Baby Chains (Schowanek) – Crib Exerciser Risk (1980)

Check Your Product

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Reason for Recall

As stated by CPSC

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.

Recommended Action

Per CPSC guidance

The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the product. Contact the manufacturer or return the product to the place of purchase.