#Boppy lounger recall after 8 infant deaths, how to get a refund

The Boppy Co. has recalled over 3.3 million loungers after eight infants died from suffocation.

The brand, which is a purveyor of nursing pillows, infant loungers, baby carriers and other newborn-related products, has recalled three types of baby pillows after the deaths, which occurred between December 2015 and June 2020.

The Colorado-based company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission said the babies were found on their side or lying face down on their stomachs on the baby loungers.

The products that were recalled include the Original Newborn Loungers, the Preferred Newborn Loungers and Pottery Barn Kids Newborn Loungers.

“In cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Boppy Company is conducting a voluntary recall of its Newborn Lounger to address a risk of infant suffocation. Infants can suffocate if they roll, move, or are placed on the lounger in a position that obstructs breathing, or roll off the lounger onto an external surface, such as an adult pillow or soft bedding, that obstructs breathing,” the company’s memo says on their website.

The loungers were sold from January 2004 until now, and they measure approximately 23 inches by 22 inches and 7 inches high. They retail for $30 to $44 and are sold across superstores such as Pottery Barn Kids, Target and Walmart.

The CPSC ordered parents to “immediately stop using the Newborn Lounger.” In order to obtain a refund, consumers should provide the UPC or item number and date code on the Lounger, a copy of a receipt if available as well as a photograph “that shows the destruction of the Lounger by cutting it in half to make it unusable.”

“CPSC continues to emphasize that the best place for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet or play yard. Parents and caregivers should never add blankets, pillows, padded crib bumpers, or other items to an infant’s sleeping environment. Babies should always be placed to sleep on their backs,” the brand’s recall announcement adds.

CPSC chairman Robert S. Adler explained in a statement, “Loungers and pillow-like products are not safe for infant sleep, due to the risk of suffocation. Since we know that infants sleep so much of the time – even in products not intended for sleep – and since suffocation can happen so quickly, these Boppy lounger products are simply too risky to remain on the market.”