Nap Nanny® portable baby recliners are being recalled by Baby Matters after reports that a 4-month-old girl died in a Nap Nanny® that was being used inside a crib. Apparently the baby was in her harness and was found hanging over the side of the product, caught between the Nap Nanny® and the crib bumper. The Nap Nanny® instructions, however, do state that the product should not be used inside a crib.
According to the CPSC website, an incident similar to this had already taken place, again when the Nap Nanny was used in a crib. On that occasion, the baby – who was harnessed in – fell over the side of the Nap Nanny® and became caught between the recliner and the side of the crib, suffering a cut to the forehead.
The problem is that babies can partially fall or hang over the side of the Nap Nanny® even when harnessed in. Things become even more dangerous if the Velcro™ straps, located inside the Nap Nanny® cover are not properly attached to the “D”-rings on the foam, or with the first generation model Nap Nanny® that was sold without “D”-rings.
The danger is compounded by the fact that – if the Nap Nanny® is placed in a crib, play yard or other confined area – a baby can fall or hang over of the side of the Nap Nanny® and become trapped between the crib side and the Nap Nanny® and suffocate.
The Nap Nanny® can also be hazardous if placed on a raised surface such as a table, as there is the risk that a baby can fall over the edge and suffer a head injury. It’s important to note that the Nap Nanny® should always be used on the floor, away from other items.
This product is a portable recliner designed for babies to sleep, rest and play. It has a foam base with an inclined indentation for the baby to sit, with a fitted fabric cover and a three point harness. The first generation model does NOT have “D”-rings in the foam base. In second generation models, the harness system has “D”-rings in the foam base and Velcro™ straps inside the fitted fabric cover.
The products involved in this recall were sold at toy and children’s retail stores nationwide and online from January 2009 through July 2010 for about $130.
If you have a first generation Nap Nanny® model (without “D”-rings), please stop using it and contact the firm to receive an $80 coupon towards the purchase of a new Nap Nanny® with free shipping.
If you have a second generation Nap Nanny® model (with “D”-rings), please stop using it and visit the firm’s website for new product instructions and warnings. You will also see an instructional video to help you ensure the harness is properly fastened. If you can’t view the video or new instructions online, then please contact the firm to receive free copies by mail.
You can contact Baby Matters toll-free at (888) 240-4282 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.