In a devastating turn of events, U.S. consumer safety officials have uncovered a distressing link between the beloved Boppy Newborn Lounger and the untimely deaths of at least 10 infants. This pillow-like product, cherished for its elevated seating design, had already faced a recall in 2021 due to safety concerns. Now, its connection to such tragic loss has sparked urgent calls for action.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently disclosed that a staggering 3.3 million Boppy loungers were recalled across the United States and Canada in September 2021 following eight reported cases of infant deaths associated with their use. According to the CPSC, these innocent little ones suffered from suffocation when placed on their back, side, or stomach on the lounger, resulting in obstructed breathing and devastating consequences.
In a somber announcement posted on Tuesday, the CPSC shared the heart-wrenching news that two additional infants have lost their lives since the initial recall in 2021. Parents and caregivers were immediately urged to cease all usage of these products to prevent further harm.
One tragic incident, occurring in October 2021, involved an infant placed on the lounger for sleep, only to tragically roll beneath a nearby adult pillow, resulting in positional asphyxia, as confirmed by the CPSC. Another heartbreak unfolded in November 2021 when an infant was found deceased on a Newborn Lounger placed in an adult bed alongside a parent and soft bedding, with the cause of death remaining undetermined.
The gravity of the situation has prompted concerned consumers to seek guidance from The Boppy Company, headquartered in Golden, Colorado. They can obtain instructions on proper disposal of the product and request a refund by calling (800) 416-1355 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET on weekdays, or by visiting the official website at www.boppy.com.
CPSC’s stern warning extends to the online marketplace, where recalled loungers continue to be illicitly listed for sale, including popular models such as the Boppy Original Newborn Loungers, Boppy Preferred Newborn Loungers, and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers. Despite the recall, these products persistently appear on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, raising serious concerns about user safety.
Taking immediate action, the CPSC has directed a letter to Meta, the parent company of Facebook, and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg, addressing the ongoing issue. Expressing their dismay, the agency highlights that they have repeatedly requested the removal of Boppy Newborn Lounger listings from Facebook Marketplace, averaging about a thousand requests each month. Yet, sales of these recalled products persist, creating a significant risk for unsuspecting buyers.
At the heart of this matter lies the importance of safe sleep practices for infants. Startling statistics from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reveal that approximately 3,500 infants lose their lives annually due to sleep-related incidents.
To safeguard the well-being of babies during sleep, the AAP emphasizes their timeless advice of “back is best.” Infants should rest on their backs on flat surfaces, avoiding inclines, and eschewing soft bedding in sleep products that meet federal safety standards for cribs, bassinets, play yards, and bedside sleepers. Furthermore, it is crucial for parents to use only products specifically designed and marketed for sleep and refrain from relying on sitting devices such as car seats, strollers, swings, and infant carriers for routine sleep, particularly for infants under four months old.
The AAP further recommends that parents share the same room with their baby, albeit not the same bed, for at least the first six months as an additional precautionary measure.
In the face of this tragic revelation concerning the Boppy Newborn Lounger, it is paramount for parents and caregivers to prioritize the safety of their little ones by strictly adhering to these established safe sleep guidelines. Together, we can create an environment where every baby can rest peacefully, free from unnecessary risks.
