Boppy Pillow Recall Follows 8 Infant Deaths
Sam Uribe. Author
More than 3 million Boppy lounger pillows are being recalled after being linked to at least 8 infant deaths.
The U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) says that infants suffocated after being placed in a lounger on their back, stomach, or side. The deaths occurred between December 2015 and June 2020.
The products included in the recall include:
- Boppy Original Newborn Lounger
- Boppy Preferred Newborn Lounger
- Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Lounger
These products were sold between January 2004 and September 2021. They were distributed in the United States and Canada. Retailers that sell Boppy products include:
- Amazon
- Target
- Pottery Barn Kids
- Wal-Mart
Recall Follows Warnings about Infant Death Risk
Almost one year ago, the CPSC distributed a warning to parents about the risks of suffocation when infants are placed in a lounger or nursing pillow. Despite the warning, infant deaths continued, which led to this massive recall. Infants that are left unattended or sleeping on a nursing pillow or lounger are at risk of suffocation if they roll over or if their heads fall to one side.
The loungers and nursing pillows are designed for use while the baby is awake. Loungers are meant to provide comfort and support for the baby. Nursing pillows make breastfeeding easier, and support the baby during feedings.
The risk to infants is not exclusive to Boppy products. In 2020, the CPSC identified at least 28 infant deaths between 2012 and 2018 that were linked to loungers and pillows from several manufacturers. Infant deaths included suffocation from the lounger or pillow, as well as other factors. Some deaths involved blankets or a parent or sibling sleeping with the infant.
Boppy has stated that their team is working with the CPSC:
“to find a solution that helps make babies safer. Currently, we are awaiting more information from the CPSC as we continue our dialogue. Of course, even one infant death is too many and we are devastated to hear of these tragedies.”
Consumer Reports policy counsel, Oriene Shin, however, says what Boppy is doing is not enough to keep infants safe:
“It’s been 10 months since the CPSC’s warning. Clearly, whatever steps the company is taking for safety are insufficient. Infants continue to die, and every day that passes without stronger action is another day a terrible tragedy could happen.”
The CPSC is investigating possible legal action given the severity of the risk to infant health and safety.
What to Do if You Have a Boppy Lounger
Parents who use Boppy products are encouraged to check their loungers to see if they are included in the recall. You can find out more about identifying your product here. If you are using a lounger or nursing pillow that is subject to a recall, stop using it immediately.
Boppy lounger or nursing pillow owners can contact Boppy for a full refund of the purchase price. You can call them at 800-416-1355, or contact them via their website.
If your child has been injured or killed in a lounger or nursing pillow, you can also file a report directly with the CPSC online. It is important to report any such injuries or deaths so that the CPSC can track hazardous products and take steps to keep consumers safe.
Learn More about Your Legal Rights
As a consumer, you put your trust in the safety of the products you purchase. While many infant products have instructions and labels for use, this information is not always clear or adequate to convey the risk. Sadly, the result is injury and death to vulnerable consumers and their families.
If your child has been injured or has died due to a dangerous product, learn more about your legal rights as a consumer. Contact Birth Injury Guide to speak with our birth injury lawyer. We help clients pursue justice when defective or dangerous products cause them harm or infant deaths.
Get started with a free consultation by calling us at 877-415-6603, or by completing our online contact form.
Sources:
- https://www.consumerreports.org/child-safety/boppy-loungers-and-nursing-pillows-linked-to-infant-deaths-a4080750405/
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/The-Boppy-Company-Recalls-Over-3-Million-Original-Newborn-Loungers-Boppy-Preferred-Newborn-Loungers-and-Pottery-Barn-Kids-Boppy-Newborn-Loungers-After-8-Infant-Deaths-Suffocation-Risk
- https://www.npr.org/2021/09/23/1040203150/boppy-recall-infant-baby-deaths-suffocation-risk-sleep
Sam Uribe is a researcher and writer. She lends her expertise to the team at Birth Injury Guide to provide up-to-date and relevant content that clients can count on.