RECALL ALERT: Nap Nanny Portable Baby Recliners

How very sad to receive news this morning that a 4 month old baby girl has died, which prompted the voluntary recall of 30,000 Nap Nanny Portable Baby Recliners. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in cooperation with Baby Matters LLC of Berwyn, PA, announced the voluntary recall today. According to the CPSC report, the 4 month old girl from Royal Oak, Michigan died in a Nap Nanny that was being used in a crib. According to the preliminary reports, the infant was in her harness and found hanging over the side of the Nap Nanny, caught between the Nap Nanny and the bumper pad of the crib.

According to the recall report issued by the CPSC, they and Baby Matters are aware of one other incident in which an infant became entrapped when the Nap Nanny was used in a crib, which is contrary to the instructions, that state you should not use the Nap Nanny in a crib or on any elevated surface. The CPSC reported that they and Baby Matters have also received 22 other reports of infants, primarily younger than 5 months old, hanging or falling our over the side of the Nap Nanny despite most of the infants being placed in the harness.

I have heard many wonderful testimonials from moms about how the Nap Nanny has helped them finally get some rest because their colicky baby or baby with acid reflux could finally sleep without pain or spitting up all night. However, when I personally saw the Nap Nanny at a trade show last summer I was actually concerned about the baby sitting up and rolling out...just as these babies have done. To me it appeared that the 3-point harness, which sits so low on the babies body, similar to that of a baby swing, would not securely hold a squirmy baby in the seat. Personally I thought I would find it difficult for me to rest, for fear the baby might wiggle out.

The CPSC states that an infant can partially fall or hang over the side of the Nap Nanny even while using the harness. They say the situation can be worse if the Velcro straps, located inside the Nap Nanny cover are not properly attached to the 'D'-rings located on the foam or if consumers are using the first generation model that was sold without the 'D'-rings. Additionally, if the Nap Nanny is placed inside of a crib or play yard the infant can fall or hang over the side and become entrapped between the crib side and the Nap Nanny and suffocate. See the extremely disturbing photo re-enactment below.

The Nap Nanny was designed to be a portable recliner that is ONLY used on the floor, away from any other products, to allow an infant to sleep, rest, or play while sitting in a semi-reclined position. They were sold at toy and children's retail stores nationwide and online, including at www.napnanny.com, from January 2009 through July 2010 for about $130. The Recalled product was manufactured in both the US and in China.


RECALL INSTRUCTIONS:

If you have a First Generation Nap Nanny model (without the 'D'-rings) Stop using it immediately and contact the firm to receive an $80 coupon towards the purchase of a new Nap Nanny with free Shipping.

If you have the Second Generation Nap Nanny model (with the 'D'-rings) Stop using it immediately until you are able to visit the firm's website to obtain new product instructions and warnings.

Consumers also need to view an important instructional video to help ensure the harness is properly fastened. Consumers who are unable to view the video or read the new instructions online, should contact the firm to receive free copies by mail.

For more information, contact Baby Matters, toll-free at (888) 240-4282 between 9am and 5pm ET, Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.napnanny.com/recall.

See the full CPSC report by clicking here.

I ask that everyone please take a few moments to reflect on the tragic death of the Michigan baby girl and keep her poor parents and family in your thoughts today as you give your baby an extra special hug on their behalf.

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