The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced its intention to study products designed for infants such as bouncers, rockers and inclined sleep products.
Deputy Chair of the ACCC, Delia Rickard said the market review would target inclined baby products used for sleeping, where the baby’s head and back were inclined, and might include a harness or belt to secure the baby into the product.
“The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported that at least 74 infant fatalities have occurred in the US while using bouncers, rockers and recliners,” Ms Rickard said.
“Of these fatalities, more than 30 occurred in the Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play Sleeper and five in the Kids II Rocking Sleeper, usually after the infants rolled from their back to their stomach or side, and suffocated.”
She said all Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play Sleeper and the Kids II Rocking Sleeper models sold in Australia had been voluntarily recalled and there had been no reports of injuries or death.
“The ACCC’s market review will include a wide range of products including bouncers, rockers, swings, loungers, bassinet-type products, wedges, recliners and inclined sleep accessories, some which claim to be safe and suitable for sleeping,” Ms Rickard said.
“We’re focusing on these sorts of products because of recent recalls and increasing concerns regarding the use of infant inclined products.”
She said the review would also include a review of scientific literature, scoping of available incident data, consideration of international regulation and changes, as well as engagement with industry, health experts and international product safety regulators as required.
