Recalled pillows linked to 10 infant deaths still being sold on Facebook Marketplace, US agency says

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has raised an alarm over the sale of baby pillows associated with 10 infant deaths on Facebook Marketplace. These pillows, known as Boppy Newborn Loungers, were recalled two years ago but are still available for purchase on the platform.

In a letter addressed to Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, the CPSC expressed its frustration over the continued presence of these recalled items on Marketplace. The agency emphasized the severity of the issue, stating that the sale of Boppy loungers poses a significant risk to consumers.

CPSC Commissioner Richard Trumka stated, “Until these sales are stopped, babies will continue to be at risk of death.” He further criticized Meta’s lack of effective action despite numerous takedown requests made by the CPSC over the past year.

The Boppy Co. recalled over 3 million infant pillows in September 2021 due to suffocation hazards. Eight deaths related to Boppy loungers were reported between 2015 and 2020, and two additional fatalities occurred shortly after the recall began.

The CPSC advises consumers to discontinue the use of these recalled loungers as babies can suffocate if they roll over, are placed in a position that hinders breathing, or move off the pillow.

While Meta’s online policy prohibits the promotion or sale of recalled products on Marketplace, the CPSC has found instances where these products are still listed. Meta claims to take the issue seriously and removes listings that violate their rules when identified.

The CPSC has also made similar requests to other online secondhand marketplaces regarding recalled products, such as the Fisher Price Rock ‘n Play sleepers, which have also been associated with infant deaths.

The recalled Boppy loungers include the Boppy Original Newborn Loungers, Boppy Preferred Newborn Loungers, and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers. These products were sold between January 2004 and September 2021, both online and at various retailers nationwide, including Target and Walmart. Consumers can contact The Boppy Company for refunds and disposal instructions.

The CPSC emphasizes that infants should sleep on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, or play yard. It warns against adding blankets, pillows, padded crib bumpers, or any other items to an infant’s sleeping environment. Babies should always be placed on their backs when sleeping.

The Big Big News sought further comment from The Boppy Co. regarding this matter.

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