Fisher-Price and Mattel Face Multiple Settlements Following Infant Product Safety Concerns
Fisher-Price and parent company Mattel are navigating a series of high-profile legal settlements and new lawsuits related to infant products linked to multiple deaths, according to recent court filings and company announcements.
$19 Million Rock ‘n Play Sleeper Class Action Settlement Finalized
Fisher-Price and Mattel finalized a $19 million settlement in January to resolve consumer claims related to the controversial Rock ‘n Play Sleeper, a product linked to over 100 infant deaths before its eventual recall.
The settlement, which received final court approval on Jan. 28, provides compensation ranging from $10 to the full purchase price for affected consumers, depending on proof of purchase and current ownership status. The agreement also includes provisions requiring current owners to disable the product to prevent further use.
This settlement represents a significant step toward accountability, though no amount of money can adequately address the tragic losses suffered by families”
– said consumer safety advocate Regina Martinez, who has monitored the case closely.
Consumers who purchased the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper between September 2009 and April 2019 are eligible for compensation under the terms of the settlement. The product was recalled in April 2019 after being on the market for a decade.
$16.9 Million Shareholder Derivative Settlement Pending Approval
In a separate but related case, Mattel agreed to a $16.9 million settlement on Jan. 7 in a shareholder derivative lawsuit. This legal action alleged that the company’s directors failed in their fiduciary duties by not adequately overseeing the safety of the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper.
Beyond the monetary component, the settlement includes significant corporate governance reforms aimed at preventing similar issues in the future. These include:
- Formalizing a dedicated head of product quality and safety position
- Enhanced oversight by Mattel’s Governance and Social Responsibility Committee
- Implementation of improved safety review protocols
A hearing for court approval of this settlement is scheduled for April 1, just two days from now.
New Class Action: Snuga Infant Swings
Further complicating Mattel and Fisher-Price’s legal landscape, February saw the emergence of another class-action lawsuit concerning the company’s Snuga Infant Swings. These products were recalled after being linked to five infant deaths.
The lawsuit alleges that the swings pose significant suffocation risks due to their inclined design and the use of non-breathable materials. Plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, along with injunctive relief to prevent similar product safety issues in the future.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced in early 2025 that more than 2 million Snuga Infant Swings were being recalled due to the suffocation hazard.
Industry-Wide Implications
These legal developments highlight growing scrutiny of infant product safety across the industry. Regulatory bodies, including the CPSC, have increased their oversight of inclined infant sleep products following the Rock ‘n Play controversy.
“These cases demonstrate the critical importance of rigorous safety testing for infant products before they reach the market”
– said Dr. Eleanor Jameson, a pediatric safety researcher at Columbia University.
“These cases demonstrate the critical importance of rigorous safety testing for infant products before they reach the market”
– said Dr. Eleanor Jameson, a pediatric safety researcher at Columbia University.
“The financial settlements are substantial, but the real impact may be in forcing industry-wide changes to product development protocols.”
Fisher-Price and Mattel have not issued public statements regarding the Snuga Infant Swing lawsuit but have previously maintained their commitment to product safety while implementing the terms of the Rock ‘n Play settlements.
Parents who own any of the affected products should visit the CPSC website or the official settlement websites for information about recalls and compensation eligibility.
