(Memphis) The Consumer Product Safety Commission filed a complaint Wednesday against the maker of the infant recliner, Nap Nanny.
According to the CPSC, five children have died related to use of the product.
The agency also reported it has received more than 70 reports of kids nearly falling out of the recliner.
CPSC officials say they filed the complaint after talks with the maker, Baby Matters, broke down, with the company refusing to issue a voluntary recall.
CPSC leaders say the Nap Nanny Generation One and Two, along with the Chill model contain dangerous, design defects.
Nap Nanny’s owner/founder released a statement on the company’s website.
Leslie Gudel expressed sorrow for the deaths, but said they don’t believe the CPSC’s complaint has merit and they stand behind the safety of their product when used correctly.
The company did issue a recall two years ago for the Generation Two model after the first infant death was reported. Baby Matters has already gone out of business, Gudel says as a result of the ongoing battle with the CPSC.
Safe sleeping is a major concern with infants. Experts from Safe Kids USA offer the following Dos and Don’ts:
Do:
- Lay your baby on his or her back to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Use a safe crib, with a firm mattress covered with only a crib sheet.
- To keep your baby warm, use what’s called a sleep sack or wearable blanket.
Don’t
- Put your baby to sleep on beds, sofas, and soft surfaces
- Use pillows, loose sheets, blankets or other soft bedding products in the crib