Some 30,000 Nap Nanny portable baby recliners have been recalled after a four-month-old baby fell over the side, became entrapped, and died. The recliner had been placed inside a crib, which goes against the instructions. In its recall announcement, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the manufacturers, Baby Matters LLC, of Berwyn, Pa., say they’ve received 22 reports of young infants–mostly younger than five months–hanging or falling over the side of the recliner, even though they were harnessed in.

Baby Matters emphasizes in the recall notice (and in the instructions that come with the product) that Nap Nanny is not supposed to be used inside a crib, play yard, or other confined space, since the baby could become trapped and suffocate. And the company warns against using the Nap Nanny on top of any surface from which the baby could fall. Instead, it should be used only on the floor.

The recalled Nap Nannys were sold at toy and children's retail stores nationwide and online from January 2009 through July 2010 for about $130. First generation Nap Nanny models bought before August 15, 2009 didn’t have D-rings for the harness. If you own one of those, stop using it immediately and contact the firm to receive an $80 coupon towards the purchase of a new Nap Nanny. If you have the newer version with the D-rings, stop using the product and log on to the firm's website to obtain new product instructions and warnings. You can also watch a video that shows how to properly fasten the harness. Contact the firm at (888) 240-4282 or www.napnanny.com/recall to receive free copies by mail.