What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for specific infant swings manufactured and sold under the brand name Honey Joy. This action centers on products that were marketed with the intention of allowing infants to sleep, but which failed to meet critical federal safety standards designed to keep babies safe during rest. The recall affects units sold exclusively through Amazon.com, meaning if you purchased this item from a physical retail store or another website, it is not included in this specific advisory.
The affected products are the Honey Joy infant swings, specifically identified by model numbers BB5569US-GR (gray) and BB5569US-BE (beige). These swings are constructed from a combination of metal and plastic materials and feature a cloth seat designed for comfort. Visually, the product is distinct: "Babyjoy" is clearly displayed on the front of the swing unit as well as on the seat label, which serves as a primary identifier for consumers checking their home inventory. The physical dimensions of the swings are approximately 28 inches wide by 28 inches high, with a base width of about 24 inches.
Each recalled unit comes equipped with several features intended to entertain and soothe an infant. These include a removable head pillow, a five-point restraint system to keep the child secured, a canopy adorned with hanging toys, and a built-in music function. The seat angle is adjustable, and the swing can be powered either by inserting AAA batteries or by connecting it to an AC adaptor. Additionally, each unit includes a remote control with Bluetooth functionality, allowing parents to operate the swing from a distance.
For those trying to verify if they own one of these units, the model information is crucial. While the instructional literature and packaging identify the product simply as model BB5569, the product registration card that consumers may have saved for their records typically lists the full model number as BB5569US. It is important to check these specific identifiers, as the variation in suffixes can sometimes cause confusion when looking up product details online.
The recall was officially announced on September 21, 2023. At this time, the CPSC has not reported any incidents, injuries, or fatalities associated with these specific swings. However, the decision to recall them is based on a violation of federal law rather than confirmed harm. The company Honey Joy and Amazon are actively contacting all known purchasers to inform them of the hazard and to facilitate the return process.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a conflict between how the product was marketed and what physics dictates is safe for an infant’s developing body. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has determined that the HONEY JOY infant swings violate the Safe Sleep for Babies Act because they were marketed for infant sleep while featuring an incline angle greater than 10 degrees. To understand why this specific measurement matters, it helps to look at the anatomy of a baby and the mechanics of gravity.
Newborns and young infants lack the neck strength and muscle control required to hold their heads upright or reposition their bodies independently. When an infant is placed in a semi-reclined position—anywhere between sitting up and lying flat—their heavy head tends to fall forward due to gravity. In a swing designed with an incline steeper than 10 degrees, this forward flexion can cause the chin to press against the chest. This physical positioning narrows or completely blocks the airway, making it difficult or impossible for the baby to breathe. This is known as positional asphyxia.
The danger is compounded by the nature of infant movement. As babies grow, they begin to roll from their backs to their stomachs or sides, often without conscious control. If an unrestrained infant rolls in an inclined seat, their center of gravity shifts in a way that can further restrict breathing or cause them to slump into a position where the airway is compromised. The recall notice highlights that infant fatalities have occurred in similar inclined sleepers when infants rolled from their back to their stomach or side while unrestrained. Even if the baby remains on their back, the incline itself creates pressure points and angles that can impede normal respiration over time.
Furthermore, the HONEY JOY swings violate the Safety Standard for Infant Swings, which sets strict guidelines on seat angles to prevent these exact scenarios. Federal standards generally require that any surface intended for infant sleep must be flat to ensure the airway remains open and unobstructed. By marketing a product with a significant incline as suitable for sleep, the manufacturer created a situation where parents might inadvertently place their babies in a hazardous position, believing it to be safe because the swing is designed for "resting." The combination of a steep angle, the potential for the baby to slump or roll, and the lack of immediate physical resistance creates a suffocation risk that is both silent and sudden.
It is important to note that while no incidents have been reported with this specific model yet, the violation of federal safety standards indicates a fundamental design flaw relative to current infant safety science. The mechanism of harm does not require a malfunctioning motor or broken part; it is inherent in the geometry of the seat when used for the purpose it was advertised: sleep.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at immediate risk from this Honey Joy infant swing recall consists of babies and infants who are being used as the product’s intended audience: those sleeping or resting in an inclined position. While the swing is marketed as a device for relaxation and entertainment, the core danger lies in its design relative to the physiological vulnerabilities of young children. Specifically, the hazard targets infants who are placed in the seat with the expectation that they will rest or sleep safely. Because the product was marketed for infant sleep but features an incline angle greater than 10 degrees, it directly contradicts the Safe Sleep for Babies Act. This legal and safety standard exists because flat, firm surfaces are the only safe environment for infant sleep. Any deviation from this flat plane introduces a significant gravitational risk that infants cannot yet overcome on their own.
The vulnerability is particularly acute for babies who have not yet developed full head control or the ability to reposition themselves independently. When an infant lies in an inclined sleeper, gravity pulls their body downward. If the baby’s head falls forward due to a lack of muscular strength, their chin can press against their chest, a position known as positional asphyxia. This can obstruct their airway without any external object blocking it. Furthermore, the recall notice highlights that infant fatalities have occurred in similar inclined sleepers when infants rolled from their back to their stomach or side while unrestrained. Even if the swing includes a five-point restraint system, an infant’s momentum during rolling can shift their center of gravity in ways that compromise breathing, especially if their airway is already compromised by the angle of the seat.
This risk is not limited to infants who are actively sleeping. Babies who are merely resting or dozing off while being entertained by the swing’s music or toys are also at risk. The allure of the hanging toys and the gentle motion may lull a caregiver into letting their guard down, allowing the infant to slip into a deeper sleep in an unsafe position. Because the product violates federal safety standards for infant swings, it lacks the necessary structural integrity and angle restrictions designed to keep an infant’s airway open during any state of rest. Therefore, any baby under the age where they can reliably sit up unassisted and maintain head control is potentially vulnerable. There have been no reported incidents as of the recall date, but the potential for harm is inherent in the design flaw itself, making every user of this specific model a part of the at-risk population until the product is removed from their home.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you purchased an infant swing from Amazon.com and are wondering whether your specific unit is part of this recall, the first step is to verify both the brand and the exact model number. This recall specifically targets products manufactured by HONEY JOY COMPANY. You can confirm the brand by looking at the packaging or the product itself; the name "Babyjoy" is prominently displayed on the front of the swings as well as on the seat label. If your swing features this branding, it is essential to proceed with checking the model details, as other infant swings from different manufacturers are not included in this specific safety notice.
The critical identifier for this recall is the model number, which can be slightly confusing due to variations between the packaging and the product registration card. The recalled models are specifically BB5569US-GR (in gray) and BB5569US-BE (in beige). However, if you are looking at the instructional literature that came with the swing, it may simply identify the model as BB5569. Similarly, if you saved your product registration card for your records, it might list the model as BB5569US. To be certain, you should look for the full model number printed on the original packaging or check the label attached to the swing itself. If you cannot find these documents, the physical characteristics of the swing will help confirm whether it matches the recalled items.
Physically, the recalled infant swings are constructed from a combination of metal and plastic materials with a cloth seat. They measure approximately 28 inches wide by 28 inches high, with a base width of about 24 inches. These swings come equipped with several distinct features that can help you identify them: a head pillow, a five-point restraint system, a canopy with hanging toys, a music function, and an adjustable seat. The unit is designed to be powered by either AAA batteries or an AC adaptor and includes a remote control with Bluetooth functionality. If your swing matches these physical descriptions and falls within the gray or beige color options, it is highly likely to be part of this recall.
Finally, consider where and when you made your purchase. This recall applies to infant swings sold exclusively on Amazon.com. Even if you do not have the original box or receipt, HONEY JOY and Amazon are actively contacting all known purchasers of these specific models. However, taking immediate action to verify your product is the safest approach. If you identify your swing as one of the recalled models, stop using it immediately and contact HONEY JOY for instructions on receiving a full refund and properly disposing of the product.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled HONEY JOY infant swings, your immediate priority is to ensure the safety of the child who would use it. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is clear and urgent: you must stop using the swing immediately. Do not leave it in the nursery or living room for "just in case" later. The hazard involves a violation of the Safe Sleep for Babies Act, specifically because the product was marketed for infant sleep but has an incline angle greater than 10 degrees. This design creates a suffocation risk if an infant rolls from their back to their stomach or side while unrestrained. Therefore, the very first step is to unplug the device, detach any batteries, and move it out of reach of children entirely. It should not be used for naps, overnight sleep, or even supervised playtime until you have resolved this issue through the official remedy process. Once the swing is safely removed from the child’s environment, your next step is to initiate the refund process. HONEY JOY and Amazon are both contacting known purchasers, but you should not wait for them to reach out if you want to act quickly. You can contact HONEY JOY directly via email at honeyjoyrecall@hotmail.com. Alternatively, you may visit their official recall pages on Amazon by navigating to www.amazon.com/stores/page/7819DFE1-4BA7-461E-A3CB-B3119C0F57F4 or www.amazon.com/stores/page/3AD84AC7-8A2C-402F-B205-F6D434FA6C53. On these pages, click on the "More" option in the menu bar and then select "Recall" to access further instructions. The remedy offered is a full refund, which means you will not be out of pocket for this defective product. Follow the specific instructions provided through these channels to receive your reimbursement and guidance on how to properly dispose of the swing. Proper disposal is the final critical step in this process. Because the swing poses a suffocation hazard, it cannot simply be donated to a thrift store, given away to friends or family, or placed in a standard curbside recycling bin. Doing so could put another family at risk. You must dispose of the product in a way that prevents any other person from using it. This typically involves breaking down the swing so that the seat and frame cannot be reassembled for sleeping purposes. By following these steps—stopping use, contacting the manufacturer or retailer for a refund, and ensuring safe disposal—you are taking concrete action to protect your child and others from a known, serious safety violation.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the recalled HONEY JOY infant swings, the most important takeaway regarding your next steps is that there is no option to keep the product with a simple fix or modification. Because the core issue involves a fundamental safety violation related to how the swing was designed and marketed for infant sleep, the remedy provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and HONEY JOY is straightforward: you are entitled to a full refund. The company is not offering repairs, partial credits, or store credit as alternative solutions. Instead, they have arranged for consumers to receive their complete money back, provided they also agree to properly dispose of the hazardous item. This approach ensures that the dangerous product does not remain in circulation, either through resale, donation, or continued use in another home.
To initiate this process, you should contact HONEY JOY directly. The recall notice specifies several ways to reach them. You can send an email to honeyjoyrecall@hotmail.com, which is likely the most efficient method for documenting your request and receiving written confirmation of your refund instructions. Alternatively, if you prefer to navigate through Amazon’s interface, you can visit their official store pages dedicated to this recall. These are located at www.amazon.com/stores/page/7819DFE1-4BA7-461E-A3CB-B3119C0F57F4 and www.amazon.com/stores/page/3AD84AC7-8A2C-402F-B205-F6D434FA6C53. On these pages, you will need to click on the "More" option in the menu bar and then select "Recall" to find the specific instructions for your purchase.
It is worth noting that HONEY JOY and Amazon are also actively reaching out to all known purchasers of these models. If you bought the swing directly from Amazon, you may receive an automated email or notification with a prepaid return label and detailed instructions on how to ship the item back. However, do not wait passively for this communication if it does not arrive within a reasonable timeframe. Proactively contacting the company ensures your refund is processed without delay and confirms that you have followed the official recall protocol.
Once you have received your refund instructions, please remember that part of the remedy involves proper disposal. You should not attempt to sell, give away, or resell the swing on second-hand marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. Doing so would put other families at risk. Instead, follow the specific disposal guidelines provided by HONEY JOY when you contact them, which may include breaking down the unit to prevent reuse before discarding it in your regular trash. By taking these steps, you are not only securing your financial reimbursement but also helping to keep other infants safe from the suffocation hazards associated with inclined sleepers.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using the Honey Joy infant swing. These devices are designed to be soothing and convenient, offering parents a much-needed break while keeping their baby entertained or asleep. The music function, the gentle motion, and the comfortable cloth seat create a calming environment that many families grow dependent on. However, ignoring this recall is not just a minor inconvenience; it is a significant safety risk that cannot be mitigated by simply adjusting the angle or adding extra padding. The core issue with this specific product is not a mechanical failure like a loose screw or a broken battery cover, but a fundamental design conflict with federal sleep safety standards.
The recalled swings violate the Safe Sleep for Babies Act because they are marketed for infant sleep while featuring an incline angle greater than 10 degrees. This might seem like a small detail, but in infant physiology and physics, it is a critical difference. When a baby lies on an inclined surface, gravity naturally pulls their head forward. Because infants do not yet have the neck strength to lift and hold their heads up steadily against this pull, their chin can drop toward their chest. This position, known as positional asphyxia, restricts the airway even if the baby is breathing normally. The danger escalates rapidly if the infant rolls from their back to their stomach or side while unrestrained. On a flat surface, a baby who rolls onto their stomach can typically lift their head and breathe freely. On an incline, however, their body position can trap them in a way that blocks their airway completely.
While the CPSC has not reported any specific incidents or injuries related to this particular batch of Honey Joy swings at this time, the risk is real and well-documented in broader pediatric safety research. Infant fatalities have occurred in similar inclined sleepers when babies rolled over while unrestrained or under other circumstances where their airway was compromised. The five-point restraint system included with the swing is designed to keep the child secure during play, but it does not prevent the head-forward collapse that leads to suffocation on an inclined plane. By continuing to use this product for sleep, you are relying on a device that has been deemed unsafe by federal regulators specifically because of its ability to facilitate these fatal positions.
The consequence of ignoring this recall is that you are exposing your child to a known, unmitigated hazard. There is no "wait and see" approach when it comes to suffocation risks. The remedy offered—a full refund and proper disposal instructions—is the only way to ensure your home environment complies with current safety standards. Please do not attempt to modify the swing or use it for short naps while you wait for a replacement, as the incline remains the primary danger. Your peace of mind is worth far more than the temporary convenience of this device; removing it eliminates the risk entirely.