Parents everywhere expressed outrage when the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled the Fisher-Price Rock n’ Play in 2019. Fast forward to today, and with the Boppy Company recalling over 3.3 million Boppy Loungers linked to eight infant fatalities, the same individuals are directing misplaced anger towards grieving parents.
Unlike the Rock n’ Play, Boppy never suggested their loungers were intended for sleep, yet many have used this as justification to blame the parents of the victims. “No way! I have two and will keep them for our next child. It was the best baby product we had with our first kid. Parents need to stop letting their babies sleep unsupervised on products not meant for sleep,” one commenter stated on a Facebook post from The Boppy Company regarding the recall.
Another mother chimed in, “This is frustrating. It’s a LOUNGER!! (I truly feel for the babies who passed away, but…) If you let your baby sleep on it without supervision, that’s your fault. It’s a great product that doesn’t deserve this bad reputation.” It’s disheartening that some people prioritize a product being taken off the market over the tragic loss of lives. As someone who has experienced the heartbreak of losing a child to SIDS, I can attest that saying “I’m very sorry for your loss” followed by “but” is nothing short of victim-blaming and a clear example of survivor bias.
We’ve all been there: seeing our baby dozing on the couch, in a swing, or on an adult mattress and grappling with the desire to let them sleep peacefully. We may have been distracted, busy, or even dozed off ourselves. Our attention may have wandered for just a moment. Often, we weigh the risks of their temporary sleeping situation, thinking that the likelihood of something terrible happening is slim, yet every moment can carry substantial risk.
In the realm of infant sleep, the consequences are dire. The worst-case scenario is that an infant could suffocate, even under watchful eyes. If we cannot recognize that such tragedies can befall anyone, including the most vigilant parents, we are overlooking a crucial truth.
We do not know the specific circumstances surrounding these infant fatalities, and the grieving parents have endured enough pain. Moreover, we live in a society that frequently promotes unsafe infant sleep practices. The fear of calling out these practices is prevalent, as many adhere to the “mama knows best” mentality. While I support parental intuition, there are certain aspects of parenting where clarity is vital, and safe sleep is one of them.
It’s common to see a concerned mother gently commenting on social media about the dangers of allowing babies to have pillows in their beds, only to be met with a wave of defensive responses as if she has insulted their children. Ironically, if a child were to suffer from accidental suffocation, attitudes would likely shift dramatically. People often judge situations they have been fortunate enough to avoid.
Regardless of whether the Boppy Company intended for their loungers to be used for sleep or provided extensive warning labels, it is essential to recognize that SIDS remains the leading cause of death in infants under one year. Unsafe sleep conditions significantly increase the risk of sudden infant death. Why then are products that contradict the Back To Sleep Campaign—an initiative that has reduced SIDS by over 50%—still available? This misleads parents and poses an irreparable danger to infants.
If people are seeking someone to hold accountable, they should focus their energy on the infant sleep industry, which rakes in $325 million annually. They promote soft pillows and padded crib bumpers, despite pediatricians advising against these very items. Robert S. Adler, Acting Chairman of the CPSC, stated, “These types of incidents are heartbreaking. Loungers and pillow-like products are not safe for infant sleep due to the risk of suffocation. Since we know that infants sleep so much of the time—even in products not intended for sleep—and that suffocation can occur quickly, these Boppy lounger products are simply too risky to remain on the market.”
Babies are unaware of their sleeping environment’s safety and spend a significant amount of time asleep. To assert that there are safe methods of using a recalled baby product implies a level of vigilance that is unrealistic. Negligent parenting is not the cause of these recalls; the issue lies in the inherent dangers of unsafe sleep practices. Each child’s outcome can differ dramatically, and one positive experience does not guarantee the same for another.
As advocates for safe sleep emphasize: supervised unsafe sleep remains unsafe, which includes the use of Boppy Loungers. For further insights on this topic, check out this other blog post for more information. Also, consider exploring boost fertility supplements from an authority on the subject. If you’re looking for reliable resources, MedlinePlus offers excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
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In summary, we must recognize that the outrage directed at grieving parents following product recalls reflects a deep-rooted survivor bias. Prioritizing product loyalty over the safety of infants is not only offensive but also dangerous. It is essential to foster a culture where safe sleep practices are prioritized, and where we support each other in navigating the complexities of parenthood without judgment.
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