Inclined Sleeper Lawsuit

Lawsuits have been filed after 6 million inclined baby sleepers were recalled and over 100 babies suffocated to death, including products like the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play and dozens of others.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting inclined baby sleeper induced injury cases in all 50 states. If your child was injured or died in an inclined sleeper, napper, or bassinet, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

UPDATE: Inclined Sleepers for Strollers Recalled

In November 2023, Peg Perego recalled about 550 inclined sleeper bassinets for YPSI and Z4 stroller systems due to a suffocation hazard. They were sold from July 2022 through April 2023 for about $250.

14 Deaths Linked to Kids2 and Fisher-Price Baby Rockers

In June 2022, safety officials warned parents that babies can suffocate to death in baby rockers. Between 2009 and 2021, at least 13 babies died in the Fisher-Price Baby Rockers, including the Infant-to-Toddler Rocker or the Newborn-to-Toddler Rocker. In 2019, another baby died in a Kids2 Bright Starts® Infant-to-Toddler Rocker. Many parents have also reported that babies can suffer head injuries when the rockers flip forward or babies tip over the side.

Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Linked to 92 Infant Deaths Since 2005

Over 4.7 million Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play products were recalled in April 2019 after at least 92 babies suffocated to death since 2005, plus more than 1,100 serious injuries and close calls were reported.

Congress Bans Deadly Inclined Sleepers

In May 2022, Congress passed the Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2021, a law that bans inclined sleepers and crib bumper pads. The law comes after hundreds of baby deaths, and years of advocacy from angry parents, doctors, and consumer groups.

Under the new law, manufacturers will not be allowed to sell any inclined sleeping products designed for infants under 1 year old if the sleep surface has an incline greater than 10º.

One advocate for the law is Erika R., a mother who filed a lawsuit against Fisher-Price after her 2-week-old daughter, Emma, died while using a Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper. She told Good Morning America:

“I have learned that we have a long way to go when it comes to consumer protections, and that legacy brands do not equal trust. People die because they make assumptions that the brands themselves are doing their due diligence, and you cannot put that type of control in the hands of profit maker or profit owner.”

CPSC Effectively Bans Inclined Sleepers With New Safety Standards

In June 2021, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a major new federal safety standard that will effectively ban inclined sleepers from the marketplace, including all types of inclined bassinets, rockers, gliders, and swings.

The new standards will ban many inclined sleepers that were not voluntarily recalled. Here are a few examples, according to Consumer Reports:

Evenflo Pillo Portable Napper
Hiccapop DayDreamer
Baby Delight Go With Me – Sway Portable Infant Rocker
Baby Delight Nestle Nook Comfort – Plush Infant Napper
SwaddleMe By Your Bed Sleeper (made by Sumr Brands)
Chicco Lullaby Dream Playard’s inclined napper insert

Honey Joy Baby Swings Recalled

In September 2023, Honey Joy recalled about 170 baby swings that were exclusively sold on Amazon.com because infants can suffocate to death. The swings do not met mandatory safety standards for swings or sleeping products because they have an inclined surface, according to safety officials.

Baby Hammock Swings Recalled

In July 2023, CaTeam recalled about 700 of their Canvas Baby Hammock Swings because they pose a risk of suffocation and death. The swings were advertised for infant sleep, but have an angle greater than 10º, which puts them in violation of the Safe Sleep for Babies Act.

Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Glide Soothers Recalled After 4 Deaths

On June 4, 2021, Fisher-Price recalled about 120,000 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers after 4 babies suffocated to death when they were put into the seat unrestrained, and later found face-down on their stomach. Fisher-Price also recalled about 55,000 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders due to the product’s similarity to the Rock ‘n Glide Soothers.

Kolcraft Re-Announces Recall for 51,000 Inclined Sleeper Accessories

In May 2021, Kolcraft re-announced a recall for about 51,000 inclined sleepers due to a risk of suffocation and death. The recall involves inclined sleeping accessories that were sold with two Kolcraft bassinets:

Kolcraft Cuddle ‘n Care 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper (model number starting with KB063)
Kolcraft Preferred Position 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper (model number starting with KB061).

Graco Pack ‘n Play Inclined Sleepers Recalled for Suffocation Risk

On December 16, 2020, Graco recalled about 51,000 Pack ‘n Play Inclined Sleeper accessories due to a suffocation risk. No injuries were reported, but the recalled products are similar to others that are linked to many tragic deaths.

The recall includes the following products:

Graco Pack ‘n Play Day2Dream Playard & Bedside Sleeper (Model # 2034085, 2048753 and 2053215)
Graco Pack ‘n Play Nuzzle Nest Playard (Model #1947177 and 1896392)
Graco Pack ‘n Play Everest Playard (Model #1946902 and 1946903)
Graco Pack ‘n Play Rock ‘n Grow Playard (Model #2105055)

Lawmakers Ask Graco, Chicco to Recall More Inclined Sleepers

In March 2020, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, asked Graco to consider recalling Care Station Playards and Chicco to recall Lullaby Playards. Lawmakers are concerned because these portable crib products contain inclined sleeper accessories that may pose a suffocation hazard for babies. Click here to read more.

Kolcraft Recalls Inclined Sleeper Accessories

In February 2020, Kolcraft recalled 51,000 inclined sleeper accessories for bassinets because they pose a suffocation hazard for babies. No incidents or injuries were reported. The recall involves the following products:

Kolcraft Cuddle ‘n Care 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleepers (model number starting with KB063)
Kolcraft Preferred Position 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleepers (model number starting with KB061).

Major Retailers Ban Sales of Inclined Baby Sleepers

Amazon, eBay, Buy Buy Baby, Walmart, Albee Baby and other retailers are banning sales of all inclined sleepers because they pose an unacceptable risk of suffocation and death.

Over 165,000 Inclined Baby Sleepers Recalled by 4 Manufacturers

On January 29, 2020, over 165,000 inclined baby sleepers were recalled by four manufacturers due to the risk of suffocation, including:

Safety Experts Warn Parents to Stop Using Inclined Sleepers due to Deadly Suffocation Hazards

In October 2019, safety officials warned parents and caregivers not to use inclined sleep products for babies due to a risk of suffocation and death. From 2005 through 2019, the CPSC received reports of 1,108 incidents, including 73 infant deaths.

After the CPSC hired independent experts to study the problem, the experts found that no inclined sleep product was safe for infant sleep. However, products with inclines of 10º or less, with flat and rigid surfaces, are likely safe for infant sleep.

Baby Sleeper Lawsuits & Class Actions

In April 2019, a grieving family from Delaware filed a class action lawsuit (PDF) against Fisher-Price after their 3 month-old daughter suffocated and died in a Rock ‘n Play Sleeper within a few minutes. They say the recall came “far too late” and accuse the company of ignoring warning signs and selling a dangerous product.

What is the Problem?

Baby sleepers, also known as inclined bassinets, pose a deadly suffocation hazard for babies. The products are designed to make babies sleep at an incline between 10º and 30º — but the problem is that all of these products increase the risk of airway compression, suffocation, and death.

How Do Babies Suffocate?

Babies can roll over from their back to their stomach or side and suffocate against the fabric walls of the sleeper. Another problem is that very young infants who can’t hold their head up can suffocate if their chin touches their chest and compresses their airway, in a condition known as positional asphyxia.

Graco Little Lounger Rocking Seat Recall

In January 2020, Graco recalled over 110,000 of the Graco Little Lounger Rocking Seat, an inclined rocking seat and vibrating lounger product that was sold from 2013 through 2018 at Target, Babies R Us and other stores nationwide for about $80. No incidents or injuries were reported.

Evenflo Pillo Portable Napper Recall

In January 2020, Evenflo recalled about 3,100 Pillo Portable Nappers. The inclined sleeper products were sold from May 2017 through January 2020 at Target, Kohl’s, Amazon.com, Buy Buy Baby, JC Penney, Walmart and other stores for about $75.

Delta Children Recalls Disney Baby, Beautyrest, Simmons, Other Inclined Sleepers

In January 2020, Delta Enterprise Corp. recalled about 5,900 inclined sleepers with adjustable feeding positions for newborns, including brands such as Disney Baby, Beautyrest, Delta Children, Simmons, and more.

They were sold from January 2017 through December 2018 at stores nationwide, Amazon.com, Kmart, and ToysRUs.com. The following inclined sleepers were recalled:

Beautyrest Beginnings Incline Sleeper with Adjustable Feeding Position for Newborns
Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Incline Sleeper with Adjustable Feeding Position for Newborns
Delta Children Deluxe 3-in-1 Activity Rocker, Feeder and Sleeper
Simmons Kids Beautyrest Deluxe 3-in-1 Activity Rocker, Feeder, and Sleeper
3-in-1 Activity Rocker, Feeder and Incline Sleeper
And others

SwaddleMe By Your Bed Sleeper Linked to Suffocation Hazard

In January 2020, safety officials warned that Summer Infant’s SwaddleMe By Your Bed Sleeper poses a risk of suffocation and death for babies. The product is an inclined bassinet that poses a similar safety hazard as other inclined baby sleepers that have been linked to dozens of deaths. An official recall was announced on January 29, 2020.

Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Baby Sleeper Recall

In April 2019, Fisher-Price recalled 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers after they were linked to dozens of deaths since 2009. The babies died when they “rolled over while unrestrained, or under other circumstances” according to the recall posted by the CPSC.

Kids II Baby Sleeper Recalls

In April 2019, Kids II Inc. recalled all models of Rocking Sleepers after 5 baby deaths were reported since 2012.

The recall involves products sold under brand-names such as Disney Baby, Bright Starts, DreamComfort, and Ingenuity. They were sold at major stores like Walmart, Target and Toys ‘R Us between March 2012 and April 2019 for approximately $40 to $80.

The following baby sleepers are included in the recall:

Bright Starts Playtime To Bedtime Rocking Sleeper: 10081
Rock & Dream Sleeper – Iggy: 10126
Ingenuity Rock And Dream Sleeper Lucy: 10127
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Cuddle Giraffe: 10148
Bright Starts Pretty In Pink Playtime To Bedtime Rocking Sleeper: 10178
Ingenuity Smartrock Poweradapt Sleeper Cambridge: 10289
Ingenuity Rock N’ Soothe Sleeper Dayton: 10292
Automatic Rock ‘N Soothe Sleeper – Cuddle Lamb: 10320
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Cuddle Lion: 10380
Ingenuity Soothing Light Rocking Sleeper Vesper: 10568
Bright Starts Toucan Tango Rocking Sleeper: 10729
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Zoo Zoo Zebra: 10872
DreamComfort Automatic Rocking Sleeper – Whitley: 10888
DreamComfort Soothing Light Rocking Sleeper – Addington: 10890
Bright Starts Rocking Sleeper Jungle Bursts: 11021
Bright Starts Pretty In Pink Rocking Sleeper Jungle Blooms: 11022
Rock n’ Soothe Sleeper – Moxley: 11063
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Lullaby Lion: 11164
Ingenuity Rock N’ Soothe Sleeper Sunny Snuggles: 11171
Ingenuity Rock N’ Soothe Sleeper Dayton: 11357
Ingenuity Dream Comfort Automatic Rocking Sleeper Braden: 11429
DreamComfort Automatic Rocking Sleeper – Anders: 11714
Automatic Rock ‘n Soothe Sleeper – Nolan: 11792
Bright Starts Rocking Sleeper – Jungle Garden: 11894
Bright Starts Rocking Sleeper – Evening Safari: 11895
Automatic Rock ‘n Soothe Sleeper – Flora the Unicorn: 11962
Automatic Rock N Soothe Sleeper – Nolan – Display: 12115
Taggies Snuggle Me Sleeper Nestling Vine: 60130
Bright Starts Playtime To Bedtime Sleeper: 60131
Bright Starts Pretty In Pink Playtime To Bedtime Sleeper: 60163
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Deluxe Emerson: 60327
Disney Baby/Bright Starts Bows & Butterflies Sleeper Minnie Mouse: 60328
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Lullaby Lamb: 60331
Bright Starts Playtime To Bedtime Sleeper Playful Pinwheels: 60401
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Deluxe Winslow: 60600
Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Deluxe Seneca: 60635

Ultra-Lite Play Yard Baby Sleeper Recall

In June 2019, Fisher-Price recalled about 71,000 inclined baby sleeper accessories for all models of the Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play Yard due to a serious safety hazard. No deaths were reported, but the recalled sleeper has dangerous design, according to the recall notice.

Disney & Eddie Bauer Baby Sleeper Recall

In August 2019, a recall was issued for Disney & Eddie Bauer Baby Sleepers because the inclined bassinets because babies can potentially roll over and suffocate, or die under other circumstances.

The recall involves about 24,000 of the Eddie Bauer Slumber and Soothe Bassinet (Model #BT055CSY) and the Disney Baby Doze and Dream Bassinet (Model #BT071DHS). They were sold at Target, Kmart, Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx and other stores between November 2014 and February 2017 for about $60.

Do I have an Inclined Baby Sleeper Lawsuit?

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.