Popular baby accessory sold at Walmart and Target recalled after it's linked to two deaths and 'risk of suffocation'

May 03, 2023

A BABY accessory sold at popular stores like Walmart and Target has been recalled after being linked to at least 10 deaths.

The recall applies to three items from The Boppy Company, located in Golden, Colorado.

If customers purchased either the Boppy Original Newborn Loungers, Boppy Preferred Newborn Loungers, or the Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers, they should stop using the products immediately.

The Newborn Loungers were originally recalled in September 2021 due to the risk infants would suffocate if they rolled, moved, or were placed on the lounger in a position that makes breathing difficult.

There were also risks that infants could suffocate if rolled off the lounger onto another surface, including pillows.

In 2021, the product was recalled after eight babies died between December 2015 to June 2020.

All had died while placed in the lounger, but since then, even more deaths have occurred.

Since the 2021 recall, two more babies died, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The popular baby lounger, which ranged in price from $30 to $44, was previously sold at retailers across the country, including Walmart and Target alongside Amazon and Pottery Barn Kids.

The U.S. Sun reached out to Walmart and Target for comment.

More than 3million were sold during the time they were on the market from 2004 to 2021.

"Our hearts hurt for anyone who has lost a child," Boppy's co-chief executive officer Amy St Germain said in a statement on Tuesday.

The company as well as the CPSC have asked online marketplaces, including Facebook, to crack down on the sales of the items as well.

"It is unlawful to offer for sale a CPSC recalled product on an online marketplace or to sell or donate a recalled product in any other manner," the CPSC said.

However, some could still be listed for resale, so shoppers should be wary.

The CPSC has written to Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook parent Meta, to raise its concerns that the recalled items are available on Marketplace.

Commissioner Richard Trumka said his team has made around 1,000 takedown requests every month over the last year.

"Until these sales are stopped, babies will continue to be at risk of death," Trumka said.

"Meta can and should be doing much more to save lives."

If you purchased a lounger in any of the three models listed, you should contact the Boppy Company for a full refund.

The CPSC told parents in its release 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," the commission said. "Babies should always be placed to sleep on their backs."

Several other companies have landed in hot water after their products were linked to accidents or even death.

The Home Depot recalled 2.2million Stanley Black and Decker sledgehammers after customers suffered head injuries.

DeWalt, Stanley Fatmax, and Craftsman Fiberglass Sledgehammers were included as part of the recall.

The product was booted from store aisles due to the possibility of the hammer head loosening prematurely and detaching unexpectedly while using the product, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced.

There have been 192 reports of the sledgehammer's head detaching, which includes two reported injuries to the customers' face and head, according to the CPSC.

A popular set of candles at Target have also been recalled after being linked to reports of cuts and burns.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said that the candle's jar can crack or break when in use.

The CPSC said Target received at least 137 reports of the jar breaking or cracking while the candle is lit.

Six injuries have been reported, including lacerations and severe burns.

Dog owners are also being urged to throw away a specific brand of pet food, as it's been found to contain plastic, causing several dogs to choke.

A popular salad kit at stores including Publix was also recalled due to listeria fears.