Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play Infant Sleeper Recall Issued Due to Mold

Following more than a dozen cases where babies suffered respiratory problems after using a Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play sleeper, and hundreds of reports involving mold growth, consumers are being asked to immediately inspect about 800,000 of the infant recliners.  

A Fisher-Price Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper recall was announced by the U.S.  Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on January 8, after the manufacturer, Fisher-Price, received at least 600 reports of mold growing on the sleepers after purchase, including at least 16 infants treated for respiratory issues, coughs and hives after sleeping on the recliners.

According to the CPSC, mold can develop between the removable seat cushion and the hard plastic frame of the sleeper when it remains wet or moist, or if the recliner is not cleaned frequently. This poses a potential risk of infections and respiratory illnesses for infants.

The recall to inspect for mold growth includes all Fisher-Price Rock N’ Play infant recliner seats, known as “sleepers,” designed for babies up to 25 pounds and composed of a soft plastic seat held by a metal rocking frame. The recalled sleepers have removable fabric covers that were sold in 14 patterns and colors.

The sleepers were manufactured in China and imported by Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, New York. and sold at mass merchandise stores nationwide and online since September 2009 for between $50 and $85. Units currently in retail stores are not included in this recall.

The CPSC is warning consumers to immediately check for mold under the removable seat cushion and to stop using the product if any is suspected.

Mold can be detected by spotting dark brown, gray, or black spots on the surface or in crevices  of the product and infants may show mold exposure symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, coughing up blood, wheezing, tearing and/or  redness of the eyes. Mold is particularly dangerous to small children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems because if the mold causes an infection in the lungs it can travel through the blood to an individual’s brain, heart, kidneys, and skin posing potentially life threatening injuries.

Consumers with mold growth can contact Fisher-Price at (800) 432-5437 or online at www.service.mattel.com for cleaning instructions or further assistance.