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Fact: I used a Rock ‘n Play with my babies and they survived
Fact: That doesn’t make other babies safe
Why?
Because anecdotal evidence isn’t necessarily representative of the total population. At this point, we do know at least 32 babies have died from using the Rock ‘n Play. And it’s not just from rolling over/out of the device.
I have learned a lot more information about safe sleep for newborns since becoming certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (car seat tech). While this does not make me an expert in safe sleep, I have learned quite a bit about it in order to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of newborns lying at a proper recline angle and the dangers of letting them sleep in their car seat outside of the car.
I’ll try to explain the importance of this recall as best I can based on what I know from working with car seats. Although I can’t guarantee everything will be stated perfectly, I will do my best. Here’s what I know.
How Did These Babies Die?
Much of the chatter surrounding this recall is about cases where a mobile infant crawled or rolled out of the Rock ‘n Play incurred injury. But there’s another reason that babies died that has nothing to do with that. It’s from the inclined design of the Rock ‘n Play.
When placed in this inclined position, babies are more likely to slip into a chin-to-chest position which can cut off the airway for newborns and young babies. This is called positional asphyxiation.
Suffocation is the LEADING cause of accidental death in children under age 1 (CDC). Newborns lack head control (huge head, weak neck muscles) and have narrow and floppy airways, making positional asphyxiation a very real risk.
To avoid positional asphyxiation in car seats, car seats have to be ADJUSTED to the proper recline angle in the car. There are bubble indicators or level lines on the car seat so that you can properly position the seat and be 100% positive that the recline is correct for their age to avoid this very problem. This is why it’s also dangerous to let kids sleep in car seats outside the car unattended- because it isn’t locked into the correct position unless it’s in the car—therefore the angle changes and can become a hazard.
There is no recline safety feature like this on the Rock ‘n Play, so there is no way to know if the angle can become a hazard especially if the baby is sleeping unattended (like during the night when you are asleep). The Rock ‘n Play also can move (“rock”) which means the recline can change.
What about the harness?
Of course it is important to use products according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, which for the Rock ‘n Play includes buckling the harness around the baby. But the three point harness in these types of devices does not necessarily prevent children from getting themselves into positions that compromise their airways. (Source)
There have been warnings against using the rock and play this way for years, but many just ignored it. That’s why this next step, which may sound extreme to some, must be taken. When the public health risk to children outweighs the benefits, a recall is warranted and necessary.
As unfortunate as it is that it’s no longer going to be available for parents who love it, it’s just not worth the risk. We all think it can’t happen to us, but it can.
Kids have died. Resist the urge to get defensive because you used one or you liked it—I did too! But denying there is a significant risk doesn’t do anyone any good. ❤️
Anyone interested in more safety tips feel free to check out my Facebook page at Driving Mom Crazy. 👍🏻
If you aren’t aware of how to check and adjust the incline on your car seat, there should be instructions in your car seat manual. Even if you don’t have the paper copy, most manufacturers have them available online. There is also probably a sticker on the car seat with information.
Here are a few helpful resources for adjusting the recline of your car seat:
- Recline angles and infant inserts
- How to adjust the recline on your car seat (Find on Page 8-6 (6th page of this PDF)
- Types of recline indicators and how to follow them
Once you get the incline properly adjusted, it should be fine after that. But sometimes things shift, so just take a glance at the level indicator each time you put your child in their car seat.
Here are some safe alternatives to the Rock ‘n Play:
More reading about the Rock ‘n Play recall:
- Consumer Reports Calls for Rock ‘n Play Recall
- AAP Statement urging the Rock ‘n Play recall
- CDC Leading Causes of Death
- More about Positional Asphyxia
Looking for additional resources to help during your pregnancy and postpartum?
I’ve found this super helpful Pregnancy Planner and Postpartum Handbook that can help you navigate these overwhelming times. Best of luck, mama!
Great information here! While I have let my children sleep in other things, it is only when I’m awake and in the room. Getting babies used to their crib early will only help in the long run. Thanks for clarifying why it is okay for babies to fall asleep in the car and not outside of it in the seat.
Great informative post! Keep up the good work.
There are other companies that make similar items to the rock n play. Would you say they probably have the same risks?
Yes, I would say so. Fisher Price probably got the recall first because they sell so many more, and probably have more records of injuries and deaths.