Hatch Baby Sound Machine Class Action: Electric Shock Risk Alleged

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit has been filed against Hatch Baby, alleging the company failed to disclose a defect in the power cord of its Rest Sound Machine that could pose an electric shock risk to users.

Consumers Affected: Individuals who purchased the first-generation Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York

Hatch Baby falsely markets its first-generation Rest Sound Machine, a product geared toward babies and young children, by failing to disclose the risk of electric shock, a new lawsuit claims. 

The lawsuit claims that Hatch did not warn users about a defect in the power adapter that could expose live prongs, posing a significant safety risk. The product, marketed with an emphasis on child safety and expert design, has been recalled after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission highlighted the issue, but Hatch Baby failed to make consumers aware, the lawsuit alleges.

Hatch Baby Sound Machine Recall: Lawsuit Claims Consumers Misled

Tracy Bott filed the proposed class action lawsuit against the company after she unknowingly bought one of the dodgy sounds machines in 2022, she said. She said she relied on Hatch’s assurances that it was a high-quality and safe product designed with babies’ needs in mind. 

According to the lawsuit, Bott was unaware of any issues with the power adapter until she came across a recall notice in online news articles and on social media. The recall cited the risk of electric shock due to a defect that could cause the power adapter’s plastic casing to detach, exposing the live prongs. 

Bott claims that, given the product’s marketing as safe for babies and young children, she assumed it would be free of any safety flaws. She said she was blindsided by the recall notice and received less than what she paid for due to buying an unsafe product.

CPSC Recall Highlights Electric Shock Hazard in Hatch Baby Sound Machines

On July 3, the CPSC announced the recall of approximately 919,400 Hatch Baby Rest 1st Generation Sound Machines. The recall, which aimed to prevent electric shock incidents, was initiated after reports surfaced of issues with the power adapter. 

The defect reportedly causes the outer casing to break away, potentially exposing the AC prongs, making it hazardous when used. Hatch has since advised consumers to stop using the product immediately.

However, the lawsuit argues that Hatch’s recall has been insufficient, reaching only a limited number of users through online notices, which may not effectively address the safety risk for all owners of the affected units. The class action claims that a more comprehensive solution is needed to ensure consumer safety.

Other Baby Product Manufacturers Face Similar Legal Challenges

Hatch Baby isn’t alone in facing legal action as a baby product manufacturer. Recently, Mattel and Fisher-Price faced a class action alleging their Snuga Swing products posed a suffocation risk. Fisher-Price has also been scrutinized in the past. In 2019, the company recalled its Rock 'n Play Sleeper after multiple infant fatalities were linked to its design, leading to a $19 million settlement.

Similar lawsuits have been filed against Nested Bean for allegedly misleading consumers about the safety of weighted sleep sacks and swaddles. Additionally, Kids2 faces legal claims that their Ingenuity Dream bassinets create a heightened suffocation risk due to design flaws that allow infants to roll or shift position unsafely.

In the Hatch Baby sound machine class action lawsuit, Bott wants to represent consumers nationwide in her claims of violations of New York business laws and breach of warranty. She is seeking damages, fees, and costs.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Bott v. Hatch Baby, Inc.
• Case Number: 2:24-cv-07135-ST  
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Philip J. Furia and Jason P. Sultzer (Sultzer & Lipari, PLLC)

Do you own a Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.