Fisher-Price withdraws 2 million Snuga Swings from sale due to infant deaths and choking hazards
In today’s world, ensuring the safety of children is not just a parental aspiration, but also a responsibility of children’s goods manufacturers. The market for toys and goods for children is obliged to guarantee both the comfort and safety of the kids who interact with them. Unfortunately, sometimes a product designed to calm or entertain can be dangerous. This is the case with the Snuga Swings children’s swing produced by Fisher-Price. These products, which have found their way into many homes in foreign and Ukrainian countries, have raised concerns about a number of choking deaths among infants, leading the company to recall two million units.
Why Fisher-Price is recalling its swings
The problem came to light after the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that Snuga Swings could pose a danger to infants, including an increased risk of suffocation. It is reported by the Associated Press.
According to official CPSC data, from 2012 to 2022, there were at least five deaths of infants aged one to three months. Children who used swings to sleep were often left unattended or not properly restrained in seat belts. Adding bedding, blankets, pillows, or other soft items to the swing was also found to further increase the risk of suffocation.
CPSC warning: how to use swings properly
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission officially warns that this model swing, like other reclining seats for babies (gliders, fools, rockers), is not intended for sleeping. It is emphasised that parents or guardians should not leave the child unattended and should avoid using additional materials such as pillows or blankets that may block the airway of infants. Failure to follow these recommendations can create a risk of suffocation for infants who are not yet able to change their body position independently.
It should be noted that the importance of a safe environment for babies is not limited to a place to sleep, but also applies to all types of children’s products. In this regard, Fisher-Price’s decision to recall the swing is an important step towards improving the safety of toys and equipment for children. The company urges parents to be cautious, pointing out that Snuga Swings should only be used for short-term recreation under constant adult supervision.
Scope of the recall and potential for reimbursement
In total, more than 2.1 million Snuga Swings have been sold in the United States since 2010, with another 99,000 units sold in Canada and approximately 500 sold in Mexico. Given the potential danger to children, the company is offering a $25 refund for each unit that has had dangerous elements such as headrests and additional body supports removed. This decision is in response to demands from regulators and consumers to protect children from the risks associated with these products.
Fisher-Price’s position
Fisher-Price states that safety compliance is their first priority and every customer should be able to return or upgrade their swing to avoid the risk of suffocation. A company spokesperson pointed out that if the swing is used as recommended – without bedding, blankets and with the harnesses fastened – the swing can be safe for short-term use. However, the company recognises that any disregard for these guidelines can lead to tragedies that cannot be compensated for by even the most careful measures.
Recommendations for parents and guardians
US Consumer Product Safety Commissioner Richard Trumka reminded parents and guardians not to use swings, gliders and other inclined seats for infants to sleep. He recommends not leaving the child unattended in such devices and avoiding adding any materials that could cause suffocation. Trumka advises all consumers to take advantage of the opportunity to receive a refund and stop using Snuga Swings.
Providing a safe environment for babies is an important element of a healthy childhood. Research shows that children under six months of age are not yet able to change their body position independently in the event of an airway obstruction, so any inclined seats or additional materials are a potential hazard. Compliance with safety requirements, such as wearing seat belts and avoiding soft accessories, is a prerequisite for any product designed for the little ones.
Thus, Fisher-Price’s decision to recall the dangerous Snuga Swings demonstrates the company’s responsible approach to children’s health and safety. The refund they are offering is a way to keep consumers safe and also ensure that even the smallest users are safe.
