In 2021, The Boppy Company recalled more than three million of its bestselling Newborn Loungers, after the products were linked to eight infant deaths in the US.
The recall was carried out in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and covered several popular Boppy lounger models sold widely in the US. If you have one of these loungers in your home — even one bought second-hand or passed on by family or friends — it’s worth knowing the details below.
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Boppy Recall: What Happened
In a statement announcing the recall, The Boppy Company said:
“In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, The Boppy Company is conducting a voluntary recall of its Newborn Lounger to address a risk of infant suffocation. Infants can suffocate if they roll, move, or are placed on the lounger in a position that obstructs breathing, or roll off the lounger onto an external surface, such as an adult pillow or soft bedding, that obstructs breathing.”
“There have been eight reports of infant deaths associated with The Boppy Company Newborn Lounger and this hazard. The infants reportedly suffocated after being placed on their back, side or stomach on the lounger and were found on their side or on their stomach. The infant deaths occurred between December 2015 and June 2020.”
Boppy sold approximately 3.3 million of the recalled loungers through juvenile product stores and mass merchandisers across the US and online, including Pottery Barn, Target, Walmart and Amazon. The loungers were sold from January 2004 through September 2021, at prices ranging from around $30 to $44.
Which Products Are Affected?
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The recall applies to all models and colours of:
- the Newborn Lounger
- the Preferred Newborn Lounger
- and the Pottery Barn Lounger
An example of each model is shown above.
Do You Have One of These Products?
If you have any of the loungers listed above, stop using it straight away.
The recall notice set out a process for claiming a refund, which involved:
- Sharing the UPC or Item Number (found on the front of the care label, toward the bottom) and the Date Code (stamped on the back of the second label, formatted XX-XXX) from your lounger.
- Providing a copy of your receipt if you have one, via email, text or post, to help determine the value of your refund.
- Providing a photograph showing the lounger cut in half to make it unusable, as proof of destruction.
As this recall was issued some time ago, we’d recommend checking directly with Boppy or the CPSC to confirm whether a claims process is still open before sending off any documents or destroying a product.
Safe Sleep Basics Worth Remembering
Whatever product you’re using, a few safe sleep basics are always worth keeping in mind:
- The best place for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, cot or Moses basket.
- Never add blankets, pillows, padded crib bumpers, or other soft items to an infant’s sleeping environment.
- Babies should always be placed to sleep on their backs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Boppy products were recalled?
The recall covered all colours and models of the Boppy Newborn Lounger, the Boppy Preferred Newborn Lounger, and the Pottery Barn Lounger.
Why were the loungers recalled?
They were linked to a risk of infant suffocation, including cases where babies rolled or were placed in a position that obstructed breathing, or rolled off the lounger onto soft bedding nearby. Eight infant deaths were reported in connection with the product between December 2015 and June 2020.
What should I do if I have one of these loungers?
Stop using it immediately. The original recall set out steps for claiming a refund, including providing product codes, a receipt if available, and photo proof that the lounger has been destroyed. Check with Boppy or the CPSC to confirm current availability of this process.
Is it safe to use any infant lounger for sleep?
Baby loungers and nests are generally designed for supervised, awake time rather than sleep. For sleep, the safest option remains a firm, flat surface in an approved crib, cot, bassinet or Moses basket, with nothing soft in the sleep space.
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