Feds warn parents not to use La-La-Me infant loungers due to suffocation risk.

Feds warn parents not to use La-La-Me infant loungers due to suffocation risk.

Parents Urged to Stop Using La-La-Me Infant Loungers Immediately

Parents and caregivers are receiving an urgent warning from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) about the potential dangers associated with using La-La-Me Infant Loungers. The CPSC has advised immediately discontinuing the use of these loungers due to the risk of suffocation and falling that they pose to babies.

La-La-Me, the seller of the product based in Bellmore, N.Y., has not yet agreed to a recall. The CPSC has cited several safety issues regarding the loungers, including the absence of a stand and non-compliance with requirements related to side height, fabric-sided openings, markings, labeling, and instructional literature.

One significant problem with the product is the absence of a tracking label, which signifies the date of manufacture. The lack of this essential information is a violation of the guidelines set for children’s products. Therefore, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to discontinue the use of these loungers immediately and safely discard them by cutting the fabric.

The loungers were promoted as “organic newborn loungers” and were available in various printed fabrics and solid colors such as beige, pink, blue, and white. The price ranged between $60 and $130, and each lounger had the word “LaLaMe” printed on an attached label.

While the Infant Sleep Products Rule only applies to products manufactured after June 23, 2022, the CPSC encourages businesses to refrain from selling non-compliant infant sleep products, even if they were manufactured before the specified deadline.

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The CPSC stresses that the safest place for infants to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, or play yard. It is vital to adhere to these guidelines and use only a fitted sheet. Extra items such as blankets, pillows, and padded crib bumpers should never be added to the infant’s sleeping environment.

Moreover, infants should always be placed on their backs while sleeping. If they fall asleep in an inclined or upright position, it is crucial to move them to a safe sleep environment with a firm and flat surface, such as a crib, bassinet, or play yard.

The CPSC’s warning serves as a reminder to parents and caregivers about the importance of prioritizing infant safety during sleep. Creating a secure sleep environment minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures the well-being of babies.

For additional information on keeping a sleeping baby safe, the American Academy of Pediatrics provides comprehensive guidance.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, news release, Aug. 10, 2023

Key Takeaways

• Parents and caregivers are urged to stop using La-La-Me Infant Loungers immediately due to the risk of suffocation and falling they pose to babies.
• The loungers fail to meet the safety requirements set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), including the absence of a stand, non-compliance with side height and fabric-sided openings regulations, lack of markings and labeling, and missing instructional literature.
• La-La-Me, the product’s seller, has not agreed to a recall yet.
• The loungers and packaging lack a tracking label with the date of manufacture, which is required for children’s products.
• Infants should only sleep on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, or play yard, with the use of a fitted sheet. It is crucial not to include additional items like blankets, pillows, or padded crib bumpers in the sleeping environment.
• Placing infants on their back while sleeping is essential. If they fall asleep in an inclined or upright position, they should be moved to a safe sleep environment with a firm, flat surface.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics offers further guidance on the safe sleep practices for babies.