by Christine Zibas

Created on: December 30, 2012   Last Updated: January 01, 2013

After 5 deaths and more than 90 incidents of babies “hanging or falling out over the side of the Nap Nanny” several major retailers are voluntarily recalling the product, much to the dismay of the manufacturer, Baby Matters, according to CNN. This is not the first such instance of a recall with this same product. Back in July of 2010, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled 30,000 of the portable baby recliners after the death of a Michigan 4-month old girl.

Already 22 reports of babies (most under 5 months of age) had been filed by 2010 due to children falling or hanging over the side of the Nap Nanny, despite most having been harnessed into the recliner. Why it took two more years (and several more deaths) for retailers to take action remains a question.

Voluntary recall by major retailers

With threats of substantial risk to the health of infants (possibly even death), four major retailers have finally taken action to pull the product from their shelves and recall those already purchased. These retailers include Amazon, Babies R Us/Toys R Us, Buy Buy Baby, and Diapers.com.

Manufacturer refuses to participate

The recall includes the Nap Nanny (generations 1 and 2), as well as the Chill model of the Nap Nanny. Unfortunately for parents, the parent company of the product, Baby Matters, refuses to participate in the recall. According to CNN, the Consumer Products Safety Commission noted that Baby Matters is “unwilling or unable to participate in the recall.”

According to Leslie Gudel, the company’s founder, “Baby Matters is disappointed to hear that four retailers have chosen to voluntarily recall the Nap Nanny. The Nap Nanny still benefits thousands of children and families, and we continue to stand behind the product 100 percent.”

Injuries from improper use

The manufacturer asserts that the product is safe if used correctly. According to Baby Matters, the Nap Nanny should be placed on the floor, not on a table or other raised surface. The baby recliner should not be placed in a crib, play pen, or other confined surface. These mistakes have led to injuries.

However, even when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and with the safety harness provided, there have been problems with children hanging out of the recliners or falling over their sides, leading to injury or death. In cases in which the product was placed on a raised surface, head injuries have been sustained; in the case of crib use, suffocation is a lethal possibility.

Clearly, there are many potential dangers associated with the Nap Nanny, even when used correctly. Parents should beware, and retailers should be commended for taking steps to ensure no more children are injured as a result.

Learn more about this author, Christine Zibas.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.