Children’s food, medicines, clothing, bedding, toys and furniture–all need to be safe. They also need to be clean. Apparently, in the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Infant Sleepers, there is a risk of mold which can develop between the removable seat cushion and its hard plastic frame when it becomes wet or if it is not cleaned frequently. Since Fisher-Price has received 600 reports of mold on the product purchased by parents for their infants, it would seem there is more than a “risk” of mold. Sixteen consumers have reported their children having to be treated for respiratory issues, coughs and/or hives after sleeping in this product, according to the CPSC recall notice.
Recently, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Fisher-Price of East Aurora, New York, announced it will recall 800,000 units of the Rock ‘N Play Infant Sleeper to inspect them for mold. The Rock ‘N Play Infant Sleeper was designed for babies weighing under 24 pounds and consists of a plastic seat held in a metal rocking frame. The product has a fabric cover and was sold in a variety of colors and patterns. The product was made in China.
Parents and caregivers need to know that if there are dark brown, gray or black spots on an object, it may indicate mold is growing on it. And, if there is mold, there is the danger of inhaling mold spores which can cause respiratory illnesses and other infections. Even though mold may not be present when the infant furniture was purchased, it apparently can grow in a more damp than normal environment.
The Rock ‘N Play Infant Sleepers were sold by mass merchandise stores nationwide and online stores beginning in September 2009 to the present, for from $50 to $85. This recall is a little unusual, in that it is a recall “to inspect” and “Only products that show signs of mold after use by consumers are included in this announcement.” Units presently in retail stores are not affected by this announcement… how come? [N.B.: If I were the consumer parent who had purchased this product, I am sure I would return it without further ado and demand my money back.]
Fisher-Price can be contacted by consumers calling toll-free 1(800) 432-5437 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday or by visiting their website at www.service.mattel.com for additional information on this recall. To view photos of the Rock ‘N Play Infant Sleeper, please visit the CPSC website at: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13087.html?tab=recalls
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