Nearly 800,000 units of infant sleepers imported by Fisher-Price have been recalled in the U.S. to avoid risks of mold exposure.
The recalled sleepers have a removable fabric, available in different patterns and colors. According to authorities at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), mold can grow between the seat cushion and the plastic frame of the sleeper when the consumer fails to clean the product regularly or when it becomes wet.
An exposure to mold can put babies at higher risks of many infections, including respiratory illness. The Commission urged consumers to stop using the Newborn Rock 'n Play Sleeper until the mold is fully cleaned and removed.
The movement comes after the company received 600 complaints related to mold growth on the infant sleeper. Of the total complaints, about 16 infants experienced respiratory issues, coughs and hives after using the product.
All Fisher-Price Rock N' Play infant recliner seats known as sleepers and meant for babies weighing up to 25 pounds are affected by the "recall to inspect" notice issued by CPSC Tuesday.
The recalled infant sleepers have been available at large retail stores across the country from September 2009. However, fresh units of the sleepers kept for sale in retail stores are not included in the current recall notice.
CPSC urged consumers to stop using the infant sleepers if they see brown, gray or black spots under the seat cushion, and to approach the company to get proper instructions regarding cleaning the mold.
