Sources: CBS News; CSPC.gov; Boppy.com
The Boppy Company is recalling about 3.3 million baby loungers (known as Boppy Original Newborn Loungers; Boppy Preferred Newborn Loungers; and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers) because they are linked to eight infant deaths. The recall comes nearly a year after the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a safety warning about similar pillow-like baby products.
The infants reportedly suffocated after being on their back, side or stomach in the loungers, with the deaths occurring between December 2015 and June 2020, according to the CPSC and the Golden, Colorado-based company.
“These types of incidents are heartbreaking,” acting CPSC Chairman Robert S. Adler said in the recall notice. “Loungers and pillow-like products are not safe for infant sleep, due to the risk of suffocation.
“Since we know that infants sleep so much of the time – even in products not intended for sleep — and since suffocation can happen so quickly, these Boppy lounger products are simply too risky to remain on the market.“
Boppy is “devastated to hear of these tragedies,” a company spokesperson said in the recall notice statement. “The lounger was not marketed as an infant sleep product and includes warnings against unsupervised use.”
CPSC continues to emphasize that the best way for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, or play yard on their backs. Never add blankets, pillows, padded crib bumpers, or other items to an infant’s sleeping environment.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled loungers and contact The Boppy Company for a refund. They can be contacted toll-free at 800-416-1355 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday; or online at Boppy.com/Pages/LoungerRecall.