Fisher-Price has issued a recall to inspect 800,000 Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleepers™ over mold exposure risks, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced.
The Commission advises consumers to immediately inspect this product and stop using the Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper™ if mold is found. Units currently in retail stores are not included in this recall to inspect. Only products that show signs of mold after use by consumers are included in this announcement.
The 800,000 recalled Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleepers™ were manufactured in China; imported by Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, New York; and sold at mass merchandise stores nationwide and online since September 2009 for $50-$85.
Mold can develop between the removable seat cushion and the hard plastic frame of the Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper™ when it remains wet or moist or is infrequently cleaned. This poses a risk of exposure to mold to infants sleeping in the Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper™. The CPSC advises that mold has been associated with respiratory illnesses and other infections. And, although mold is not present at the time of purchase, mold growth can occur after use of the product.
Fisher-Price has received 600 reports of mold on the Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper™, to date; 16 consumers have reported that their infants have been treated for respiratory issues, coughs, and hives after sleeping in the product.
This recall to inspect includes all Fisher-Price Rock N’ Play infant recliner seats called sleepers. The Fisher Price Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleepers™ is designed for babies up to 25 pounds and is composed of a soft plastic seat that is held by a metal rocking frame and is constructed with a removable, fabric cover that is sold in 14 patterns and color palettes.
Consumers are advised to immediately check for mold under the removable seat cushion. Dark brown, gray, or black spots can indicate the presence of mold. If mold is found, consumers should immediately stop using the Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper™.
Fisher-Price should be contacted for cleaning instructions or further assistance. Cleaning and care instructions can also be found at www.service.mattel.com or by contacting the firm, toll-free, at 1.800.432.5437 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time (ET), Monday through Friday.
