June 5, 2008
Bassettbaby is recalling about 550 Wendy Bellissimo Hidden Hills Collection cribs sold at Babies R Us.

The space between the spindles on some cribs can fail to meet federal standards and can pose an entrapment hazard to infants.

This recall involves a full-size crib from the Wendy Bellissimo Hidden Hills collection, model number 5446-0521. The model number is located on the bottom rail of the headboard. The crib was sold in a Navajo Pine finish.

The cribs, made in China, were sold by Babies "R" Us stores nationwide from November 2007 through February 2008 for about $500.

Consumers should stop using the crib immediately and contact Bassettbaby to schedule an in-home inspection of the crib. Recalled cribs will be replaced. The firm has contacted consumers directly.

For additional information, contact Bassettbaby at (866) 618-5446 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Sunday.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

June 24, 2008
About 320,000 Jardine Cribs sold by Babies R Us stores are being recalled. The wooden crib slats and spindles can break, creating a gap, which can pose an entrapment and strangulation hazard to infants.

There have been 42 incidents of crib slats and spindles breaking. Four children became entrapped in the space created by a broken slat or spindle. Two of the children had abrasions and bruising.

Jardine wooden cribs in various styles and finishes, as listed below, are included in this recall.

The model number is printed on the inside of the bottom rail of the headboard or footboard.

The cribs were sold at KidsWorld, Geoffrey Stores, Toys'R'Us, and Babies'R'Us stores nationwide, and at babiesrus.com, from January 2002 through May 2008 for between $150 and $300, with one model, 0309K00 Mahogany Positano Lifetime Crib, which sold for $450. They were made in China and Vietnam.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and contact Jardine to receive a full credit toward the purchase of a new crib.

For additional information, contact Jardine at (800) 646-4106 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET Saturday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.jardinecribrecall.com

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Retailers and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are recalling about 600,000 Simplicity drop-side cribs because of an entrapment and suffocation hazard.

It's the latest in a series of safety warnings and recalls affecting Simplicity baby furniture. Last month, safety regulators warned that Simplicity bassinets had been implicated in the deaths of two infatns.

The recall notice said that, due to sizing problems with the cribs hardware, the drop side can come off the tracks. When the drop side detaches or partially detaches, it creates a hazardous gap, which can lead to infant entrapment and suffocation.

There have been at least nine incidents in which the drop side detached but so far, there have been no reports of injuries.

This recall of Simplicity drop side cribs involves models that used a different style of hardware from those cribs recalled in September 2007. The recalled model numbers include: 8620, 8745, 8748, 8755, 8756, 8778, 8810, and 8994. The recalled drop side cribs have a date code, which can be found on a label on the headboard under the mattress support, which ends in 05DH, 05GB, 06DH, 06GB, 07DH or 07GB (examples: 1806 DH or 0507 GB). The recalled model names include: Aspen and Crib N Changer Combo, Gabrielle, Camille, Providence and Shenandoah. Only the brand name Simplicity can be seen on the label on the headboard.

The cribs, made in China, were sold by department stores, childrens stores and mass merchandisers nationwide from January 2005 through August 2008 for between $150 and $300.

Retailers participating in the recall include:

AAFES, of Dallas, Texas
BabiesRUs, of Wayne, N.J.
Burlington Coat Factory/Baby Depot, of Burlington, N.J.
Ks Merchandise (out of business)
Meijer Distribution Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich.
Nebraska Furniture Mart, of Omaha, Neb.
ShopKo, of Green Bay, Wis.
Target, of Minneapolis, Minn.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc, of Bentonville, Ark.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Consumers should return the recalled crib to the place of purchase for a refund or store credit. SFCA Inc., of Reading, Pa., Simplicity's successor company, is working with retailers to carry out this recall program.

For additional information, contact:

AAFES - (800) 866-3605 www.AAFES.com

Babies R Us - (800) 869-7787 www.babiesrus.com

Burlington Coat Factory/Baby Depot - www.babydepot.com

Meijer Distribution Inc. - (866) 280-8419 www.meijer.com

Nebraska Furniture Mart 800-359-1200 - www.nfm.com

Shopko - (800) 791-7333 www.shopko.com

Target - (800) 440-0680 - www.target.com

Wal-Mart - (800) 925-6278 - www.walmart.com

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

July 2, 2009
About 400,000 Simplicity drop side cribs are being recalled. The crib's plastic hardware can break or deform, causing the drop side to detach. When the drop side detaches, it creates space between the drop side and the crib mattress. Infants and toddlers can roll into this space and become entrapped which can lead to suffocation.

Federal safety regulators say they are aware of one death involving an 8-month-old child from Houston, Texas who became entrapped and suffocated between the drop side and the crib mattress when a plastic connector on the drop side broke. CPSC also is aware of an additional 25 incidents involving the drop side detaching from the crib.

In six of these incidents, the drop side detached because the plastic flexible tab deformed or broke. In four of the drop side detachment incidents, other plastic parts, including connectors or tracks, deformed or broke. In two of the incidents, two children became entrapped between the drop side and the crib mattress. There were no reported injuries.

The cribs were imported by Simplicity Inc. and SFCA Inc. of Reading, Pa. The firms are apparently no longer in business and unable to aid in the recall, the CPSC said.

This recall involves all drop side cribs with a different or 'newer' style of plastic hardware from those cribs recalled in September 2007. This newer style of Simplicity hardware can be identified by a flexible plastic tab at the top of the lower tracks. The recalled model numbers include but may not be limited to: 8050, 8325, 8620, 8745, 8748, 8755, 8756, 8765, 8778, 8810, and 8994, 8995, 8996.

The cribs, made in China, were sold at department stores, children's stores, and mass merchandisers nationwide from January 2005 through June 2009 for between $150 and $300.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Consumers should immediately return the crib to the place of purchase for a refund, replacement or store credit.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

At least four deaths blamed on recalled drop-side cribs

November 23, 2009
More than 1.2 million Stork Craft and Fisher-Price cribs are being recalled in the United States because of an infant entrapment and suffocation hazard blamed for at least four infant deaths. Nearly 1 million additional cribs are being recalled in Canada.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said parents and caregivers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs, wait for the free repair kit, and should 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. For additional information, contact Stork Craft toll-free at (877) 274-0277 anytime to order the free repair kit, or go to www.storkcraft.com.

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. 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.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Feds acknowledge faster response is warranted

By James Limbach of ConsumerAffairs

The 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, is just the latest in a series of actions involving children's products this year.

In January, Stork Craft announced the recall of more than 500,000 cribs. And this past summer, Simplicity announced it was recalling more than 500,000 cribs.

As part of the most recent recall, involving approximately 1,213,000 units distributed in the United States and 968,000 units distributed in Canada, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to stop using the recalled cribs immediately, wait for the free repair kit that converts the drop-side on these cribs to a fixed side and not to attempt to fix the cribs without the kit.

They also are advising parents to find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby.

However, obtaining the repair kit has not been easy.

• Teryn L. of Spanish Fort Ala., tells ConsumerAffairs.com that when she ordered the replacement brackets back in January, she was told they would be shipped and arrive in ten business days. After a month, she says, she received nothing, adding, "I have tried to call the company and I get a recording that says the mailbox is full or the number stays busy all day." Teryn says her daughter is now sleeping in a Pack-n-Play, which is not intended for sleeping full time.
• Iwona L. of Addison Ill., tells us of a similar problem. "I have been unable to contact them. The phone is constantly busy and the website is unable to download. How do they expect customers to get in touch with them without sufficient customer service representatives attending to the phones?"

Could be quicker

The head of the CPSC acknowledges that her agency did not move quickly enough to get the Stork Craft cribs off the market. "We were not advancing this case as quickly as possible," said Chairman Inez Tenenbaum in an interview with The Associated Press. "So, I put all of the resources for the agency on this project so that they could accomplish this goal of recalling the crib."

Alan Korn, executive director of Safe Kids USA, tells ConsumerAffairs.com that he's gratified by the increased attention being paid by CPSC. "There does seem to be that there's a new day at the agency," Korn said. "We're hopeful that the agency will be more aggressive for products like cribs, bassinets and playpens."

Korn stresses that "cheaper is not better," when it comes to infant products. He says the recalls are usually the lower price cribs "where the hardware is weaker - it's plastic, maybe the craftsmanship isn't there." If possible, Korn advises, parents should upgrade the crib purchases.

Safe Kids USA says that if there's any product that needs to be particularly safe for infants, its cribs because, says Korn, this is "where we leave children unattended for long periods of time." He calls incidents involving cribs, particularly when there are deaths, "very alarming."

Crib recall exposes flaws in Canadian consumer protection laws

By Jon Hood
ConsumerAffairs.com

November 27, 2009
The manufacturer of recently-recalled cribs is now facing a wave of class actions across Canada, as the incident exposes deep flaws in the country's product safety laws.

Stork Craft Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer of children's products, recalled over two million cribs because of a design defect that can cause strangulation of infants.

Over 1.2 Stork Craft- and Fisher Price-branded cribs were recalled in the U.S., and an additional million were targeted in Canada. The manufacturer has advised consumers to wait for a free repair kit before using the crib again, and to find a safe sleeping environment for their children in the meantime.

Stork Craft, headquartered in Richmond, B.C., is now named in class actions in at least six provinces, many of which question the manufacturer's response to the recall. Tony Merchant of the Merchant Law Group is behind many of the lawsuits. He told The Canadian Press that consumers don't want the free repair kit; they want their money back, and the crib out of their house.

I haven't talked to a single solitary person who is prepared to go on using this crib, whether they tinker with it or make repairs or not, Merchant said. People say, I am not going to gamble on killing or injuring my child.

Merchant has signed up around 1,000 Canadian consumers so far, and expects more to join in the near future. He is also consulting with an American law firm about the possibility of joining U.S. consumers. Regardless of whether that effort is successful, there is little doubt that the recall will be the subject of vigorous litigation in the U.S.

Flaws found

Meanwhile, the incident has highlighted deep flaws in Canada's consumer-protection laws.

A top official for Health Canada, the government agency in charge of public health, told the Canadian Senate that mandatory reporting of serious incidents would have gone a long way toward preventing or at least severely curbing the incidents. The House of Commons has unanimously endorsed a proposed law that would make such reporting mandatory.

Paul Glover, the Health Canada official, also pointed out that the most his agency can currently do is urge companies to recall products voluntarily. The proposed legislation would give Health Canada the authority to institute mandatory recalls.

More disturbingly, Canadian news sources have reported that Health Canada received the first complaints of defective Stork Craft cribs 14 years ago, but didn't become fully aware of the situation until the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) alerted them in August to complaints from American consumers. The two agencies then began working in tandem to assess the gravity and scope of the defect.

The recall covers Stork Craft drop-side cribs and Stork Craft drop-side cribs with the Fisher-Price logo. Cribs without a plastic trigger or one-hand drop-side hardware are not implicated. CPSC, Health Canada, and Stork Craft know of at least 110 incidents where the cribs' drop-side detached, 67 in the U.S. and 43 in Canada. At least four deaths, all of them in the U.S., have occurred as a result of the defect.

Consumes with questions or in need of information, or who want to order the free repair kit, can contact Stork Craft toll-free anytime at (877) 274-0277 or at www.storkcraft.com.

More photos below

The drop side hardware can fail causing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop side detaches it creates a space in which an infant or toddler can become entrapped and suffocate or strangle. In addition, the recalled cribs can pose a serious entrapment and strangulation hazard when a slat is damaged. This can occur while the crib is in use, in storage, being put together, taken apart or reassembled; or during shipping and handling.

Dorel Asia said it received a report of the death of 6-month old child from Cedar Rapids, Iowa who became entrapped and strangled in a crib after the drop side hardware broke. The crib continued to be used after the parents tried to repair the drop side themselves.

Federal safety regulators and Dorel Asia said they also received reports of 31 drop side incidents. In six of those incidents, children were entrapped between the drop side and crib mattress. Three children suffered from bruises as a result of the entrapment. In addition, CPSC and Dorel Asia received reports of 36 incidents of slat breakage, including seven reports of bruises and scratches to children and two reports of entrapment that resulted in no injury.

The following Dorel Asia cribs are involved in the recall:

The cribs were sold at Kmart, Sears and Wal-Mart stores nationwide from January 2005 through December 2009 for between $120 and $700. They were made in China and Vietnam.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs, find an alternative safe sleeping environment for your child, and contact Dorel Asia to receive a free replacement kit. Consumers should log on to www.dorel-asia.com to order the free replacement kit to prevent child entrapment in these cribs. The repair kits will be provided to owners within the next several weeks.

Call Dorel Asia toll-free at (866) 762-2304 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firms Web site at www.dorel-asia.com

Important Message from CPSC: CPSC reminds 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. Disengagements can create a gap and entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib, especially with duct tape, wire or rope.

Visit CPSC's Crib Information Center for more information on Crib Safety and Recalls.

4-1 Crib - Walnut, Model # WM1676BC



3 -1 Sleigh Crib - Cherry Model # WM1633 & WM1633-0



3 -1 Lexington Crib - Cherry Model # DA1614B3



3 -1 Heritage Crib - Natural Model # DA0504KMC-1N



3 -1 Heritage Crib - White Model # DA0504KMC-1W



3 -1 Convertible Crib - White Model # DAKM5132



Cottage Hill Single Crib - White Model # DASE5005



Vintage Estate 3-1 Crib - Cherry Model # DASE5009



3-1 Convertible Crib - Natural Model # DAKM1615B3

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Credits or refunds for recalled items a possibility

By James Limbach of ConsumerAffairs

CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum told a House Energy and Commerce Committee panel that her "Safe Sleep Initiative" is considering a requirement that crib makers offer a refund or store credit when crib is recalled. This, she testified, would "incentivize consumers to discard and replace defective cribs."

At the same time, she cautioned that the requirement couldn't send manufacturers into bankruptcy or financial distress, as that could "foreclose the possibility of any corrective action."

Committee Chairman Bart Stupak (D-MI), emphasized the importance of the issue noting that "a baby crib is the only product designed expressly so that parents can leave their children unattended for long periods of time and be confident their children will be safe. What is most shocking," he added, "is that all of these recalled cribs were certified as meeting the industry's voluntary safety standards."

As part of her 6-step initiative, Tenenbaum said she plans to ratchet up public outreach in cases of crib and durable infant and toddler product recalls. This would include increasing consumer awareness via multimedia tools, including print, radio, television, and social media, as well as community-based events and partnerships with crib advocacy groups including Safe Kids USA, Keeping Babies Safe, and the National Safety Council.

The hearing by the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations came less than two weeks the recall of more than 2 million Stork Craft drop-side cribs and just days after Dorel Asia recalled more than 6000,000 cribs.

Federal crib safety standards haven't been updated since 1982.

Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association asked to remove seal

March 29, 2010
After a number of recalls and infant deaths associated with drop-side cribs, the State of Illinois is pushing crib manufacturers to make the beds safer.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says she has sent a letter to the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) requesting that they "...take immediate action to address the hazards associated with drop-side cribs." She has specifically asked JPMA Executive Director Michael Dwyer to take three immediate actions:

• Remove the JPMA seal from all drop-side cribs that remain on the market.

• Initiate an education and outreach campaign to inform consumers of the risks associated with drop-side cribs; and

• Provide consumers who have drop-side cribs with a purchase incentive in exchange for their unsafe crib.

"The JPMA Certification Seal is meant to guarantee consumers that the product was designed, built and tested to the very highest safety standards. Allowing the JPMA Certification Seal on drop-side cribs falsely assures consumers that these dangerous products are safe." Madigan said in her letter.

Almost seven million cribs have been recalled since 2007 because of drop-side detachments. Twenty-one children have died when the drop-side of their crib detached, creating a gap that they slid into, and then suffocated.

The Attorney General made the announcement today at a press conference hosted by Kids in Danger (KIDS) in Chicago where it released its annual study of recalled children's products.

The crib's tubular metal mattress-support frame can bend or detach and cause part of the mattress to collapse, creating a space into which an infant or toddler can roll and become wedged, entrapped or fall out of the crib.

          









      

CPSC has received a report of a one-year-old child from North Attleboro, Mass. who suffocated when he became entrapped between the crib mattress and the crib frame in April 2008. CPSC is aware of 13 additional incidents involving the recalled cribs collapsing due to the metal mattress-support frame bending or detaching, including one child entrapment that did not result in injury, and one child who suffered minor cuts to his head when his mattress collapsed and he fell out of the crib.

CPSC staff urges parents and caregivers to stop using these cribs immediately and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Do not attempt to fix these cribs.

Due to the fact that Simplicity and its successor, SFCA Inc., are no longer in business, CPSC has limited information about the number of cribs sold.

All Simplicity drop-side cribs have previously been recalled for a hazard involving the drop side. Simplicity drop-side cribs could still be in use by parents or caregivers who are unaware of the recalls or by those who received a repair kit to immobilize the drop side from Simplicity when the firm was still in business. This recall involves all Simplicity cribs with tubular metal mattress-support frames, which include but are not limited to the following models:

Some model numbers are followed by letters, indicating the color or finish of the crib. The name "Simplicity Inc." or "Simplicity for Children" appears on a label on the crib's mattress-support frame and/or the crib's end panels. The cribs were manufactured in China.

The recalled cribs were sold at Walmart, Target, Babies R Us and other stores nationwide for between $150 and $300. Consumers should contact the store where the crib was purchased to receive a refund, replacement crib or store credit.

Warning

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, which could fatally entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib with tape, wire, rope or by other means. Infants and toddlers have died in cribs with makeshift repairs.

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

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The cribs drop-side hardware can disengage from the tracks, causing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop-side partially 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 strangulation and/or suffocation.

Complete detachment of the drop sides can lead to falls from the crib. In addition, slats can detach from the sides of the cribs. Infants and toddlers can then become entrapped, strangle or fall out of the crib.

CPSC and C&T/Sorelle have received reports of 104 incidents of drop-side and slat detachments in C&T/Sorelle drop-side cribs. Six infants received bruises and abrasions to the head, face, torso or leg from becoming entrapped or falling after the drop side collapsed. An additional five infants who were entrapped or fell were found by their parents and were not injured.

This recall involves C&T International, Sorelle and Golden Baby wood cribs. The full-size cribs were sold in natural, white and cherry finishes. The model number and/or model name is printed on a label affixed to the footboard or headboard under the Caution statement.

The cribs were sold at childrens product stores and other retailers nationwide from January 2000 through March 2010 for between $300 and $600. They were made in Italy, Latvia, Brazil, China and Vietnam.

CPSC urges parents and caregivers to immediately stop using the recalled cribs and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Consumers should contact C&T/Sorelle to receive a free replacement kit. For four of the older models of the cribs the Hampton, Jackie, Nina and Rita models -- the firm may be unable to supply a part to repair the crib and will, instead, provide consumers with a $100 voucher towards the purchase of another C&T product.

The following cribs are included in the recall (arger photos).

Alessandra; Model Number: 180	Alex 3 in 1; Model Number 910	Amelia; Model Number 185
Chelsea; Model Number 100	Federica; Model Number 170	Glenda/Toscana; Model Number 350
Hampton; Model Number 303	Jackie; Model Number 440	Jessica; Model Number 810
Lana; Model Number 240	Leonardo; Model Number 395	Marisa; Model Number 680
Martina; Model Number 135	Mirabella; Model Number 930	Nadia; Model Number 245
Natasha; Model Number 900	Nico; Model Number 630	Nina Pine; Model Number 710
Noelle; Model Number 999	Pagodina; Model Number 195	Rita; Model Number 490 - Manufactured between 2001 and October 2007
Rosa; Model Number 870	Rosemary; Model Number 925	Silver; Model Number 485

Important Message from CPSC: CPSC reminds 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. Disengagements can create a gap and entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib. Babies have died in cribs where repairs were attempted by caregivers.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

More than 9 million dangerous cribs recalled since 2005

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

After high-profile recalls of drop-side cribs that can suffocate infants, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has expanded its recall to include two million cribs made by seven companies.

The beds included in the recall were made by Child Craft, Delta Enterprises Corp., Evenflo, Jardine Enterprises, LaJobi, More on this recall and Simmons Juvenile Products Inc.

Some, but not all, are the drop-side cribs, which pose a danger to infants who become trapped in the gap between the mattress and the side of the crib. Included in this latest recall is the Child Craft brand "Crib 'N' Double Bed" full size stationary-side crib with dowel.

The crib's stationary side can be assembled upside-down but still appears to be assembled correctly. If assembled upside-down, the crib side contains a hazardous five-inch gap at the top of the crib. Infants or toddlers can become entrapped in this gap, which can lead to entrapment, strangulation or other injuries.

CPSC has received four reports of children becoming entrapped between the dowel and the crib's stationary front side. In two of those reports, the child was trapped by his/her head and was in danger of being strangled. In the other two reports, the child was trapped by his/her arm. This hazard can occur on both the front and back sides of the crib, the agency said.

Listed below are cribs included in the latest recall.

747,000 Delta drop-side cribs

Improper installation can cause the mattress platform to collapse.

This recall involves Delta drop-side cribs with three different types of drop-side hardware and Delta cribs with wooden stabilizer bars that support the mattress platform.

• Delta Enterprises Corp.

750,000 Jenny Lind drop-side cribs distributed by Evenflo

CPSC and Evenflo have received 31 reports of drop sides that malfunctioned or detached. One involved the entrapment of a seven-month-old boy between the drop side and the crib mattress. He sustained bumps and bruises to his head. Nine children fell out of the crib when the drop side detached, unlocked or fell off. Seven of those children sustained minor injuries, including bumps, bruises and cuts. Fourteen other incidents involved no injuries. In addition, CPSC has received two reports of children who became entrapped when the mattress support detached in one corner of cribs manufactured between 2000 and 2004.

• More on this recall

306,000 Bonavita, Babi Italia and ISSI drop-side cribs manufactured by LaJobi

This recall involves all models of Bonavita, Babi Italia and ISSI drop-side cribs manufactured by LaJobi. The cribs have drop-side hardware that contains metal or plastic pegs that are recessed into either the drop side or the headboard and footboard of the crib. A label on the headboard of the crib identifies the manufacturer as LaJobi.

• LaJobi

130,000 Jardine drop-side cribs imported by Toys R Us

The cribs' drop sides can malfunction, detach or otherwise fail, causing part of the drop side to fall out of position, creating a space into which an infant or toddler can roll and become wedged or entrapped, which can lead to strangulation or suffocation.

• Jardine Enterprises

156,000 Million Dollar Baby drop-side cribs

CPSC and Million Dollar Baby have received 43 reports of drop side failures. There were eight reports of children being entrapped between the mattress and drop side resulting in three reports of bruises to the head or upper body. Additionally, three children fell out of the crib when the drop side failed but they were not injured.

• More on this recall

50,000 Simmons drop-side cribs

The cribs' drop sides can malfunction, detach or otherwise fail, causing part of the drop side to fall out of position, creating a space into which an infant or toddler can roll and become wedged or entrapped, which can lead to strangulation or suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib. Drop-side incidents can also occur due to incorrect assembly and with age-related wear and tear. Style numbers are printed on a permanent label on the headboard.

• Simmons Juvenile Products Inc.

In the last five years more than nine million cribs have been recalled because of a potential hazard to children. Drop-side cribs are blamed for the deaths of 32 children since 2000, CPSC said.

The cribs drop sides can malfunction, detach or otherwise fail, causing part of the drop side to fall out of position, creating a space into which an infant or toddler can roll and become wedged or entrapped, which can lead to strangulation or suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib. Drop-side incidents can also occur due to incorrect assembly and with age-related wear and tear.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and Evenflo have received 31 reports of drop sides that malfunctioned or detached. One involved the entrapment of a seven month old boy between the drop side and the crib mattress. He sustained bumps and bruises to his head. Nine children fell out of the crib when the drop side detached, unlocked or fell off. Seven of those children sustained minor injuries, including bumps, bruises and cuts. Fourteen other incidents involved no injuries.

In addition, CPSC has received two reports of children who became entrapped when the mattress support detached in one corner of cribs manufactured between 2000 and 2004.

The following Evenflo crib models are included in this recall. The model number is located on a label on the bottom beam of the headboard.

The cribs, made in Mexico and China, were sold at childrens product stores and various other retailers nationwide from January 2000 through November 2007 for about $200.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drop-side cribs and contact Evenflo to receive a free repair kit that will immobilize the drop side. A repair kit for the mattress support system is also available for cribs with model numbers starting with 012 and 014 that were manufactured between 2000 and 2004. In the meantime, find an alternate, safe sleep environment for the child, such as a bassinet, play yard or toddler bed depending on the childs age. The repair kits will be provided to consumers within the next several weeks.

For additional information, contact Evenflo at (800) 356-2229 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firms web site at http://safety.evenflo.com

Cautionary note

Federal safety regulators 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. Disengagements can create a gap and entrap a child.

In addition, parents should not try to repair any side of the crib. Babies have died in cribs where repairs were attempted by caregivers. Age is a factor in the safety of any crib. At a minimum, CPSC staff recommends that you not use a crib that is older than 10 years. Many older cribs may not meet current voluntary standards and can have numerous safety problems.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

CPSC and Pottery Barn Kids have received 36 reports of drop sides that have malfunctioned or detached, resulting in seven minor injuries when children fell out of the cribs or got their legs caught between the mattress and the drop side. One child became entrapped at the head between the drop side and crib mattress but was freed without injury.

This recall involves all Pottery Barn Kids drop-side cribs regardless of the model number. Pottery Barn Kids is printed on a label attached to the crib headboard or footboard.

The cribs were sold through the Pottery Barn Kids catalog, www.potterybarnkids.com, and at Pottery Barn Kids retail stores nationwide from January 1999 through March 2010 for between $300 and $600. They were made in Canada, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Italy.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs, inspect the hardware to make sure it is not broken, and contact Pottery Barn Kids to receive a free fixed-gate conversion kit that will immobilize the drop side.

For additional information, contact Pottery Barn Kids at (877) 804-3847 between 7 a.m. and midnight 7 days a week or visit the firms website at www.potterybarnkids.com.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

New standards to become mandatory in six months

By James Limbach of ConsumerAffairs

Following recalls of millions of cribs due to entrapment deaths and injuries, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has adopted new rules designed to insure that new cribs have been tested for safety to rigorous standards.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), signed into law in August of 2008, requires the agency to issue mandatory standards for infant durable products. This provision of the CPSIA was named in honor and in memory of Danny Keysar, who was 16 months old when he died in his Chicago childcare home because a portable crib collapsed around his neck.

The CPSIA requires mandatory standards and testing for durable infant and toddler products, product registration cards and a ban on the sale or lease of unsafe cribs. Cribs are among the first products for which mandatory standards have been promulgated under this provision.

"This new mandatory standard, the strongest in the world, will ensure that new cribs coming onto the market will provide safe haven for babies and their families," said Nancy Cowles, Executive Director of Kids In Danger. "We applaud CPSC for their hard work and tenacity in developing and adopting this landmark rule."

Requirements

The new rule puts many new tests and requirements in place:

• Cribs with full side drop-sides will not be allowed -- the bottom 20 inches of the crib rail must be fixed to eliminate the entrapment hazards seen when the hardware fails.
• All cribs must undergo rigorous testing for slat strength, durability and mattress support strength. The series of testing is conducted on one crib to simulate a lifetime use of a crib. This is the key to the new standard. Most of the 10 million cribs recalled since 2007 were able to meet the weak industry standards that were in place.
• Warnings and labeling have been improved, both to make parents more aware of when a crib is mis-assembled and to alert them to developmental signs to stop using a crib (when the child attempts to climb out). While most attention has been rightly focused on entrapment deaths in cribs, most injuries are as a result of children falling out of cribs

Higher standards

The new requirements are mostly part of the ASTM International voluntary standard that has been adapted to serve as the CPSC mandatory rule. Over the past two years industry, consumer advocates and safety experts have worked to update the voluntary standard to provide real assurances of a safe product. Prior to the recent rewrite, the most recent significant changes to the voluntary standard were made in 1999.

The CPSC mandatory standard was last changed in 1982. The new standards include two sets of similar rules: one for full-size cribs and one for non-full-size cribs. Non-full-size cribs can be smaller, larger or a different shape than a full-size crib, which is a standardized shape and size.

"The lack of durability of recently produced cribs is appalling and has put many babies at risk," said Don Mays, senior director of product safety and technical policy for Consumers Union/Consumer Reports. "These new regulations will ensure safe sleep environments by raising the bar for the safety and quality of cribs."

New and used covered

For the first time, this mandatory rule promulgated by CPSC applies to products already in use by some entities as well as to new products. Efforts will begin immediately to remove older unsafe products off store shelves, out of childcare homes, and out of hotels.

The CPSIA includes a section requiring that cribs that don't meet the new standard can't be sold -- new or used, used in child care, used by hotel guests, or used in other public accommodations. This measure alone will go far in removing unsafe cribs from use. This does not apply to already purchased cribs being used in private homes, except for barring their resale.

Six months after the publication of the standard, all cribs on the market must be in compliance. The Commission voted to give childcare facilities and hotels an additional 18 months after that date to replace any non-compliant cribs. CPSC has indicated that cribs currently being manufactured and tested that meet the new standard can continue to be used, even though their sale took place prior to the new rule being official.

"After years of foot dragging by the industry," said Elizabeth Hitchcock of US Public Interest Research Group. "CPSC has now approved a standard and testing regimen that will keep children safe -- avoiding the crib recalls, entrapment deaths and injuries that have plagued the industry."

Illinois Attorney General says products are dangerous to infants

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who last week praised a new federal ban on drop side cribs, is now warning parents and caregivers about bumper pads -- the soft pillow-like objects used along side of cribs.

Madigan said immediate action is necessary in light of the number of infant deaths and injuries attributed to the pads.

The attorney general said she issued the warning to alert caregivers of this danger to prevent infant deaths. Babies might suffocate or be strangled if they roll against a crib bumper, press their faces against the bumper, wedge their heads between the pad and the mattress or crib side, or if their necks get wrapped by the tie that secures the bumper to the crib.

Known problem

Her warning follows an investigative report published in the Chicago Tribune that found federal regulators have known for years that bumper pads pose a suffocation hazard for babies but failed to warn parents. Bedding manufacturers and their trade group have been alerted to the issue but have yet to take action, the Tribune reported.

"We know that children have tragically died in their cribs because of these bumper pads," Madigan said. "Parents and caregivers should remove these bumpers to prevent tragedy."

Since 2008, the National Center for Child Death Review has received reports of 14 infants who have died from suffocation caused by crib bumpers. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American SIDS Institute and the Canadian Health Department have all urged parents not to use crib bumpers.

Call for action

Attorney General Madigan said she has partnered with the American Academy of Pediatrics,Kids in Danger, the American SIDS Institute, SIDS of Illinois and the Canadian Health Department to alert caregivers of the danger crib bumpers pose.

She also sent a letter to the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) demanding the group release results from its study into the dangers of crib bumper pads. A study commissioned by JPMA to investigate these dangers has yet to be published while the group internally reviews the report. Madigan urged the association to release the study immediately, so the proper authorities can take any necessary steps to prevent further harm.

"The JPMA needs to release results of its study and implement effective measures to remove these bumpers from the marketplace," Madigan said. "Manufacturers and distributors of these pads must take responsibility for the dangers posed by these products. We must work together to educate parents and caregivers and ensure cribs across Illinois and nationwide are safe for babies."

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association is a national trade organization that represents companies across the country that manufacture, import and distribute infant products like cribs, car seats and strollers.

Madigan urges manufacturers to halt production of potentially harmful crib padding

Last month, Attorney General Lisa Madigan issued a warning to parents and caregivers of infants and small children about crib bumpers. The pillow-like lining used to keep baby’s head away from the sides of the crib can pose serious risks of injury and death due to suffocation or strangulation.

On Wednesday, Madigan called on the national industry trade group overseeing manufacturers of crib bumpers, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), to push for a halt to the production and sale of bumper pads across the country.

Danger posed

Madigan said babies could be hurt or killed by their crib bumpers in any number of ways: rolling against it, pressing their faces against it, wedging their heads between the pad and the mattress or crib side, or getting the tie that secures the bumper to the crib wrapped around their necks.

“The JPMA and its manufacturers cannot sit by and wait for regulators to decide how, and if, crib bumpers should be used,” Madigan said. “Their disregard for the danger posed by these products creates a very real danger.”

Back in December, the Attorney General alerted parents and caregivers to the hazards bumpers pose and urged them to remove these products from their homes to prevent tragedy.

She also sent a letter to the JPMA urging the group to take immediate action to address bumper hazards with its manufacturer members.

Madigan demanded then that the JPMA release results of a study it commissioned to investigate the dangers of crib bumpers.

The study has yet to be published as the JPMA internally reviews the report.

Production halt demanded

As a result of JPMA’s inaction, the AG is calling on the group to halt production and sale of bumpers while the Consumer Product Safety Commission analyzes the products’ appropriate use, if any at all.

According to Madigan, the JPMA has failed to appropriately respond in light of these deaths.

“One infant death due to bumper pad use is too many. We must act now to remove bumpers from store shelves, stop production and work to educate caregivers to this threat,” Madigan said.

Since 2008, the National Center for Child Death Review has received reports of 14 infants who have died from suffocation caused by crib bumpers.

Mobilizing

Last month, Madigan partnered with the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Kids in Danger, the American SIDS Institute, SIDS of Illinois and the Canadian Health Department to alert caregivers to this danger.

Madigan urged parents and caregivers to take the time to review her Rest Assured Guide to determine whether they have other dangerous children’s items that have been recalled in their homes.

The  guide provides information to consumers about cribs or other sleep-related items for children from 2007 to date. To obtain a copy of the guide, call the Attorney General’s Product Recall Hotline at 1-888-414-7678 (TTY: 1-800-964-3013).

Could crib bumpers be one step closer to being banned?

Crib bumpers, the pillow-like lining used to separate the sides of the crib with an infant’s head, may be one step closer to extinction due to beefed up safety guidelines by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

While the CPSC doesn't specifically discourage use of bumpers, it does recommend keeping all extraneous items out of cribs like stuffed animals, pillows and heavy quilts.

Plus, whether it was intended or not, bumpers are nowhere to be seen among the examples of safe cribs featured in the commission’s informational video online.

Crib bumper safety

The safety of crib bumpers has been a hotly debated topic over the last decade. Consumer advocacy groups and children’s safety organizations believe bumpers can cause suffocation, strangulation, or contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).  However, the government has been slow to take a stand on the controversial crib accessory.

Still, the commission is not ignoring the subject of safe sleep areas for infants and young toddlers.

In December 2010, it unanimously approved new, stricter safety standards for all cribs; standards that had not been updated in thirty years.

Under the new guidelines, crib manufacturers must ensure mattress supports are stronger, the crib hardware is more durable, and the safety testing of their products is more rigorous.

The commission’s standards also stop the manufacture and sale of traditional drop-side cribs, which they warned parents about in May, 2010 and issued almost a dozen recalls for since 2005.

According to the commission, over seven million drop-side cribs were included in the recalls due to suffocation and strangulation hazards created by the drop side.

While these are steps in a positive direction, when (or if) the commission will address the possible safety hazards of crib bumpers is anyone’s guess.

Bumper ban

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has been calling for the end of crib bumpers since December 2010.

Last month, she urged the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), the national industry trade group overseeing manufacturers of crib bumpers, to release the results of a study it conducted on the safety of bumpers.  As of mid-January 2011, the results have yet to be released.

Madigan continues to warn parents and care-givers of the potentially fatal risk of using crib bumpers.

Along with discouraging keeping bulky items out of cribs, the CPSC’s safety guidelines included other important tips to keep babies and young toddlers safe while they sleep:

• To prevent suffocation, never place pillows or thick quilts in a baby's sleep environment. Also, make sure there are no gaps larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress.
• Proper assembly of cribs is paramount - Follow the instructions provided and make sure that every part is installed correctly. If you are not sure, call the manufacturer for assistance.
• Do not use cribs older than 10 years or broken or modified cribs. Infants can strangle to death if their bodies pass through gaps between loose components or broken slats while their heads remain entrapped.
• Set up play yards properly according to manufacturers' directions. Only use the mattress pad provided with the play yard; do not add extra padding.
• Never place a crib near a window with blind, curtain cords or baby monitor cords; babies can strangle on cords.

The commission also has resources for parents and care-givers to see if their child’s crib has been included in any of the recalls.

The cribs pose risks of strangulation, suffocation hardware linked to deaths and injuries

By James Limbach of ConsumerAffairs

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers that "SafetyCraft" brand full-size and portable drop-side cribs manufactured or distributed by Generation 2 Worldwide contain drop-side hardware that appears to be identical to Generation 2 Worldwide ChildESIGNS brand drop-side cribs recalled in February 2010.

This hardware found on SafetyCraft drop-side cribs can fail and place infants and toddlers at risk of strangulation and suffocation. CPSC staff urges parents and caregivers to stop using these cribs immediately and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Do not attempt to fix these cribs.

Ownership change

Generation 2 Worldwide ceased operations in 2005. The "SafetyCraft" trademark was then purchased by Foundations Children's Products of Medina, OH. SafetyCraft cribs manufactured and sold by Foundations Children's Products are NOT the subject of this safety alert. Consumers can identify the Foundations SafetyCraft crib with "Foundations" printed on the mattress support assembly instructions label under the crib mattress.

Because Generation 2 Worldwide ceased operations, CPSC has limited information about these cribs and where they were sold. CPSC has been unable to identify major retailers that sold these cribs.

Identifying products

The name "SafetyCraft" appears on a label affixed to the crib's headboard or footboard. Product labels may identify the place of manufacture as Indonesia or Dothan, Alabama.

This warning involves all SafetyCraft drop-side cribs, including model 92-8112, manufactured and/or sold by Generation 2Worldwide. Some of the cribs have a clear plastic headboard and footboard. These cribs are in use in child care facilities as well as homes.

Danger to children

The crib's plastic drop-side hardware can break, which can cause the drop side of the crib to detach from a corner of the crib. When the drop side detaches, it creates a space into which an infant or toddler can roll and become wedged or entrapped.

When a child is trapped between the drop side and the crib mattress, it creates a risk of suffocation or strangulation. In addition, the crib's mattress support can detach from the crib frame, creating a hazardous space in which an infant or toddler can become entrapped and suffocate or strangle.

CPSC received reports of three infant suffocation deaths and 20 drop side-related incidents involving previously recalled models of Generation 2 Worldwide and ChildESIGNS cribs with plastic hardware similar to "SafetyCraft" cribs.

Parent advice

CPSC reminds 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.

More information on crib safety can be found at CPSC's Crib Information Center.

Incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product can be made here.