The Boppy Company announced yesterday that it’s recalling 3.3 million of its popular baby lounger pillows after eight infants died while using the product.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), infants can suffocate if they roll, move or are placed on the lounger in positions that obstruct their breathing, or if they roll off the lounger onto another dangerous external surface, like an adult pillow or soft bedding.
The tragic infant deaths occurred between December 2015 and June 2020.
“These types of incidents are heartbreaking,” said Robert S. Adler, acting chairman of the CPSC. “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.”
Parents who own a Boppy newborn lounger should stop using the product immediately.
Unsure if you own this lounger? The recall involves three similar products: Boppy Original Newborn Loungers, Boppy Preferred Newborn Loungers and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers. They’re sold in a variety of colors and styles, and measure about 23 inches long by 22 inches wide and 7 inches high, according to the CPSC.
The product was sold in popular baby retailers like Pottery Barn Kids, Target and Walmart and Amazon both nationwide and in Canada from January 2004 through September 2021 for between $30 and $44.
If you own this product, you can get a full refund by contacting the Boppy Company at 800-416-1355 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.boppy.com and click “Recall & Safety Alert” for more information. The recall number is 21-198.
And remember, you should always put your baby to sleep flat on her back on a firm, flat surface approved for infant sleep until she turns 1. Your baby should also sleep alone without crib bumpers, stuffed animals, blankets or pillows. Learn more about safe sleep practices for your little one here.