Amby Hammock Recall...

[Beach Mama]

Aww fanks Mel and LR! Lovely to see you guys too! Have to say it's a fleeting visit! I do read a bit but that's it! I just felt really wanted people to be aware of this hence my post Shanti - took me a few minutes to hit post TBH!!

I have emailed as well and will see what they say.

[briggsy's girl]

I got this reply this morning

Hi
2 babies died in the hammock in the US. Heartbreaking as it was, they both died with some evidence that the hammock was misused (not used or set up according to directions or both). However, the US Consumer Affairs regards it simply as deaths in the hammock. Under the circumstances, however, there is no total recall, just a repair kit to make sure that parents set up the hammock properly.
The Amby has been sold over 20 years in Australia and in Europe without as much as a serious injury reported. I invented it for my baby daughter 20 years ago. Now we have 12 week old twins who both sleep exclusively in the Amby
However, if you are concerned, use the hammock without the mattress. This will make it extremely hard for your baby to roll over.We will also send you a repair kit when we get it
Hope this helps

i figured it may have been due to the product not being used correctly - but that was never going to be reported correctly by the media.

i guess it's a timely warning that we need to be vigilant no matter where our babies sleep and keep an eye on them - and use their bedding correctly.

this won't put me off using the hammock for another baby if we have one - it's just something we need to be aware of. i would probably still be using it for DD now (if she would sleep in it) except for the fact that she refused to sleep in it - she likes a solid base to sleep on so has been in our bed or her cot all along...

[~Trish~]

Thanks for sharing Tan .

I used our Amby for our DS1 until he was almost 2 , luckily he never tried to roll over in it, he was too busy bouncing himself in it LOL. I am currently using it for DD for her day naps and the recall hasn't made me want to stop. Like everyone has said, if it is used correctly and bub isn't rolling in it, then it should be fine. This is my own opinion and I think everyone needs to do what they think is best for them

Amby hammocks are indeed an Australian product, I've emailed/chatted a few times to the inventor Ambrose. If you contact Amby you will receive an email directly from him, I'm pretty sure he runs it mostly by himself in QLD.

[Taurean]

I wonder what they did to use it incorrectly? Maybe they put their babies on their side. Hmm

Off the topic slightly but given there are a few hanmock users in this thread, how do you go getting your babies to sleep in a cot during the day instead of a hammock? I've posted a thread specifically about this (in the Baby and Toddler General Discussion forum) but I've had no replies. Any advice would be great!

[Lolli]

Hmmm, I've been wondering that too Taurean....

I know in the brochure it does say to sleep babies with their arms unwrapped, maybe this is part of the reason why- so theycan't flip themselves so easily?

[Boo Boo]

Gosh, I used an Amby Hammock until DS was 9 months, and he was rolling, TBH I am put off using one if we have anymore babies now.

Thank you so much for posting this Tan.

L x

[Beach Mama]

I just got the same reply as BG, however mine also stated "We will send you a repair kit when we get it. This repair kit will serve to minimise the lateral tilting of the hammock". Interesting, clearly there is a some issue with it even after 20 years as the tilt is a factor for it being unsafe, if it wasn't why would they be providing the repair kit?

I also take a bit of issue with "the US Consumer Affairs regards it simply as deaths in the hammock" ...well the deaths WERE in the hammock. I'd like to know what they were doing for it to be used incorrectly? You can't sleep them tummy down in it so what else can be done incorrectly? and "If you are concerned, use it without the mattress"...um there is no way I would use it without the mattress, the sides would sag in completely around the baby - far more unsafe as far as I'm concerned, anyway the info is out there and people can decide what they want to do based on the info I guess.

[~Trish~]

Yep, and good on you for posting about it Tan, I think it's only fair that all Amby hammock users have this info

[Lolli]

Yep, and good on you for posting about it Tan, I think it's only fair that all Amby hammock users have this info

:yeahthat: Thanks again Tan

[rivers]

I also take a bit of issue with "the US Consumer Affairs regards it simply as deaths in the hammock" ...well the deaths WERE in the hammock. I'd like to know what they were doing for it to be used incorrectly? You can't sleep them tummy down in it so what else can be done incorrectly? and "If you are concerned, use it without the mattress"...um there is no way I would use it without the mattress, the sides would sag in completely around the baby - far more unsafe as far as I'm concerned, anyway the info is out there and people can decide what they want to do based on the info I guess.

Sorry for this long post but i feel really strong about all of this...

I am one of the original users of the Amby Baby Hammock nearly 20 years ago! What has happened this year is very sad indeed and hope that this does not stop the wonderful benefits enjoyed by so many parents for 2 decades. It's almost unbelievable ...

I suppose it's about as surprising as suddenly finding out that a carseat needs a new part, or a crib is suddenly declared dangerous after working fine for years.

Of course the safety of children is paramount but do not not think that there is anything wrong with the Amby Baby Hammock when used correctly, at least not in my opinion.

My heart goes out to the families involved in the recent events but it's simply not fair to attribute the hammock to what happened. In both cases there is irrefutable evidence that the Hammock had been assembled and used incorrectly. And as for the 20 years of hammock use by over 100,000 babies, where nothing has happened to the babies sleeping in them.. does that not stand for something?

I found this link on http://www.ambyhammock.co.uk/ambysafetyconcerns.html

this is the details of the cases which you must read..



Tragically in 2009 we have assisted in the investigation into two infant fatalities in the USA in which in both cases it has become apparent that the Hammock has been assembled and used incorrectly.

Case 1 In June 2009 the baby had received five vaccinations two days prior to the accident and on the day of the accident was given painkiller’s before being placed on her side in the hammock not on her back as instructed, photographic evidence also proved the Amby had been assembled incorrectly.

Case 2 in August 2009 the Amby was purchased second hand from eBay and was used without the Amby Stand; the Sling was suspended from the ceiling in the baby’s room which also doubled as the laundry room housing the washing machine and dryer. The baby was placed in the sling the wrong way round with the head placed at the foot end of the sling.




There have been many tragedies in western bassinets sometimes due to incorrect use, and sometimes due to the coincidence that that is where the baby was sleeping at the time. Unfortunately the number is in thousands, worldwide, yet we dont ban bassinets or cots. Is it because the Amby Baby Hammock dares to be different to western traditions of cot or bassinets?.



A couple of people on forums posted that the Amby Baby Hammock looks dangerous.. umm.. like how? what exactly looks unsafe? Its safe and sturdy when I used it for two babies, it doesnt collapse, there are no sharp corners or hard bits, it doesnt emit fumes...indeed the hammock part itself is soft and bounces ever so gently.. .. you are just "imagining" that it looks unsafe just because its different.

It is very difficult for a baby to turn over in the hammock because of the hammocks configuration. And if they are indeed strong enough to turn over, surely the baby would ba able to instinctly be able to raise their heads to breath. My two babies never did turn over. Of course when they were toddler, they can move around more.

Hammocks have been used for centuries, and still are in many countries. They are safe if used corrrectly.

If one is really concerned (which you shouldnt be), you can use the baby bed as a day bed whilst you are to watch the baby ... think of the benefits of the bed.. there is nothing worse than to have a baby crying incessantly and not feeding well because of sleeping deprivation. Its such a great baby pacifier. I dont know what i would have done in the day time (and night time).. there would have been a hundred times that I would have said... what if i didnt see that ad for the hammock

Should my own children have babies when they are older, I will be looking to buy a new hammock for them with absolutely no hesitation. I remember saying many many times how wonderful an invention it is.. how i managed to get through the night on so many occasions, and bless the man that had the courage to introduce this very tradition to the western world.

I hope that people come to their senses and let the hammock continue to be used into the future.

There is nothing unsafe about the hammock in my opinion and indeed and ive read and hear from so many parents just how fantastic it is. It's just an unfortunate situation that has incorrectly attributed some tragedies to the product.

It's a bit like saying that if someone drives a car incorrectly and many do that we should ban cars

or.. the story of the person that took off the microwave door, and rigged it to continue to function, and subsequently got cancer.. should we ban the use of microwave ovens.

probably many other stories where unrelated behaviour is incorrectly attributed to the product itself, when the product in correct use is NOT INTRINSICALLY UNSAFE AT ALL.

Any product whether it is for a baby or an adult, or a family or a pet, must be used correctly or indeed if something happens, it may indeed not be the product that was the direct cause.

Over 50,000 ambys have been sold and used worldwide. and in my understanding no reported major incidents. The safety record has been impeccable for the company. Im not that good at maths but if you have over 2,000 SIDS cases every year in other sleeping devices, then you can argue that the Amby Baby Hammock may be more safe from that respect. On the stats of .8% of babies suffering SIDs, then in 50,000 hammocks sold (or 100,000 babies using the hammock) wouldnt you expect more than 100 sids cases with babies sleeping in the hammock if there was any kind of link. So for mine, id much rather have a baby sleeping in a hammock than in any other "device".

If you read some of the worldwide sites you will see this

The Amby Baby Hammock has been sold worldwide since 1989, when I invented it for my daughter. Current sales figures for the year ending 2008 were in excess of 12000 Amby Hammocks sold worldwide.

Between 1989 and 2008, with over 50,000 sales, the Amby has achieved a remarkable safety record with no major incidents of injury or harm throughout the intervening nineteen years. This in itself is a record that we are justly proud of when you consider that in the USA alone there are sadly, approximately 2000 cases of SIDS every year. Most parents, Child Care Centres and Maternity Hospitals who have used or are currently using the Amby Hammock will testify to the fact that the Amby has had enormous benefits for reflux, collicky and generally fussy babies who suffer from chronic sleep deprivation.

Tragically in late 2009 we have assisted in the investigation into two infant fatalities in the USA. In both cases there is irrefutable evidence that the Hammock has been assembled and used incorrectly. Any infant death is a tragedy of immeasurable proportions and my most sincere condolences go to the families of these two infants.




=====

I beg everyone to be sensible when evaluating the use of the wonderful product. Before you make a decision research the facts..

It is such a shame and indeed a tragedy in itself that a government body can scare people into not using the product. Or in the case of Canada not allow the sale of the safety kit!!! And, the Canadian Safety Authority in a statement has said quite clearly.. "To date, Health Canada has not received any reports of incidents or injuries in Canada related to these products"

I think its every parents right to evaluate what is is or isnt safe for their infant, and whatever sleeping device they use, be responsible with all aspects of the babies' care.

I wish somehow there could be a way of starting a discussion amongst those 50,000 parents that have used the hammock successfully - and safely. Perhaps an Amby Users Support Group
.
And then a million more Amby Hammocks will be sold in the future to the delight and comfort and safety of parents and babies alike. Many babies do sleep better in the hammock and thats best for them and the baby.

[HotI]

I found this on the UK Amby website. It contains more details on the circumstances of the deaths of the two bubs in the US

http://www.ambyhammock.co.uk/ambysafetyconcerns.html

AMBY SAFETY CONCERNS.

Safety Concerns

Dear Parent
We have received an enquiry from an expectant mother regarding the safety of the Amby Nature’s Nest, due to reported fatalitys in the United States of America.
We were obviously extremely concerned and immediately contacted the Head of Amby worldwide Mr Ambrose Hooi and the Chief Executive of Amby USA Mr Craig Patonode for advice and a statement on future use.

The following is a text of the statement:

Dear colleague
We have recently been made aware of postings on internet forums regarding the safety of the Amby Baby Hammock.

The Amby Baby Hammock has been sold worldwide since 1989, current sales figures for the year ending 2008 were in excess of twelve Thousand Hammocks sold worldwide the majority of which were sold in the United States of America.

Between 1989 and 2008 the Amby has achieved a remarkable safety record with no major incidents of injury or harm throughout the intervening nineteen years which is a record that we are justly proud of when you consider that in the USA alone there are sadly, approximately Two Thousand and Five Hundred cases of SIDS every Year.

Tragically in 2009 we have assisted in the investigation into two infant fatalities in the USA in which in both cases it has become apparent that the Hammock has been assembled and used incorrectly.

Case 1 In June 2009 the baby had received five vaccinations two days prior to the accident and on the day of the accident was given painkiller’s before being placed on her side in the hammock not on her back as instructed, photographic evidence also proved the Amby had been assembled incorrectly.

Case 2 in August 2009 the Amby was purchased second hand from eBay and was used without the Amby Stand; the Sling was suspended from the ceiling in the baby’s room which also doubled as the laundry room housing the washing machine and dryer. The baby was placed in the sling the wrong way round with the head placed at the foot end of the sling.

Any infant death is a tragedy of immeasurable proportions and my most sincere condolences go to the families of these two infants.

In both cases there is irrefutable evidence that the Amby was not assembled or used correctly and there has been no further incidents worldwide.

It is my firm commitment to ensure that the Amby Baby Hammock is the safest infant bed available and I have instructed my engineers to find a solution which would prevent the Amby from being incorrectly assembled. I hope to make a further announcement on this in the near future.


Statistically it is my firm belief that the Amby Baby Hammock is the safest Infant bed available on the market. It has been safety tested and certified in countries around the world and the benefits of the Amby have continued to be recognized by the many awards we receive annually.
I have recently become the father of twins and my babies sleep exclusively in the Amby.
If I had the slightest doubt that this wonderful product could be harmful to babies I would remove them from the market immediately.

I shall announce any further developments and answer any particular concerns through the Australian Website, Baby Bed - Amby Baby - Natures Nest Mobile Baby Hammock - the bed that soothes baby to sleep : babies with crying colic refux problems
enquiries@babyhammock.com

Yours Sincerely
Ambrose Hooi
Chairman and Managing Director
Amby Baby Hammocks Pty
PO Box 805
Kenmore
Queensland 4069
Australia

[~Trish~]

Thanks Kate

How tragic for the families that lost their bubs

[NaeNae]

Thanks to both Tan and Katei was really starting to worry as we use the amby hammock for dd day naps. Without seeming too heartless, its a timely reminder when it comes to the safety of your baby to only ever use products as per the instructions. A horrible lesson for the families involved those poor little angels.

[Lolli]

Poor babies It's funny, I was looking on Ebay yesterday and saw Amby sheet sets that a woman hand makes, but they don't have the velcro on them, so they can be used be used both sides. I'm tempted to email her a copy of these articles...

[HotI]

Poor babies It's funny, I was looking on Ebay yesterday and saw Amby sheet sets that a woman hand makes, but they don't have the velcro on them, so they can be used be used both sides. I'm tempted to email her a copy of these articles...

I actually found the above letter when i was trying to find out how Amby make their sheets, because i had also seen the e-bay ad. I am making sheets for the mattress but decided to leave the back open so that the velcro would still stick.

[GoingtobebiginAsia]

I have done the full range of emotions reading this thread. First horror, then relief as more information came to light. But now I'm just a bit ticked off.
I bought an Amby hammock on ebay. The seller had lost the original instructions and the packaging so he just drew a picture of how to assemble. That was all fine, except DD kept sliding down in it, til she was in a half-sitting position. I sent an email to the Amby website and got no reply. No one on BellyBelly could help either.
Finally, after a lot of tinkering around I realised the sides weren't inserted into the little holder bit at the top. No more sliding, no help from Amby though.
We packed up the hammock and have moved back to Vietnam. We're using it as DD's fulltime bed. This week she started to roll and I'm worried about what will happen during the night. I have no idea which is the head end and which is the foot end. I assumed the Amby label was the foot end. But now I'm worried about putting DD in danger because I bought second-hand baby stuff that didn't have instructions. (Didn't know there were no instructions at the time of purchase.)
I bought the hammock because I didn't want to put the baby in a locally-made bed or cot because I don't trust the safety standards here.

[~Trish~]

Oh, how frustrating GTBIA! Your bub's head should be at the opposite end of the front opening panel. So your bub's feet should be where the opening flap (with a zip or velcro) is. I hope that makes sense!

ETA - I used our Amby for DS1 until he was almost two and he never rolled over in it. DD is using it atm during the day, she can roll, but so far hasn't rolled over in the Amby either