Short stuff: Recalls
When the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of 1 million cribs in September after at least three deaths, they said the hazard was so urgent that no child should sleep for another night in the defective cribs. Then parents had to wait.
More than 30 days later, Simplicity Inc. began offering a repair kit. The repair will eliminate the drop side function of the crib. For families who feel the crib is still not safe, even with the proposed fix, Kids In Danger urges consumers to ask Simplicity for a refund. Call (888) 593-9274 or visit the Web site at www.simplicityforchildren.com/contactus.htm.
Other recent recalls:
Wendy Bellissimo Collection Convertible Cribs by Bassettbaby are recalled because the bolts connecting the top corners of the crib can come loose, creating a gap and posing a serious entrapment and strangulation hazard.
Aqua Dots by Spin Master are unsafe because the coating on the beads that causes the beads to stick to each other when water is added contains a chemical that can turn toxic when many are ingested.
Electric scooters by Razor USA. A weld can break, causing the handlebar to detach.
Children’s plastic cups by Starbucks pose a choking or laceration hazard if broken.
Glowsticks by Dunkin’ Donuts. Given away free as a promotional item, these pose a choking hazard.
Girl’s boots by Payless Shoesource. The guitar-shaped zipper pulls on each boot can interlock while a child is walking, causing the child to trip and fall.
Toy pirate swords by The Gymboree Corp. The swords can break, creating a sharp point.
Magnetic game pieces sold with Cars-themed backpacks by Global Design Concepts. Small magnets inside the game pieces can fall out and be swallowed or aspirated.
Babysitter Seats by Bumbo International pose a serious risk of head injuries to children.
Kitchen toys by Fisher-Price. Pieces of the faucet or the clock hands can detach, posing a choking hazard.
Skippy pool toys by Swimway Corp. These can cut children because the elastic tongue of the fish can break, forcefully come out and cut the users’ hands during launching of the toy.
To report a problem with a product or to see the complete list of recalls, visit www.cpsc.gov.
Sarah Chusid, program associateKids in Danger
