleeper features a 30-degree angle incline when in use—which places infants at severe risk of suffocation and death—the report noted that medical experts agree that infants should be on their back and never placed at an incline.
The report also noted that while prior reports of infant fatalities after using a Rock ‘n Play sleeper had garnered warnings from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Fisher-Price’s parent company, Mattel, this flawed design remained on the open market in easy reach of consumers.
Consumer Reports’ investigation also cast doubts on the legitimacy of the development and marketing process for Rock ‘n Play Sleepers. This followed discussions with numerous parties, including medical experts and government officials, as well as a review of confidential data and ongoing lawsuits.
On April 9, 2019, the American Academy of Pediatrics asked the CPSC to recall Fisher-Price’s Rock ‘n Play Sleepers. On April 12, 2019, Fisher-Price issued its first recall of these inclined sleepers.
If your baby was injured or suffered fatal injuries after using a Rock ‘n Play sleeper, you should speak with a trusted attorney at our firm who can evaluate your potential claim further. You may be entitled to seek compensation for the harm your child and your family has had to endure. A lawsuit settlement or court award could help you pay for medical costs as well as provide compensation for pain, suffering, and other losses.
Every state has its own statute of limitations or filing deadline for product liability lawsuits. In Missouri, that filing window is five years. However, certain factors can affect the statute of limitations. Missing the statute of limitations could mean you lose your right to sue.
If you believe you may have grounds to file a Rock ‘n Play product liability lawsuit, it is wise to consult with an experienced lawyer at OnderLaw who can ensure you understand your legal rights in full.
