Safety officials are warning parents not to use Leachco Podster Infant Loungers, Podster Plush, Bummzie and Podster Playtime after 2 babies suffocated to death.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Leachco Podster Infant Lounger induced injury cases in all 50 states. If your baby was injured, suffocated or died in an infant lounger, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: CPSC Files Lawsuit Leachco After Refusing Recall
In February 2022, the CPSC escalated its effort to force Leachco to recall 180,000 Podster Infant Loungers by filing an administrative lawsuit against the company. According to CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric:
“Filing complaints like this one is a last resort when a manufacturer fails to respond to the type of safety concerns raised in this case, yet in the interest of protecting consumers we were left with no other options.”
Leachco insists that the Podster is not a sleep product for babies. Even so, parents and caregivers commonly use pillow-like loungers like the Podster for unsupervised infant sleep. At least 2 babies died when they were allowed to sleep on a Podster – a “parent’s worst nightmare,” the CPSC said.
Safety Warning After 2 Babies Die in Podster Infant Loungers
In January 2022, safety officials warned consumers to stop using Leachco Podster Infant Loungers after 2 babies suffocated when they changed position and their noses and mouths were blocked by the Podster or another object:
“Infant loungers like Podsters are not safe for sleep. Babies should always be placed to sleep on their back. Babies who fall asleep in an inclined or upright position should be moved to a safe sleep environment.”
What is the Problem?
Babies can suffocate on lounging pillows, pads, or “Podster” loungers if they roll, move, or are put on the lounger in a way that makes it hard to breathe. Babies can also roll off the Podster and suffocate against other objects, such as another pillow, blanket, or soft bedding.
Types of of Podsters
Leachco Inc. manufactures the following Podster Infant Loungers:
- Podster
- Podster Plush
- Bummzie
- Podster Playtime
What Happened?
At least 2 infants who were placed on a Podster suffocated to death when, due to a change in position, their noses and mouths were obstructed by the Podster or another object. The infants, 17-days old and 4-months old, died in January 2018 and December 2015.
Leachco Refuses Voluntary Podster Recall
Leachco has refused to recall the Podster Infant Lounger voluntarily, despite demands from the CPSC. Instead, the company said “The Podster® is not a sleep product,” and it has “clear warnings on the product and its packaging not to place it in a bed or crib or use it for unsupervised sleep.” The CPSC told the company that it believes all infant loungers, including the Podster®, are not safe because caregivers ignore the warnings and use them for unsupervised sleep.
What is the Podster Infant Lounger?
The Podster Lounger is a baby pillow that is advertised to provide a “cozy caress for infants,” and the “deeply contoured sides help keep baby in place.” Unfortunately, babies have died when they moved out of place and got trapped with their face against the soft fabric sides.
Where Were They Sold?
Since 2009, approximately 180,000 Podsters have been sold by major retailers, such as amazon.com, Walmart, Macy’s, Buy Buy Baby, Bed Bath & Beyond, and more. They have a padded insert and a removable cover. The Podsters measure between 71 and 75-inches in circumference and have dimensions of ~23.75 x 21.5 x 8 inches.
Other Safety Warnings for Baby Loungers
Another CPSC safety warning was published in October 2020, warning: “Do not allow infants to sleep on nursing pillows or other pillow-like products.”
“CPSC is warning parents and caregivers that pillow-like infant products, including nursing pillows and “lounging pads,” are not designed for sleep and are not safe for sleep.
3.3 Million Boppy Newborn Loungers Recalled After 8 Deaths
The Podster is not the only baby lounging product that has been linked to infant deaths. In September 2021, around 3.3 million Boppy Newborn Loungers were recalled after 8 infants suffocated to death. The problem is that 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.
Do I have a Leachco Podster Infant Lounger Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Leachco Podster Infant Lounger induced injury cases in all 50 states. If your baby was injured, suffocated or died in an infant lounger, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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