The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is asking parents and caregivers to immediately stop using infant loungers manufactured by Leachco Inc. following reports of two infant deaths.
The warning includes the Podster, Podster Plush, Bummzie and Podster Playtime infant loungers.
The CPSC is aware of two infants who were placed on a Podster and suffocated when their noses and mouths were obstructed by the Podster or another object when they changed position. The infants were 17 days old and 4 months old and died in January 2018 and December 2015. Approximately 180,000 Podsters have been sold.
CPSC continues to investigate the Podsters, and Leachco is refusing to conduct a voluntary recall of the product.
The Podsters have a padded insert and a removable cover. The covers come in a variety of prints and are either 100% polyester or a cotton/polyester blend. The covers also contain an elastic center made of a nylon/spandex blend.
Infant loungers like Podsters are not safe for sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep on their backs, positioned on a firm sleep surface that meets CPSC standards. Parents and caregivers should use a fitted sheet only and never add blankets, pillows, padded crib bumpers or other items to an infant’s sleeping environment. Babies who fall asleep in an inclined or upright position should be moved to a safe environment.
Consumers are encouraged to report incidents from Podsters or similar products to saferproducts.gov.
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