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Baby and infant product recalls including cribs, strollers, car seats, and toys. Keep your children safe with the latest safety alerts.
Six Manufacturers Halt Sale Of Baby Gates Commission Announces Agreement with six manufacturers of V-shaped accordion style baby gates to halt voluntarily further production and distribution. The Commission staff believes these gates present a strangulation hazard in the V-shapes along the top edge of the gate and in the diamond-shaped openings in the body of the gate. These gates are commonly used to block entry of infants and children to stairs and other rooms in a home. This action was taken by the Commission after an eighth death involving an accordion style gate occurred in Meridian, Idaho, in October, 1984. In that incident, an 11-month old infant died from strangulation when his head became entrapped in a diamond-shaped opening in the body of an accordion style gate. Since 1975, the Commission is aware of seven additional deaths when children's heads became entrapped either in the V-shaped openings along the top edge or in the diamond-shaped opening of the accordion style gates. There have been at least another 23 non-fatal incidents associated with these gates. The firms that agreed to stop producing and distributing the accordion style gates are Madison Mill Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; Mapes Industries Inc., Great Neck, New York; North States Industries, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Nu-Line Industries Inc., Suring, Wisconsin; Paris Industries, South Paris, Maine; and Worldbest Industries, Cudahy, Wisconsin. The companies stated that these actions are not an admission that these products present a substantial product hazard. At the same time the Commission accepted each firm's proposal to stop production and distribution, it instructed the staff to consider regulatory options if any firms market accordion style gates in their present design after January 31, 1985. In requesting that accordion style gates not be manufactured or distributed by the six firms or any other firm after January 31, 1985, the Commission recognized that other styles of baby gates are available that do not present the strangulation hazard. Examples includes gates with a straight top edge and rigid mesh screen, gates with plastic grids, and gates with vertical slates. Additionally, a number of the six manufacturers are considering future modifications to their accordion style gates which apparently would eliminate the strangulation hazard. The Commission is continuing to work with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, through the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), to develop a voluntary industry-wide standard that addresses the issue of head entrapment and other risks related to all baby gates. The Commission warns consumers of the potential for strangulation in the V-shaped top edge and in the diamond-shaped openings in the body of the accordion-style gates. Consumers are urged to use other style gates which are safer and which do not present the head and neck entrapment hazard. The action taken by the Commission does not affect the estimated 10 to 15 million accordion style gates in use today and does not prevent retailers from continuing to sell accordion style gates now in their inventory.
Baby Walkers Repaired by Century NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Repair is no longer available. Do not use these products. Please discard or destroy these products. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued December 1983; Revised August 27, 2001 Release # 83-063 CPSC and Century Products Announced Repair Program Washington, D.C. --In cooperation with the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Century Products, Inc., of Stow, Ohio, today announced a voluntary repair program involving two models of its super coupe baby walkers. The models involved are No. 8209 and 8210, which were produced between September, 1982 and November, 1982. The Super Coupe Walker contains an adjustment for the seat height which allows the walker to be set at 20 different height settings. When the height setting is adjusted in the low to middle ranges and if force in excess of 20 pounds is applied to the walker, the possibility exists for the walker to collapse. The collapse could result in the infant falling to the floor and the pinching or laceration of the infant's fingers when the unit folds up. The Commission is aware of at least six instances of walker collapse resulting in two lacerations. Century Products, Inc., upon learning of the potential for collapse, notified all retailers and made available to them a repair kit to be placed upon the units before their sale. All affected units in the possession of retailers at the beginning of 1983 were to have undergone repair by the retailer. Century is now advising consumers to check the underside of the walker's plastic tray to see if stickers containing the model number 8209 or 8210 still appear. If so, this may be an indication that the repair was not made. Units containing any other model number are not affected. The repair kit is no longer available. Consumers owning Super Coupe Models 8209 and 8210 should discard or destroy the product. Further information on this repair program may be obtained by calling the company's customer service number at 800-345-4109, or the Consumer Product Safety Commission's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.
Toy Trains Recalled by Janex NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 18, 1983 Release # 83-058 Janex Toy Train Engine Presents Hazards To Infants And Small Children Washington, D.C.--The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Janex Corporation, 19 Wardell Circle, Oceanport, New Jersey, today announced that a musical action crib and pull toy, the Musical Rock-A- Bye Railroad, No. 2010, distributed by the firm, may present choking, aspiration and ingestion hazards because of small parts which can break off. Janex has agreed to provide redesigned toys to consumers as replacements for the No. 2010, to provide a credit for retailers and wholesalers who destroy the product, and to give notice of the hazards. The agreement settles an administrative complaint filed against the firm on August 31, 1983. This toy is a plastic train engine which can be clamped on the rail of the crib or used as a pull toy outside the crib. When the 'smokestack' is wound up, the toy plays music and the rear wheels turn. The train engine is made of blue plastic with pink and white wheels, a red and white smokestack, and a yellow bell. Yellow decals with red printing on each side of the train engine say "Musical ROCK-A-BYE RAILROAD." The toy train engine is approximately 7 l/2 inches high by 7 l/2 inches long and 3 3/4 inches wide. When the Commission tested this toy according to safety requirements for toys, several components including the ball broke off. The Commission staff believes this is a violation of the CPSC Small Parts Requirement which bans small parts in toys intended for children under three years of age. The staff believes the components are small enough to be choking, aspiration, and ingestion hazards to infants and young children. These particular toys have not been involved in any incidents known to the CPSC. The Janex Corporation distributed 50,000 of these toys from April through October 1982. The Rock-A-Bye Railroad sold for approximately $9.97. Consumers should remove these toys from use immediately and contact the company or the retail store where they purchased the toy to obtain a replacement. Retailers and distributors should contact the company as soon as possible to arrange for the destruction of and a credit for products on hand and returned. Only Model.2010 with the yellow bell is involved in this action. Model 2010-A, without the bell, has been redesigned and should not be returned. For further information, consumers may call Janex Corporation at 201-229-8482, or the CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.
Crib Toys Recalled by Durham Industries NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 13, 1983 Release # 83-042 Durham Industries Mickey Mouse Musical Crib Train Toy Recalled Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Durham Industries, Inc. New York, NY, today announced a voluntary recall of approximately 6,200 Mickey Mouse Musical Crib Train Toys, Model 5340/5342, because small parts may break off this toy if it is dropped. These small parts may present a choking, aspiration, or swallowing hazard. CPSC safety standards specify that toys for children under three (3) must not have such small parts. Since June, 1982, approximately 6,200 of these toys have been sold through Toys-R-Us Stores in the East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, and Florida, for $13 to $15 each. The CPSC is not aware of any reports of injuries involving this toy. The toy is a pink plastic train engine with blue wheels and smokestack. It is 7 l/2 inches long by 3 l/2 inches wide by 7 l/2 inches high. There is a Mickey Mouse face on the front of the train. The toy is designed to be fastened on to the rail of a baby crib. When the smokestack is 'wound up' ,the train moves along the crib rail and plays music. The train may also be used as a floor toy. The following label is molded on the right side of the train engine: "DURHAM INDUSTRIES, INC., MCMLXXXII NEW YORK, N.Y. 10010, ITEM NO. 5340/5342 MADE IN HONG KONG." Consumers should remove these toys from use immediately and return them to the retailer where purchased for a full refund. For further information, consumers may call Durham Industries (212-679-2222), or the Consumer Product Safety Commission's toll-free Hotline on 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.
Baby Strollers Repaired by Graco NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Repair kit no longer available. Do not use these products. Please discard or destroy these products. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued May 23, 1983; Revised August 27, 2001 Release # 83-028 CPSC Announces Repair Program For Baby Strollers WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission had announced a voluntary repair program being undertaken by Graco Children's Products, Inc., of Elverson, Pennsylvania, affecting approximately 49,000 E-Z Roller baby strollers. The strollers were distributed nationally between January, 1982, and April, 1983, and have the potential for infant finger entrapment in the main metal-folding hinge on each side of the stroller. Graco reports that since January 1982, the strollers have been involved in four incidents in which children, not yet in the stroller, placed their fingers in the main metal folding hinge on the sides of the stroller while it was being unfolded for use. The repair kit is no longer available. Please discard or destroy these products. Only Graco E-Z Roller baby strollers, Model 6620 and Model 6020 are affected. These umbrella type folding strollers have a blue denim seat, red handle grips, and a metal folding hinge, They were sold in retail stores nationwide for approximately $29. No other Graco strollers are affected. Consumers with questions can call Graco customer service toll-free at l-800-345-4109 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Consumers wishing further information may call the CPSC toll free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054. An infant's finger could be entrapped in the main metal-folding hinge on each side of the stroller as it is being opened for use. Only models 6630 and 6020 are involved.
Stuffed Baby Chicks Recalled by New Angles/Wallace & Hickory Valley NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 13, 1983 Release # 83-020 Recall Of Stuffed Baby Chicks Washington, D.C. -- The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and two importers, New Angles/Wallace Oaks and Hickory Valley, both of Ojai, California, announce the recall of dead, stuffed baby chicks, ducklings, and goslings which contain the poison, arsenic. The articles were distributed nationally through gift shops, florists, and florist suppliers. The stuffed birds have been marketed in various ways, including mounted on a small base, or in a basket or floral arrangement. The stuffed birds were imported from mainland China and the recall involves less than 25,000 units. The CPSC began its investigation on April 5, 1983, and had samples in various state and Federal agency laboratories by April 6. The results of these tests confirm the presence of arsenic as earlier reported by the State of Ohio. These results showed arsenic to be present in significant amounts in the skin and down of the stuffed birds. The CPSC is not aware of any confirmed incidents of poisoning resulting from the stuffed birds. Persons in possession of these stuffed birds should seal them securely in double plastic bags and return them to the place of purchase. Retailers are advised to stop selling the stuffed baby birds which are banned by the Federal Hazardous Substance Act and offer their customers a refund. Retailers and wholesalers should hold the returned units pending instructions from their suppliers. Persons with questions about these articles should call the importers: New Angles/Wallace Oaks (805-646-1112) or Hickory Valley (805-646-0128), or the Consumer Product Safety Commission toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC.
Contemporary Times "Stralighter" Cribs Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 22, 1982 Release # 82-040 Dangerous Baby Cribs WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned consumers that in excess of 1,000 "Stralighter" non-full size baby cribs manufactured between 1975 and 1978 by Contemporary Times, Inc., St. Petersburg, Florida, present a neck entrapment hazard. A nine-month-old baby died as a result of asphyxiation when her neck became entrapped in the crib slats. The "Starlighter" crib is made of plastic and has hinged fold-down side rails. When the top half of the side rail is folded down, the lower half of the side rail presents a picket fence configuration in which the baby's neck may become entrapped. In addition to the entrapment hazard, the baby may fall out of the crib and sustain injury as a result of improper crib side height. The side rail in its lowest position is below the top of the mattress in its highest position, making it possible for the baby to fall out of the crib. Consumers should immediately discontinue the use of the "Starlighter" crib. There is no adequate and feasible "fix" for the entrapment hazard. Consumers should not attempt to make such a "fix" because it is most likely to present other hazards to babies. Contemporary Times, Inc. is insolvent and undergoing a federal bankruptcy proceeding. The firm has, therefore, refused to recall or repurchase the cribs. The crib was sold nationwide at retail for approximately $200.00.
Infant Seat/Carriers Recalled by Pines NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 17, 1982 Release # 82-034 Voluntary Recall Program Announced For Infant Seat/Carriers WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Pines of America, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, today announced a voluntary refund program affecting 15,000 combination infant seat/carriers. The combination infant seat and carrier features a removable leg rest, removable feeding tray and a metal frame permitting use as either a rocker, stationary seat or carrier. When used as a carrier, consumers may carry the product by holding it under its detachable leg rest. By carrying it in this manner, the leg rest may come off and allow the product to fall off the carrier. Pines of America has received two reports of leg rests becoming detached while being used to carry the infant and carrier, allegedly allowing the infant being carried to fall out. The products were sold by numerous retail stores nationwide under the brand name of "Tenderkare," model 412 and by Sears, Roebuck and Co. under the brand name of "Winnie-the-Pooh Rocker-Carrier," model 36511, between 1975 and 1980 for approximately $20.00. No other infant seat/carriers are involved in this refund program. Earlier efforts by the firm to reach owners of affected products have resulted in few returns of the detachable leg rests. Consumers owning affected models should discontinue use of the detachable leg rest as a handle and should return the leg rest (with their name and address) in exchange for a $5.00 refund to Pines of America, 5120 Investment Drive, P.O. Box 8601, Ft. Wayne, Indiana 46808, Postage costs will also be Reimbursed. Consumers requiring additional information on this refund program, should call Pines of America toll-free at 800-348-0751, or the CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Gerico Baby Back Carriers Recalled Because of Potential Hinge Safety Problem NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Telephone Number & Responding Company Change, and remedy is no longer available. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued July 13, 1982, Last revised June 15, 2004 Release # 82-031 Gerico Baby Back Carriers Recalled Because of Potential Hinge Safety Problem WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Gerico, Inc., Denver, Colorado, had announced a voluntary repair program affecting approximately 238,000 "Gerry Carrier" and "Pak-A-Poose" baby back carriers. The carriers were manufactured between March 1979 and February 1981 and were being repaired because of a potential infant finger entrapment in the hinge mechanism on the moveable stand which supports the carrier when it is placed on a surface. The potential for entrapment occurs if the carrier's stand bar is opened while the child is in the carrier on the adult's back and the child's fingers are out of view. The Commission is aware of at least 23 incidents of finger entrapment resulting in 9 injuries. Injuries have included pinching, lacerations, and partial finger tip severance. Only carriers manufactured between March 1979 and February 1981 are involved. Carriers manufactured before or after these dates are not subject to the recall since they contain differently designed hinge mechanisms. The carrier was sold under the "Gerry" brand name by independent and chain retailers nationwide, as well as in U.S. Army and Air Force Exchanges. Retailers included K mart, Best Products, Woolworth, Woolco, Toys "R" Us and Montgomery Ward. The carrier was also sold nationwide under the label "Pak-A-Poose" by Sears, Roebuck and Co. The carriers sold at a price range of approximately $18-$30. To identify the product, consumers should locate the plastic brace at the bottom of the carrier. The date code of two, three or four digits is imprinted on the lower right inside portion of the brace (when facing the carrier straps). The first number is the last digit of the year the product was made. The following number or numbers on the top and bottom lines indicate what day of the year the item was manufactured (see attached drawing). Products covered by the program fall between 9/64 (the sixty-fourth day of 1979) and l/60 (the sixtieth day of 1981). All carriers with date codes beginning with the digit 0 are affected since they were made in 1980. Consumers who have these carriers should discard them. Repair parts are no longer available. Consumers who have questions about this recall may contact Evenflo's Parent Link Consumer Resource Center at (800) 233-5921. (Gerico, Inc. is out of business, but the Evenflo Company has now taken over responding to this recall).
Baby Crib Brackets Recalled by Questor NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 17, 1981 Release # 81-028 Baby Crib Brackets Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 17) -- A voluntary recall of the brackets used on approximately 98,000 baby cribs for suspending the springs was announced today by the Questor Juvenile Furniture Company of Los Angeles, California, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall is being conducted to replace the plastic brackets on about 98,000 full-sized "Baby Line" cribs manufactured by Questor. In several cases the plastic brackets have broken or bent, causing the mattress and springs to drop slightly. Three infants reportedly have received minor injuries. The plastic "crib-spring hanger brackets" are mounted on each of the crib's four corner posts to suspend the springs by means of hooks. The recall covers those brackets used on 29 models of Baby Line cribs date-coded from June, 1977 through September, 1978 . Included in the 98,000 cribs are approximately 34,000 cribs which are continuing to be recalled by Questor as a result of a program which has been underway since 1979 for the same problem. Only cribs bearing the following date codes are involved: 677, 777, 877, 977, 1077, 1177, 1277, 178, 278, 378, 478, 578, 678, 778, 878 and 978. The date code is on a label on the inside bottom of the crib headboard. (A complete list of cribs with the plastic brackets are attached to this release.) Owners of these cribs should write to the manufacturer to obtain a free replacement kit containing metal hanger brackets and installation instructions. Letters should be addressed to Baby Line Furniture Co., 6235 South Street, Andrews Place, Los Angeles, California 90047, Attention: Corrective Program. Anyone wishing to verify model numbers and assembly dates may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Cribs Recalled by Questor NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 19, 1981 Release # 81-027 Approximately 17,000 Portable Cribs Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 19) -- Approximately 17,000 portable cribs are being recalled by the Questor Juvenile Furniture Company, of Piqua, Ohio, because the bottom of the cribs may separate from the sides, allowing an infant to fall to the floor. The recall is being conducted voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC staff has been informed of 36 incidents since 1979, in which infants fell to the floor when the soft vinyl crib "basket" became unstitched from the net sides. Four infants were reported injured. The recall pertains only to model 320 "Kantwet Trav-L-Cribs" that do not contain a date code on the reverse side of the large white "law tag" attached to the crib mattress, The cribs are constructed of a colored vinyl "basket" with net sides hung on a collapsible metal frame. The model number, 320, is located on the front of the law tag. If the tag has a date code on its reverse side, the crib is not being recalled. The cribs were manufactured between January and June, 1979, and sold for approximately $35 in retail stores east of the Rocky Mountains. The cribs were not marketed west of the Rockies. Consumers who own a non-date-coded model 320 "Kantwet Trav-L- Crib" can obtain a free replacement unit by mailing a six-inch- by-six-inch swatch of materiai cut from the vinyl basket plus the white law tag from the mattress to: "Trav-L-Crib," 1801 Commerce Drive, Piqua, Ohio, 45356. Cribs With Plastic Brackets Model Number Description Finish Approximate Retail Price 30705-08 Jennylind Maple $130 30706-50 Jennylind White $130 30707-10 Jennylind Pine $130 6071-08 Jennylind Maple $140 6071-50 Jennylind White $140 6574-03 Calico Kids Walnut $100 6574-58 Calico Kids Yellow $100 7430-03 Shaggy Dog Walnut $100 7430-50 Shaggy Dog White $100 6068-03 Springtime Walnut $100 6068-58 Springtime Yellow $100 6074-10 Cannonball II Windsor Burnished Pine $140 6074-50 Cannonball II Windsor White $140 6072-08 Colonial Maple $140 6072-10 Colonial Burnished Pine $140 6072-50 Colonial White $140 7475-10 Colony Burnished Pine $100 7475-50 Colony White $100 7475-58 Colony Yellow $100 7112-03 Barnyard Pals Walnut $75 7112-50 Barnyard Pals White $75 7419-03 Carousel Walnut $80 7419-58 Carousel Yellow $80 7400-03 Contempo Walnut $80 7400-08 Contempo Maple $80 7400-50 Contempo White $80 8078-03 Snoopy Walnut $100 8078-50 Snoopy White $100 30445-50 Winnie-the-Pooh (sold on West Coast only) $100
Crib Decorations Recalled by Rainbow Artisans NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 7, 1980 Release # 80-029 Hazardous Crib Decorations Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 7, 1980) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced that approximately 8,000 elastic crib decorations known as "Kickers" are being recalled voluntarily by their manufacturer. CPSC staff believes that the decorations may pose a strangulation hazard to infants. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with CPSC to prevent any potential strangulation, although no injuries have been reported to the Commission or the manufacturer. Each "Kicker" crib decoration, manufactured by Rainbow Artisans, Inc., of Livingston, New Jersey, consists of four or five soft-sculptured fabric designs strung on a white elastic cord. A plastic ring is attached to each end of the elastic cord so that the decoration may be stretched across a crib or baby carriage and tied to the sides with ribbons. The crib decorations are manufactured in such a way that, if kicked or handled by an infant, the fabric designs may slide from one side of the elastic cord to the other. Such actions may expose enough elastic cord to present a potential strangulation hazard if parents place the product too close to the infant, according to CPSC staff. The "Kickers" being recalled were manufactured from January, 1977, through January, 1980, and were sold nationwide for approximately $12 in retail and specialty stores. Consumers who own this product may obtain a free repair kit by cutting the elastic cord, removing the fabric designs and mailing only the cord and plastic rings to: Rainbow Artisans, Inc., 19 Troy Drive, Livingston, New Jersey 07039. The kit includes a new cotton cord, ribbon and instructions for restringing the designs.
Crib Exercisers Recalled by Play Spaces NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 14, 1980 Release # 80-018 Hazardous Crib Exercisers Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 14) -- Approximately 600 infant toys known as "crib exercisers" or "baby chains" are being recalled because they may pose a strangulation hazard to infants. The recall is being conducted voluntarily by the toy's importer, Play Spaces International, of Waltham, Massachusetts, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The toy consists of an elastic cord strung with 11 colored wooden rings and balls and is intended to be suspended over the infant after being strung across from one crib railing to the other. CPSC staff believes, however, that parents mistakenly might position the toy close enough to enable the infant to become entangled in the elastic and thereby strangle. Parents also might place the toy in the crib with their child, according to CPSC staff. No injuries or deaths involving this toy have been reported to the firm or to CPSC. The exercisers have been sold in retail stores nationwide for approximately $7.50 each. The toys are sold in plastic packages which are labeled "Schowanek" and "Made in West Germany." The package may be stamped with model number 10890. Consumers should return the toys to the place of purchase for a full cash refund.
Cribs Repaired by Bassett The terms of the agreement require Bassett to undertake an extensive remedial action program and to pay a $175,000 civil penalty. The firm estimates that the cost of the program, including the civil penalty, could be as high as $1 million. Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., of Bassett, Virginia, is the manufacturer of the "Candlelite" and "Mandalay" style cribs which reported have caused six infant deaths since 1977. CPSC staff believes that the crib design is such that infants can trap their heads between a corner post and the headboard (or footboard) and strangle as they stand on the crib mattress. The agreement pertains to the "Mandalay" crib models 5126-505, 5621-505 and 5225-505, and to "Candlelite" models 5028-505, 5028-510, 5127-505 and 5127-510. The model numbers can be found on an adhesive label affixed to the inside of the headboard below the mattress level. "Mandalay" cribs manufactured February, 1974, to October, 1976, sold nationwide for approximately $100 to $125 in retail stores. The "Candlelite" cribs sold for approximately $100 , produced from December, 1975, to mid-October, 1977. Consumers who own one of these cribs which has not yet been modified immediately should contact Bassett to obtain a free repair kit or instructions for eliminating the hazard. Consumers can contact Bassett at its toll-free number l-800-336-5223. (In Virginia, collect telephone call to Bassett at (703) 629-7511, extension 340). In its proposed complaint against Bassett, CPSC staff alleged that the two crib styles pose a substantial risk of strangulation injuries or death to infants. The "Mandalay" cribs could present a strangulation hazard but failed to report to CPSC staff. In entering into the consent agreement, Bassett does not admit that it had an obligation to report, that reportable information exists, or that the product presented a substantial hazard. Bassett had been undertaking corrective action since February, 1978 to locate and modify the potentially hazardous cribs. Despite its efforts, approximately 4,700 "Mandalay" style cribs (out of an estimated 5,800 produced) and about 400 "Candlelite" cribs (of 1,654 produced) still may not have been modified to eliminate the hazard. The central part of the consent agreement requires Bassett to take the unprecedented step of sending hazard notifications by direct mail to all parents who have had children within the previous 21 months. This mailing is expected to include more than four million parents of infants and young children. In addition, Bassett will purchase advertising space in "TV Guide" and "Family Circle" magazines, in which they will run l/2-page advertisements warning consumers of the potential crib hazard. These magazines have a combined total readership of more than 27 million people. As an added incentive to consumers, Bassett will pay a $5 cash award to anyone who identifies the location of an unmodified crib, once its repair has been verified. Bassett further has agreed to mail posters which describe the crib hazard and the needed safety modification to all obstetricians and gynecologists practicing in the U.S., as well as to all pediatric and maternity clinics, for display in their offices. As part of its earlier voluntary corrective action with CPSC, Bassett already has distributed posters to approximately 25,000 pediatricians and to some medical clinics. In addition, Bassett agreed to pay a civil penalty of $175,000 settlement of CPSC staff's allegation that the firm failed promptly to report the alleged defect in the cribs. The Commission will vote whether to give final approval to the agreement following a seven-day public comment period which opens on February 14, when the agreement is published in the Federal Register
November 29, 1979 Release # 79-068 Infant's exercising Toy Recalled WASHINGTON, D. C. (November 29)-- Approximately 1,000 toys which may pose a hazard to infants are being recalled by the toy's retailer, the F.A.O. Schwarz Company, of New York City. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The toy, know as an infant crib exerciser, consists of a red elastic cord strung with colored wooden beads and rings. The 17-inch elastic cord poses a potential strangulation hazard to infants who could become entangled in the cord. The toy was imported from J. Schowanek, a manufacturer in West Germany, and was sold in F.A.O. Schwarz stores for $7.95 between July, 1976 and January, 1979. The foreign manufacturer stated that it has stopped producing this toy. Consumers who purchased the crib exerciser from F.A.O. Schearz can receive a full refund by returning the toy to any F.A.O. Schwarz store with proof-of-purchase. F.A.O. Schwarz told CPSC that other firms have imported and sold the toy but that Schearz does not know the names of these companies. CPSC urges consumers to contact its toll-free Hotline at (800) 638-2772 if they know of other importers or retailers of the hazardous exercises
Bassett Baby Cribs Warning Against Potential Strangulations by continued use of two dangerous types of baby cribs. This announcement involves cribs manufactured by Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., of Bassett, Virginia cribs requiring modification include the "Mandalaya" and "Candlelite" style beds. They were designed in such a way that infants can trap their heads between a corner post and the headboard (or footboard), and strangle. CPSC received six reports of such deaths among infants since September, 1977. CPSC and Bassett announced a voluntary program to modify the cribs in May, 1978. Only 1,000 of the "Mandalay" cribs reportedly have been modified. Approximately 1,200 of the 1,654 Candlelite cribs have been repaired. Bassett agreed to produce thousands of large wall posters and to have them distributed to pediatricians nationwide for display in physician's waiting rooms. The Mandalay cribs were produced with a bamboo-like motif, and include models 5126-505 and 5621-505 (painted yellow) and 5225-505 (painted white). The model numbers can be found on an adhesive label affixed to the inside of the headboard below the mattress level. The cribs were manufactured from February, 1974, through October, 1976, and sold for approximately $100 to $125 in retail stores nationwide. Parents should remove all four finials (the decorative knobs on top of each cornerpost) by unscrewing them. Consumers then should report that they have removed the finials by contacting the retailer from which the crib was purchased or the nearest Bassett crib dealer can be found by checking the "Yellow Pages" section of the telephone directory under the listing "Furniture--Children's," or by placing a collect call to Bassett at 703/629-7511, extension 340. The Candlelite style cribs were manufactured with a traditional colonial design in models 5028-505 and 5028-510 (stained in maple) and 5127-505 and 5127-510 (stained in pine). These model numbers also are printed on a label attached to the inside of the headboard below the mattress. The cribs sold for approximately $100 in retail stores nationwide, and were manufactured from December, 1975, to mid-October, 1977. Consumers who have not had their Candlelite cribs modified should contact the tore where it was purchased to arrange for free installation of modifying parts to close the openings in the headboards and footboards. Parents arrange to have cribs repaired by contacting their nearest Bassett retailer, obtained form the telephone directory or by calling Basett at the number listed above. Until the Candlelite cribs have been repaired, parents should push one end of the crib against a wall and move a high piece of furniture (such as a chest of drawers) against the other end. Other Cribs CPSC staff is trying to determine whether baby cribs other than those manufactured by Bassett are designed with headboard and footboard openings which my pose potential safety hazards to infants.
Brackets On Cribs Recalled by Questor NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 9, 1979 Release # 79-038 Brackets On Cribs Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 9) -- A voluntary recall of plastic brackets used to support the springs on approximately 34,500 full-sized "Babyline" cribs was announced today by the Questor Juvenile Furniture Company of Los Angeles, California. The announcement was made in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In a report to the Commission, the firm cited six instances in which the plastic brackets broke, causing the mattress and springs to drop slightly. Two infants have received minor injuries. The plastic "crib-spring hanger brackets" are mounted on each of the cribs' four corner posts to suspend the springs by means of hooks. The recall affects those brackets used on 29 models of Babyline cribs date-coded in the period from June, 1977 through January, 1978. Only cribs bearing the following date codes are involved: 677, 777, 877, 977, 1077, 1277 and 178. The date code is on a label on the inside bottom of the crib headboard. (A complete list of cribs with the plastic brackets is attached.) Owners of these cribs should write the manufacturer to obtain a free replacement kit containing metal hanger brackets and installation instructions. Letters should be addressed to Baby Line Furniture, 6235 South Saint Andrews Place, Los Angeles, California, 90047, Attention: Corrective Program. Anyone wishing to verify model numbers and assembly dates may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772.
June 22, 1978 Release # 78-052 Repair Program Announced For Baby Car Seat/Stroller WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 22) -- Collier-Keyworth Co., Gardner, Mass., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary repair program for about 5,600 of its models 6805, 6806, 7805 and 7806 car seat/stroller conversion kits. The kits are used to convert a baby car seat into a stroller by snapping the seat onto a frame. CPSC staffers believe that a design defect in the metal seat supports of the stroller frame could cause the supports to spread apart, allowing the seat to disengage and throwing the infant forward. CPSC has learned of 13 incidents where this happened. At least five of the children received lacerations and other facial injuries. The stroller kits in question, which were distributed nationwide, retail for about $28 and were manufactured before March 14,1977. Some, but not all, the units may have the model number on the back leg of the frame. More important, if your stroller conversion kit does not have two hinged metal braces riveted at right angles to the top of the stroller frame seat support and reinforcing the seat from directly beneath, call or write Collier-Keyworth Co., P.O. Box 528, Gardner, Mass. 01440 (617/632-0120) to get a free repair kit. After July 1, 1978, retailers selling the conversion kits should be displaying an illustrated recall poster which consumers can check to see if they own one of the affected kits. To verify model numbers, contact CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772
May 5, 1978 Release # 78-032 Baby Crib Poses Potential Danger To Infants WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 5) -- Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., Bassett, Va., and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced that about 6,000 Bassett cribs with bamboo-like motif have a potentially dangerous design problem. The Commission believes that the design of the headboards and footboards in Bassett cribs with model numbers 5126, 5621 and 5225 may permit infants to become entrapped and strangle while standing in the cribs. One such report is currently being investigated. The complete model numbers of the "Mandalay" style cribs are 5126-505 and 5621- 505 both colored yellow, and 5225-505, colored white, The model numbers are printed on adhesive labels affixed to the headboards of the cribs below the mattress level. The cribs retailed for approximately $l00-$125 each and were sold nationwide. Bassett manufactured these cribs from February 1974 to October 1976. Consumers who have one of these cribs are urged to immediately remove all four finials (the top part of the corner post which unscrews) by rotating them counterclockwise until they unscrew and can be lifted off. Consumers should report the removal of the finials to the retailer from whom they purchased the crib along with their name, address, and telephone number. If that is not possible, report to the nearest Bassett retailer. This notice is not to be confused with one issued by Bassett and the Commission on February 21,1978, involving a possible similar problem with Bassett model number 5127 and 5028 cribs. To verify model numbers or to report a product-related injury, call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772
Crib Teething Rails Recalled by Okla Homer Smith Furniture NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 13, 1978 Release # 78-063 Crib Teething Rails Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 13) -- Okla Homer Smith Furniture Manufacturing Co., Inc., Ft. Smith, Ark., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a recall and replacement program for plastic teething rails on about 70,000-80,000 full-sized baby cribs made by the company. The cribs have been sold under about 180 model numbers by numerous department and baby furniture stores across the country, including Sears, Roebuck and Co., and Montgomery Ward. A spokesman for the furniture company said the plastic teething rails may become brittle and pose a potential hazard of cracking when chewed. Broken pieces could be swallowed by a teething infant, become lodged in the windpipe or perhaps injure a baby in other ways. The cribs with the teething rails being recalled can be identified by the label, "OKLA HOMER SMITH FURNITURE MANUFACTURING CO., INC.," on the inside of the headboard near the bottom, and a numerical manufacturing date for the period June 1976 through December 1976, ink-stamped underneath the headboard. Only cribs made in the June-December 1976 timeframe carry the potentially defective teething rails. Since the model numbers are too voluminous to list here, it is important that consumers look for the manufacturer's label and the manufacture date to see if they own one of the cribs. All of the cribs are wooden, and almost all of the teething rails are white, with about one percent being red. The cribs ranged in price from $50-$100. New rail covers can be obtained free-of-charge by contacting the retailer, or Okla Homer Smith at P.O. Box 1148, Ft. Smith, Ark. 72902. Consumers should be prepared to provide their names, addresses, whether the cribs are single - or double-drop-side units, and whether teething rails are present on the end panels. Since the teething rails can crack at any time, anyone owning one of the cribs is entitled to free replacement rail covers even if the teething apparatus currently does not show signs of brittleness.