Tuesday, September 02, 2008 - Posts

• Baby Hammocks Recalled by FlagHouse Inc. Due to Fall and Strangulation Hazards

  The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Yayita Baby Hammocks Units: About 100 Distributor: FlagHouse Inc., of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. Hazard: The hammock can flip over, posing a serious fall hazard and strangulation hazard to infants who get entrapped in the seat’s restraint straps while upside down. Incidents/Injuries: FlagHouse has received one report of an incident in which the hammock flipped over entrapping a 7 month old boy in the restraint straps. No injuries have been reported. Description: The recalled baby hammock is cream-colored canvas and hangs from a wooden pole. The hammock measures about 29 x 43 inches. It has three restraint straps with red buckles and is attached to a cushioned pad for the infant. A mounting fixture, also called a fixing set, is sold with the hammock. “La Siesta” is printed on a tag located below the restraint straps. Model number YABP-1 is printed on a white tag sewn into the hammock’s side seam. Sold by: FlagHouse Inc.’s catalog, and online at www.flaghouse.com, and at BJ Wholesale Club’s Web site, www.bjs.com, from September 2007 through August 2008 for about $90. Manufactured in: Colombia Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the baby hammock and contact FlagHouse to receive a full refund, or credit toward the purchase of another product. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact FlagHouse at (800) 793-7900 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.flaghouse.com   Posted Sep 02 2008, 12:01 PM by All ePregnancy with no comments Filed under: child seat, Recall Falling Hazard, Strangulation Hazard, Baby, FlagHouse, Yayita Baby Hammocks

• Six Retailers Agree To Stop Sale and Recall Simplicity Bassinets Due To Strangulation Hazard

  WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging retailers across the country to protect the health and safety of babies by stopping sale and recalling nearly 900,000 dangerous Simplicity bassinets. Yesterday, CPSC warned parents, caregivers and consumers to immediately stop using convertible "close-sleeper/bedside sleeper" bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa., due to a serious safety risk. Today, CPSC is announcing that the following retailers have voluntarily agreed to recall the product and provide a refund or store credit to consumers who return the product to the store where purchased: Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark. – (800) 925-6278 or www.walmart.com Toys "R" Us Inc., of Wayne, N.J. - (800) 869-7787 or www.toysrus.com or www.babiesrus.com Kmart Corp., of Hoffman Estates, Ill. – (800) 659-7026 or www.kmart.com Big Lots!, of Columbus, Ohio – (866) 244-5687 or www.biglots.com Target of Minneapolis, Minnesota sold at www.target.com only J.C. Penney, of Plano, Texas – (888) 333-6063 or www.jcp.com These additional retailers have subsequently agreed voluntarily to recall the product and provide a refund or store credit to consumers who return the product to the store where purchased: STORE CITY STATE AAFES Dallas TX Amazon.com, LLC Seattle WA Bed Bath and Beyond/BuyBuyBaby Union NJ Burlington Coat Factory Burlington NC Chelsea & Scott, LTD (OneStepAhead) Lake Bluff IL CSN Stores Boston MA Fingerhut Direct Marketing Eden Prairie MN Kohl’s Department Stores Menomonee Falls WI ShopKo Stores, Inc. Green Bay WI USA Baby #147 Clovis CA USA Baby #47 Overland Park KS USA Baby #58 Brookfield WI Below is a listing of Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible "Close-Sleeper" model bassinets that are included in this recall. The model number can be found on a label on the underside of the bassinet. RECALLED Model Numbers 3000CL 3112DOH6 3011WHE 9250A 3016LAU 3046GTM 3010BIJ 3112DOH7 3011WHK 3012SOM 3016MIR 3046HAN 3010HAV 3122BAN 3012BIJ 5750SAR 3017NCB 3047MON 3010NGS 3122TGC 3012OXF 3012TGT 3020SFB 3050LIL 3010TGT 3010BIJC 3012SFD 3013PRO 3025BER 3050SAR 3010WHE 343-8363 3040SAR 9250B 3025C 3060GFS 3040LAU 343-8399 3040SPR 3014LOL 3026CRT 3060TFS TD2500 3045FEL 3050SWT 3014NGS 3027MIS 8393 3040WDS 3111DPC 3060BTL 3015GFR 3030SAR 3040SPRC 3045DRM 3012LLTC 3112BDY 3070MAN 3040CLA 3040LAC 3111ZOL 3050SWTC 3045OXFC 3112DOH 5730FKB 3045DRMC CPSC learned that on August 21, 2008, a 6 ½-month-old girl from Shawnee, Kan. was strangled to death when she became entrapped between the bassinet’s metal bars. This is the second strangulation death CPSC has learned of in the co-sleeper bassinets. On September 29, 2007, a 4-month-old girl from Noel, Mo. became entrapped in the metal bars of the bassinet and died. The Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets contain metal bars that are covered by an adjustable fabric flap which is attached by velcro. The fabric is folded down when the bassinet is converted into a bed-side co-sleeping position. If the velcro is not properly re-secured when the flap is adjusted, an infant can slip through the opening and become entrapped in the metal bars and suffocate. This warning does not cover bassinets produced in recent months that have fabric permanently attached over the lower bar. Due to the serious hazard these bassinets pose to babies, CPSC urges all consumers to share this safety warning with day care centers, consignment stores, family and friends to ensure that no child is placed to sleep in a Simplicity convertible bassinet covered by this warning. Posted Sep 02 2008, 11:58 AM by All ePregnancy with no comments Filed under: Recall, Infant Health, Strangulation Hazard, Children's Furniture, Baby, close-sleeper bassinets, Simplicity Bassinets

• Wooden Infant Toys Recalled by Habermaass Corp. Due to Choking Hazard

  WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Wooden Puzzles, Infant Rattles, Pacifier Holders, and Stroller Toys Units: About 118,000 Manufacturer: Habermaass Corp. Inc., of Skaneateles, N.Y. Hazard: The wooden rattles, pacifier holders, and stroller toys contain small pieces including glued on mirrors and/or prisms that can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants. The head of the ladybug puzzle pieces also poses a choking hazard. Incidents/Injuries: Habermaass Corp. has received 15 reports of incidents involving the recalled puzzles, rattles, and pacifier holders including pieces of the rattles detaching and being mouthed by young children. Description: The puzzles, rattle toys, pacifier holders, and stroller toys are wooden and are described in the chart below. “HABA” is printed on them. Sold at: Specialty toy stores nationwide and at specialty online retailers from January 2002 through August 2008 for between $10 and $35. Manufactured in: Germany Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled puzzles, rattles, pacifier holders and stroller toys away from children and contact Habermaass to receive a free replacement product or a full refund. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Habermaass Corp. at (800) 468-6873 ext. 107 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.HABAusa.com/safety Model Description Photo Triolino Puzzle Lady bug puzzle is 7 inches x ½ inch thick LUCY Clutching Toy (rattle) Hearts have mirrors and prisms. The rattle is about 4 inches in diameter. Little Heart Clutching Toy (rattle) Heart has mirror. The rattle is about 3 ½ inches in diameter. Pixie’s World (rattle) 2.5” rattle with mushroom, flower, person and house with mirror. Belinda Clutching Toy (rattle) Flower clutching toy has face in the middle. The rattle is about 4 inches in diameter. Miro Clutching Toy (rattle) Rattle center contains blue plastic ball with 10 holes. The rattle is about 3 ½ inches in diameter. Bunny Pacifier Holder Pacifier holder is 8.6 inches long with fabric bunny on the end and wooden star with mirror in the middle. Bear Pacifier Holder Pacifier holder is 8.6 inches long with bear at the end and wooden circle with mirror in the middle. Bonita (rattle) 2.5” bouquet of four shapes on wooden ring. Bella (rattle) 3” diameter with four wooden hearts with two mirrors. Pirate Joe (rattle) 4” pirate theme with bell and mirror. Rally (rattle) 4” triangle shape with three cars. Flori (rattle) Six petal shapes on elastic band. Includes three mirrors & three bells. 5” Triola (rattle) 4” triangle with two flowers and round corner. Trio (rattle) 4” triangle shape with squeaker, bell and mirror. Speedy (rattle) Wooden car about 4.5” L x 3” H. Squeaker in back and mirror on car hood. Little Hearts Stroller Toy 18” pram-chain with ten various size wooden hearts. Discovery Balls, Set of 4 Set contains 1 orange, 1 red, 1 blue and one bicolor blue/yellow ball. Red ball contains three small mirrors. Discovery Ball with Rattle Blue/Yellow round wooden ball with small mirror.   Posted Sep 02 2008, 11:56 AM by All ePregnancy with no comments Filed under: Recall, Toy Recall, Choking Hazard, Children's Toys, Wooden Toy, Baby, Wooden Puzzles, Infant Rattles, and Stroller Toys, Pacifier Holders

• Children's Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Orioxi International Due to Strangulation Hazard

  WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets Units: About 43,000 Importer: Orioxi International Corp., of Brea, Calif. Hazard: The sweatshirts and jackets have drawstrings through the hood which pose a strangulation hazard to young children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstring in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: The recalled garments were sold in children’s sizes small, medium and large in the following colors: white, ivory, red, black, navy, brown, green, charcoal, blue, and pink. “BAC” is printed on the sewn-in tag on some of the garments. “Breckenridge”, “Keystone”, “Jackson Hole”, “Vail”, “Steamboat”, and “Mackinac Island” is printed on the front of the garments. Sold at: “Shirt off My Back” retail stores located in Colorado, Wyoming, and Michigan from September 2005 through May 2008 for between $20 and $30. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard. Consumer can return the garments to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Outfitter Trading Company at (800) 875-4352 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.shirtoffmyback.com     Posted Sep 02 2008, 11:54 AM by All ePregnancy with no comments Filed under: Recall, Children's Clothes, Strangulation Hazard, Drawstrings

• Infants Strangled to Death in Simplicity Bassinets: CPSC Urges Consumers To Stop Using Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible “Close-Sleeper” Models

  WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to stop using convertible “close-sleeper/bedside sleeper” bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa. CPSC has learned that on August 21, 2008, a 5-month-old girl from Shawnee, Kan. was strangled to death when she became entrapped between the bassinet’s metal bars. This is the second strangulation death CPSC has learned of in the close-sleeper bassinets. On September 29, 2007, a 4-month-old girl from Noel, Mo. became entrapped in the metal bars of the bassinet and died. CPSC is issuing this safety alert because SFCA Inc., the company which purchased all of Simplicity Inc.’s assets at public auction in April 2008, has refused to cooperate with the government and recall the products. SFCA maintains that it is not responsible for products previously manufactured by Simplicity Inc. The Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets contain metal bars spaced farther apart than 2 3/8 inches, which is the maximum distance allowed under the federal crib safety standard. The metal bars are covered by an adjustable fabric flap which is attached by velcro. The fabric is folded down when the bassinet is converted into a bed-side co-sleeping position. If the velcro is not properly re-secured when the flap is adjusted, an infant can slip through the opening and become entrapped in the metal bars and suffocate. This warning does not cover bassinets produced in recent months that have fabric permanently attached over the lower bar. Due to the serious hazard these bassinets pose to babies, CPSC urges all consumers to share this safety warning with day care centers, consignment stores, family and friends to ensure that no child is placed to sleep in a Simplicity convertible bassinet covered by this warning. The Commission voted, using its new authorities in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, to release this warning upon making a finding that the health and safety of the public require immediate notice.   Posted Sep 02 2008, 11:51 AM by All ePregnancy with no comments Filed under: Recall, Simplicity, Strangulation Hazard, Children's Furniture, Baby, close-sleeper bassinets

• Regal Lager Recalls to Repair Phil & Teds Strollers Due to Laceration Hazard

  WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Phil & Teds e3 Single Buggy, e3 Twin Buggy and sport v1 Single Buggy Strollers (an additional 425 e3 Twin Buggy Strollers were recalled on May 5, 2006) Units: About 44,000 Importer: Regal Lager Inc., of Kennesaw, Ga. Hazard: The stroller’s hinge locking mechanism poses a laceration hazard to the user folding and unfolding the strollers Incidents/Injuries: Regal Lager has received nine reports from consumers who injured their fingers in the stroller’s hinge locking mechanism. Description: The recalled single strollers all have metal frames with three wheels, a cloth seat and canopy. The twin strollers have a metal frame with four wheels, side-by-side cloth seats and double sun canopies. The strollers were sold in a variety of colors including red, orange, green, black, charcoal and navy. The Phil & Teds logo is located on the crotch piece of the harness. Sold at: Baby furniture and baby products stores nationwide from August 2003 through August 2008 for between $400 and $650. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should stop using the strollers immediately and contact Regal Lager to obtain a free hinge cover repair kit and instructions. Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can Regal Lager toll-free at (877) 242-5676 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.regallager.com   Posted Sep 02 2008, 11:49 AM by All ePregnancy with no comments Filed under: baby gear, Baby Gear Recall, Stroller Recall, Baby, Regal Lager, Phil & Teds

• Stroller Activity Bars Recalled by International Playthings Due to Choking Hazard

  WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Taggies™ Strollin’ Along Stroller Activity Bars Units: About 10,000 Importer/Distributor: International Playthings Inc., of Parsippany, N.J. Hazard: The shiny material on the elephant’s ear on the activity bar can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. Incidents/Injuries: International Playthings has received three reports of the shiny material detaching and children putting it in his/her mouth. No injuries have been reported. Description: This recall involves the Taggies™ Strollin’ Along stroller activity bars. The multicolored, fabric, and plastic activity bars feature a yellow giraffe, a purple hippo and a blue elephant attached to a 12” long elliptical base with straps that attach to a stroller. The Taggies™ and Earlyears® logos are located on woven and satin labels sewn into the seam on the lower left front of the activity bar. Sold at: Specialty toy stores nationwide and on the Internet from February 2007 through July 2008 for about $23. Manufactured in: Hong Kong Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the activity bars and contact International Playthings for a free replacement toy. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact International Playthings at (800) 445-8347 or visit the company’s Web site at www.intplay.com   Posted Sep 02 2008, 11:29 AM by All ePregnancy with no comments Filed under: Toys, Recall, Choking Hazard, Plastic, Children's Toys, Taggies, Baby