Retailers to recall 150,000-plus baby recliners

WASHINGTON: Four national retailers have agreed to recall more than 150,000 Nap Nanny baby recliners after at least five infant deaths and dozens of reports of children nearly falling out of the recliners.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the four retailers — Amazon.com, Buy Buy Baby, Diapers.com and Toys R Us/Babies R Us — agreed to voluntarily participate in the recall of the Nap Nanny because its manufacturer is unable or unwilling to participate. The manufacturer, Baby Matters LLC of Berwyn, Pennsylvania, told The Associated Press that it had gone out of business.
CPSC is warning that the Nap Nanny contains dangerous defects in its design, warnings and instructions. The recall covers Nap Nanny Generations One and Two, and the Chill model infant recliners sold between 2009 and 2012.
In a statement posted on its website, Nap Nanny sought to refute claims that its product are hazardous.
"We do not believe the complaint has merit and stand behind the safety of our product when used as instructed," said the statement titled "A Message From Leslie Gudel – Owner/Founder Nap Nanny."
"The CPSC’s complaint notes that five infants have died 'while using' the Nap Nanny. The loss of an infant is an unthinkable tragedy, and I am truly heartbroken for the families who have lost a child. But the fact that infants have died 'while using' the Nap Nanny improperly, such as when used in a crib where the child could suffocate on a crib bumper or a blanket, does not mean our product caused the child’s death or is hazardous.
"We at Nap Nanny went to great lengths to make the safest product possible. Nap Nanny has helped thousands of babies and their tired parents the last four years. No infant using the Nap Nanny properly has ever suffered an injury requiring medical attention. The Nap Nanny was designed and constructed for use only on the floor with the harness secured," the statement said.