Children's Product Recalls » Baby

CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Standard for Infant Bath Seats

CP_Recalls — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 06:46:32 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved a new federal safety standard for infant bath seats. The vote on the final rule was 5-0.

The federal standard for infant bath seats is the first mandatory standard issued by CPSC as required under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) for a range of infant and toddler durable products.

The new federal requirements for infant bath seats enhance the current ASTM voluntary standard by adding stricter stability requirements to prevent the bath seat from tipping over, tighter leg opening requirements to prevent children from slipping through the leg openings and a larger permanent warning label alerting parents and caregivers that bath seats are not safety devices and that infants should never be left unattended in a bath seat. The federal standard incorporates current voluntary standard provisions requiring latching and locking mechanisms, and compliance with CPSC’s standards for sharp points and edges, small parts, and lead in paint.

Infant bath seats are used in a sink or tub to provide back and front support to a seated infant while he or she is being bathed. They are marketed for use with infants between five and 10 months of age.

From 1983 through November 2009, there were 174 reported deaths involving bath seats and 300 reported non fatal bath seat incidents. Many of the deaths and incidents involve babies left unattended while bathing.

Young children can drown quickly, even in small amounts of water. Never leave a child alone, even for a moment, near any water. Always keep a young child within arm’s reach in a bathtub. And never leave a baby or toddler in a bathtub under the care of another young child.

Information gathered by CPSC staff indicates that no baby bath seat currently on the market complies with the new mandatory standard.

The final rule on infant bath seats goes into effect six months after publication in the Federal Register. Bath seats manufactured or imported on or after that date will be required to meet the new mandatory standard.

CPSC staff is working to develop federal standards for nearly 20 other durable juvenile products, including bassinets, cribs, and infant walkers.

Statements from CPSC Commssioners on the new federal safety standard for infant bath seats: Commissioner Thomas H. Moore (pdf) and Commissioner Anne M. Northup (pdf)

CPSC Issues Final Mandatory Rule on Infant Baby Walkers

CP_Recalls — Tue, 11 May 2010 05:06:59 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted (5-0) to issue a final mandatory rule under section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) for infant walkers.

The rule adopts the applicable voluntary industry standard, ASTM F 977-07, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Walkers, and adds the following more stringent requirements:

using the actual weight of a walker in a calculation to determine the launching distance for the stair fall test,
specifying equipment used in the stair fall test,
adding a parking brake test for walkers equipped with parking brakes.

These changes were made to strengthen the standard and reduce the risk of injury from these products. There has been an 88% reduction in injuries from 1994 to 2008, which may be attributed to the addition of a stair fall requirement included in the 1997 version of the ASTM voluntary standard.

The final infant walker rule would take effect six months after publication in the Federal Register. This is the effective date that was proposed in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR). Consistent with the proposed rules recently published for toddler beds and bassinets, the effective date would apply to products manufactured or imported on or after that date.

Section 104 of the CPSIA, Standards and Consumer Registration of Durable Nursery Products, requires the CPSC to study and develop safety standards for certain infant and toddler products, including infant walkers.

Statement (pdf) from CPSC Commissioner Thomas H. Moore on the new federal safety standard for infant walkers.

Drop Side Cribs Recalled by Caramia Furniture Due to Fall and Entrapment Hazards

CP_Recalls — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:34:54 +0000

Name of Product: Diana Crib

Units: About 1,000

Distributors: Caramia Furniture and Mother Hubbard’s Cupboards, of Ontario, Canada

Hazard: The slats on the cribs drop-side can detach from the top and bottom rails, posing fall and entrapment hazards to the child.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 18 reports of slats detaching from the rails of the crib. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Caramia “Diana” drop-side cribs. The cribs were manufactured between September 2002 and June 2004. A label affixed to the inside of the headboard or footboard lists the manufacturing dates.

Sold at: Buy Buy Baby and juvenile product and mass merchandise stores nationwide from September 2002 through December 2005 for between $240 and $370.

Manufactured in: Slovenia

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Diane crib and contact Caramia Furniture to receive a free replacement drop side. The free replacement will be available beginning March 2010.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Caramia at (877) 728-0342 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.caramiafurniture.com

Caramia Crib

Graco Recalls Strollers Due to Fingertip Amputation and Laceration Hazards

CP_Recalls — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:31:02 +0000

Name of Product: Graco’s Passage™, Alano™ and Spree™ Strollers and Travel Systems

Units: About 1.5 million

Manufacturer: Graco Children’s Products Inc., of Atlanta, Ga.

Hazard: The hinges on the stroller’s canopy pose a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is opening or closing the canopy.

Incidents/Injuries: Graco has received seven reports of children placing their fingers in the stroller’s canopy hinge mechanism while the canopy was being opened or closed, resulting in five fingertip amputations and two fingertip lacerations.

Description: This recall involves Graco Passage™, Alano™ and Spree™ Strollers and Travel Systems with the following model numbers and specific hinge mechanisms:

Model Numbers
6303MYC, 6303MYC3	7240DNB, 7240DNB2 7240MKL2, 7240MKL3	7F02GLM3
6320IVY, 6320LAU	7241DDH2, 7241DHO3	7F04TAY3
6330CAP, 6330THR, 6330THR3	7255CLP, 7255CLP2, 7255CRA2, 7255CRA3, 7255CSA3, 7255GPK3, 7255GRN, 7255GRN2, 7255JJB3, 7255ORC2, 7255WLO2, 7255WLO3	7F07EMA3
6F00QIN3, 6F00RRY3	7256CLO2, 7256SPM2, 7256SPM3	7F08DSW3, 7F08LAN3
6F03GLN3	7260BAN, 7260BAN2, 7260BAN3, 7260MRA2, 7260MRA3, 7260PKR, 7260PKR2	7G00DLS3, 7G00DLS4
6G10CSE3	7270BIA, 7270BIA2	7G01CRL3
7235GGA, 7235GGA2	7E01JON2, 7E01JON3	7G04KRA3
7236CDR2	7F00LPE3, 7F00RSH3	7G05GPR3, 7G06WSR3
7237HOL2, 7237HOL3	7F01FOR3	7G07ABB3, 7G07BAT3

Graco manufactured two different styles of hinge mechanisms for these stroller models. Only strollers or travel systems with a plastic, jointed hinge mechanism that has indented canopy positioning notches (see photo below) are included in this recall. The recalled strollers were manufactured between October 2004 and February 2008. The model number and manufacture date are located on the lower inside portion of the rear frame, just above the rear wheels.

Sold at: AAFES, Burlington Coat Factory, Babies “R” Us, Toys “R” Us, Kmart, Fred Meyer, Meijers, Navy Exchange, Sears, Target, Walmart and other retailers nationwide from October 2004 and December 2009 for between $80 and $90 for the strollers and between $150 and $200 for the travel systems.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Graco to receive a free protective cover repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Graco at (800) 345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.gracobaby.com

Affected Hinge

Unaffected Hinge

Location of affected hinge

Infant Entrapment and Suffocation Prompts Stork Craft to Recall More Than 2.1 Million Drop-Side Cribs

CP_Recalls — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:52:37 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Stork Craft Manufacturing Inc., of British Columbia, Canada, today announced the voluntary recall of more than 2.1 million Stork Craft drop-side cribs, including about 147,000 Stork Craft drop-side cribs with the Fisher-Price logo. The recall involves approximately 1,213,000 units distributed in the United States and 968,000 units distributed in Canada.

CPSC urges parents and caregivers to immediately stop using the recalled cribs, wait for the free repair kit, and do not attempt to fix the cribs without the kit. They should find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Consumers should contact Stork Craft to receive a free repair kit that converts the drop-side on these cribs to a fixed side.

The cribs’ drop-side plastic hardware can break, deform, or parts can become missing. In addition, the drop-side can be installed upside-down, which can result in broken or disengaged plastic parts. All of these problems can cause the drop-side to detach in one or more corners. When the drop-side detaches, it creates space between the drop-side and the crib mattress. The bodies of infants and toddlers can become entrapped in the space which can lead to suffocation. Complete detachment of drop-sides can lead to falls from the crib.

CPSC, Health Canada, and Stork Craft are aware of 110 incidents of drop-side detachment; 67 incidents occurred in the United States and 43 in Canada. The incidents include 15 entrapments; 12 in the U.S. and three in Canada. Four of the entrapments resulted in suffocation: a 7-month-old in Gouverneur, N.Y.; a 7-month-old in New Iberia, La.; a 6-month-old in Summersville, W.Va.; and a 9-month-old in Bronx, N.Y. Included in these incidents are 20 falls from cribs; 12 in the U.S. and eight in Canada. Fall injuries ranged from concussion to bumps and bruises. The cribs involved in these incidents had plastic drop-side hardware that had broken, missing, or deformed claws, connectors, tracks, or flexible tab stops; loose or missing metal spring clips; stripped screws; and/or drop-sides installed upside-down.

This recall involves Stork Craft drop-side cribs and Stork Craft drop-side cribs with the Fisher-Price logo. This recall does not involve any cribs that do not have a drop-side. This recall does not involve any cribs with metal rod drop-side hardware. It involves only those cribs with plastic trigger and one-hand-system drop-side hardware.

This recall includes Stork Craft cribs with manufacturing and distribution dates between January 1993 and October 2009. This recall also includes Stork Craft cribs with the Fisher-Price logo that have manufacturing dates between October 1997 and December 2004. The Stork Craft cribs with the Fisher-Price logo were first sold in the U.S. in July 1998 and in Canada in September 1998. The cribs were sold in various styles and finishes. The manufacture date, model number, crib name, country of origin, and the firm’s name, address, and contact information are located on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board. The firm’s insignia “storkcraft baby” or “storkling” is inscribed on the drop-side teething rail of some cribs. In Stork Craft cribs that contain the “Fisher-Price” logo, this logo can be found on the crib’s teething rail, in the manufacturer’s instructions, on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board, and on the end panels of the Twinkle-Twinkle and Crystal crib models.

Major retailers in the United States and Canada sold the recalled cribs including BJ’s Wholesale Club, J.C. Penney, Kmart, Meijer, Sears, USA Baby, and Wal-Mart stores and online at Amazon.com, Babiesrus.com, Costco.com, Target.com, and Walmart.com from January 1993 through October 2009 for between $100 and $400.

The cribs were manufactured in Canada, China and Indonesia.

For additional information, contact Stork Craft toll-free at (877) 274-0277 anytime to order the free repair kit, or log on to www.storkcraft.com

Important Message from CPSC:

CPSC would like to remind parents not to use any crib with missing, broken, or loose parts. Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy. When using a drop-side crib, parents should check to make sure the drop-side or any other moving part operates smoothly. Always check all sides and corners of the crib for disengagement. Any disengagement can create a gap and entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib, especially with tape, wire or rope.

Note: Health Canada’s press release can be seen at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=888

For more information on Crib Safety, visit CPSC’s Crib Information Center

Consumers can also view a video clip (transcript) about this recall. This is in “streaming video” format.

Stork Cribs with an Upside-Down Drop-Side and Broken Claw pose an entrapment hazard

Cribs with a Fisher Price label

Cribs with Stork Crafts label

Grand World Recalls “Bobby Chupete” Pacifiers Due to Choking Hazard

CP_Recalls — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:08:57 +0000

Name of Product: “Bobby Chupete” Pacifiers

Units: About 641,000

Importer: Grand World Inc., of Maspeth, N.Y.

Hazard: The pacifiers fail to meet federal safety standards. The pacifier mouth guard is too small, posing a choking hazard to infants and toddlers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves “Bobby Chupete” pacifiers. The pacifiers have a ring-shaped handle and heart-shaped mouth guard with two ventilation holes. The nipple is made of latex. “Bobby Chupete” and a picture of an infant are printed on the pacifier’s packaging. The pacifier was sold in aqua, red, white or yellow colors.

Sold at: Various retail stores nationwide from November 2004 through July 2009 for about $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumer should immediately take the recalled pacifiers away from infants and toddlers and contact Grand World for a refund or a replacement pacifier.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Grand World collect at (718) 326-7786 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.grandworldinc.com

Bobby Chupete pacifier front view

Bobby Chupete pacifier side view

Bobby Chupete pacifier top view

Bobby Chupete pacifier with packaging

Bobby Chupete pacifier inside packaging

CPSC Urges Parents and Caregivers to Stop Using “My Baby Soother” Pacifiers Due to Choking Hazard

CP_Recalls — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:52:47 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop providing “My Baby Soother” pacifiers to their children. The pacifiers were distributed by T & L Trading Corp., of Brooklyn, N.Y. The pacifiers failed to meet federal safety standards because the nipples can separate from the base easily, posing a choking hazard to infants and toddlers.

CPSC is issuing this warning because T & L Trading has refused to recall these pacifiers.

About 16,500 “My Baby Soother” pacifiers were sold at grocery stores, delis, and discount stores in Bronx, Brooklyn, Broadway, and Coney Island of New York from August 2007 through July 2009 for about $1.

The “My Baby Soother” pacifier has a ring-shaped handle and a blue, pink, red, white or yellow heart-shaped mouth guard with two ventilation holes. The nipple is made of either silicon or latex. The pacifier package has the words “My Baby Soother” printed on the top and a picture of an infant on the background.

Distributors and retailers who purchased the “My Baby Soother” pacifiers from T & L Trading should immediately stop distributing the pacifier and call CPSC. Consumers should immediately take the recalled pacifiers away from infants and toddlers and discard them.

My Baby Soother pacifiers

The nipples on the My Baby Soother pacifiers can separate from the base easily, posing a choking hazard to infants and toddlers.

Plum Organics Voluntarily Recalls Select Batch of Apple & Carrot Portable Pouches Due to Potential Health Risk

CP_Recalls — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:59:26 +0000

Plum Organics Apple & Carrot Portable Pouches

Emeryvillle, CA – Plum Organics ™ announced today that it is taking the precautionary measure of voluntarily recalling one particular batch of its 4.22oz. Apple & Carrot Portable Pouch baby food with the best by date May 21, 2010 and marked with the following universal product code (UPC) #890180001221 located on the bottom of the package. These pouches are sold individually at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us locations nationally.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with this product and no other Plum Organics products are affected. As a further precaution, samples from every Plum Organics product manufactured before and after this batch were tested and found to be within quality standards.

The recall was undertaken as a precaution due to the risk of potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, a serious and sometimes lifethreatening condition. Consumers should not use these products, even if they appear to be normal, because of the possible health risk. Symptoms of botulism poisoning in humans include general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

“The product did not meet the FDA guidelines for proper acidity level,” said Dr. Paul Gerhardt, a Food Science Ph.D. and member of the Plum Organics action team. “Though the risk of illness from this one batch is minimal, Plum Organics is taking the extraordinary step of recalling all Apple & Carrot Baby Food Pouches with best by date May 21, 2010.”

“As a mother, the safety and satisfaction of our customers and their children is my highest concern,” said Plum Organics Founder Gigi Lee Chang. Due to a mixing error during production, one batch of this product was improperly blended. As a result, it did not meet our company’s standard for quality. We are taking the extra step of recalling all Apple & Carrot Portable Pouches with this date to eliminate any question in the minds of consumers about the safety of our products. Plum Organics was founded on the vision of superior quality and nutritious baby food; we are committed to these values and our consumers.”

Consumers who have purchased the Plum Organics Apple & Carrot pouch-based baby food with a best by date May 21, 2010 and with the UPC # 890180001221 can return the product for a full refund at any Toys-R-Us or Babies-R-Us store.

The recall is being undertaken with the knowledge of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Consumers with any questions are asked to call 888-974-3555 between the hours of 8 am – 5 pm PST, or email info@plumorganics.com.

Plum Organics is the leading premium organic baby food brand in the nation.

Plum Organics - Best By Date Location

Jump ‘n Jive Doorway Jumpers Recalled by Graco Due to Choking Hazard

CP_Recalls — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:06:52 +0000

Name of Product: Jump ‘n Jive™ Doorway Jumpers

Units: About 2,400

Manufacturer: Graco Children’s Products Inc., of Atlanta, Ga.

Hazard: The recalled doorway jumpers include detachable toys that are attached to the jumper straps with strips of hook and loop fabric. The strips of fabric are not permanently attached to the toys and can become detached during use, posing a choking hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The company has received one report of a child removing the fabric strip and placing it in his/her mouth. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled doorway jumper includes an interactive musical dance mat and two detachable toys. The model number, 1755544, appears on the carton UPC label and on the underside of the jumper tray. The doorway jumpers were sold from April 2009 through July 2009.

Sold at: Babies R Us and other children’s speciality retail stores nationwide and online from Amazon.com for about $55.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and remove and discard the detachable toys and the attaching fabric strips and call the manufacturer for a replacement set of toys. After the toys and fabric strips are removed, consumers can continue to use the jumper and interactive musical dance mat.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Graco at (800) 345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.gracobaby.com

Jump 'n Jive Dooray Jumper

Detachable Toy on Jump 'n Jive Doorway Jumper

Top Goods Trading Recalls Flashing Pacifiers Due to Choking and Strangulation Hazard

CP_Recalls — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 07:13:20 +0000

Name of Product: Flashing Pacifiers

Units: About 38,000

Importer: Top Goods Trading, of Temple City, Calif.

Hazard: The flashing pacifiers do not comply with federal safety standards for pacifiers. Although the pacifiers are marketed to older children and adults, they could be given to babies and cause serious injury or death. The pieces of the pacifier can separate, posing a choking hazard. The necklaces pose a strangulation hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled flashing pacifier has a yellow heart-shaped mouth guard and handle. There is a 15-inch cord attached to the handle. LED lights are activated by pushing the heart-shaped handle into the base of the pacifier.

Sold at: Retail stores in the Los Angeles area from November 2007 through November 2008 for about 50 cents.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled pacifier away from children and contact Top Goods Trading for a refund or exchange.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Top Goods Trading collect at (213) 680-0388 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

Flashing Pacifiers