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The Boppy Company, a well-known company that manufactures products for babies, such as baby pillows, baby travel accessories, and baby carriers, is in the limelight for a very tragic reason. The company has recalled close to three million baby loungers after the death of eight infants linked to the usage of this product.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, some of the Boppy company’s products, particularly the loungers, are unsafe for newborns as they put them at risk for suffocation. Deaths of the newborns occurred between December 2015 and June 2020, and the federal regulators have concluded that these babies were positioned in the loungers and were sleeping either on their sides, back, or stomachs.
When asked for an official statement, a spokesperson for Boppy said that Boppy has always been committed to ensuring that their products are safe for babies. The spokesperson said that they understand the importance of communicating to their consumers the right ways of using their products to prevent any mishap. He went on to say that the products come with instructions and warnings that often communicate any unsafe sleeping practices that may be associated with infants. Additionally, the spokesperson also stated that the Boppy newborn loungers were never marketed as a product for infants to sleep on. The product came with a warning label against using the product without supervision.
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From January 2004 until September of this year, the Boppy newborn loungers were sold in some of the top mass merchandise outlets and juvenile product stores, both offline and online. Priced at thirty to forty-four dollars a piece, Boppy’s newborn loungers are a popular favorite among parents who’ve just had a baby.
Caregivers and parents must practice safe sleeping habits for their babies. Babies are at risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and death from strangulation or suffocation (1). In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a guideline for parents on how to prevent infant death during sleep and lounging.
Keeping Your Baby Safe When Sleeping
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Babies need utmost care during their initial years of life. Even when they are asleep, when you least expect it, they are at risk for some of the most fatal mishaps. To prevent any such tragic incident from occurring, there are a few things you should keep in mind (2):
- Make Sure Your Baby Sleeps On The Right Surface: According to the safety standards issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, babies should only be sleeping on firm surfaces such as a crib (that has a medium-firm mattress), a bassinet, a play yard, or a portable crib, all of which is clean and hygienic. When the baby is asleep or unsupervised, they must be no other object along with them on the surface that they lie on.
- Remove Every Object Next To Them: Don’t leave clothing or pillows next to your baby when you’re not around. They can pull it onto them and suffocate. If you must keep your baby warm, then use a swaddle wrap that is firmly in place.
- Don’t Share The Same Sleeping Surface: It’s okay to keep your baby by your side when you feed or play with them, but when they sleep, and if you plan on falling asleep too, then never sleep with them. Make sure you place your baby back in their crib. This way, you won’t roll over your baby in your sleep and cause suffocation.
- Never Use Loungers Or Pillow For Sleep: If your baby falls asleep on a lounger or a pillow, make sure that you remove them from there and place them on a safer surface, such as a crib. Loungers are meant for babies to lie down and play or relax, not fall asleep in.
- Always Make Them Sleep On Their Backs: The best and safest way for a baby to sleep is on their backs. This prevents them from rolling over or suffocating. If your baby is big enough to roll over, then it’s alright for them to sleep on their sides. However, do not place them on their stomachs or sides if they still haven’t learned how to roll over.
- Never Place Them On A High Surface: Make sure you don’t put your baby to sleep on a high surface such as a sofa or a lounge chair. They can roll over and fall.
As parents and caregivers, it is essential to take all these safety precautions into account when it comes to your child, even if they are just sleeping. Consult a doctor immediately if your baby is unresponsive after falling asleep. What are your thoughts on the Bobby company incident? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
