CPSC Proposes Redesign to Prevent Infant: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has taken a decisive step in addressing the safety concerns surrounding baby loungers. With 79 reported deaths connected to their use, the CPSC has proposed a comprehensive redesign aimed at preventing suffocation risks. The proposed changes mandate that manufacturers make all lounger surfaces firm enough to avoid conforming to a baby’s face, thus reducing the risk of suffocation. Additionally, the height of the infant support side cushions is recommended not to exceed two inches to mitigate the possibilities of entrapment and suffocation.
These recommendations come after a thorough investigation by the CPSC, which identified 79 reported deaths from 2010 to 2022 involving infant support cushions. The agency also noted 125 non-fatal incidents or reports during the same period. The majority of the deaths, over 80%, involved infants three months old and younger, and the causes were primarily identified as asphyxia or probable asphyxia.
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The proposed changes are a response to the inherent risks posed by infant loungers, especially if infants roll, move, or are placed in positions that obstruct breathing. There have been instances where infants rolled off the lounger onto external surfaces, leading to tragic outcomes. Notably, in 2021, over 3 million Boppy Newborn Loungers were recalled after eight infants died due to the product. Even after this recall, the CPSC continued to emphasize the dangers, urging parents and caregivers to cease using the product, which remains unlawfully available for sale on some platforms.
In June of the current year, the CPSC recalled more than 4,000 Yoocaa baby loungers sold on Amazon due to suffocation risks. The regulatory efforts are part of a broader initiative to establish safety standards for baby loungers, ensuring that products designed for infants adhere to strict guidelines to prevent tragic incidents. The CPSC’s unanimous vote signifies a crucial step toward implementing these safety standards and underscores the agency’s commitment to protecting families from experiencing the devastating loss of a child due to unsafe products.