The government issued a warning to consumers today to inspect Fisher-Price Newborn Rock 'N Play Sleepers because infants using them are at risk of exposure to mold.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday that its warning applies to 800,000 infant recliner seats (called sleepers) that have been sold at stores nationwide, as well as online since Sept. 2009.
The sleepers range in price from $50 to $85 and are designed for babies weighing up to 25 pounds. Each sleeper has a removable fabric cover over a soft plastic seat held in a tubular metal rocking frame.
Mold can develop between the removable seat cushion and the hard plastic frame if the sleeper remains wet or is infrequently cleaned, according to the CPSC, which also said in its warning that mold is associated with respiratory illnesses and other infections.
The agency said consumers should check for dark brown, gray or black spots that can indicate the presence of mold under the removable seat cushion. If mold is found, they are advised to immediately stop using the product and to contact Fisher-Price for cleaning instructions or further assistance.
Mold is associated with respiratory illnesses and other infections, the warning said. Fisher-Price has received 600 reports of mold and 16 consumers have reported that their infants have been treated for respiratory issues, coughs and hives after they were in the Fisher-Price sleepers.
Units currently in retail stores are not affected by the warning, but mold growth can occur after use of the infant sleepers. Consumers should immediately inspect this product and stop using it if mold is found.
For information, call Fisher-Price at (800) 432-5437 between Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, or visit the company’s website at service.mattel.com.
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