Thousands of drop-side cribs were recalled on 10/22/10 by three different companies according to announcements from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Consumers have been told to stop using the recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Recall #1:
Manufacturer: Ethan Allen, of Danbury, Conn.
Units: About 3,250
Hazard: The crib’s drop-side rail hardware can malfunction, detach or otherwise fail, causing part of the drop side rail to detach from the crib. When the drop-side rail partially detaches, it creates a space between the drop side and the crib mattress. An infant or toddler’s body can become entrapped in the space, which can lead to strangulation and/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: Ethan Allen has received five reports of incidents involving the crib’s drop-side detaching, resulting in bumps and bruises to three children. One child became entrapped and two children fell out of the crib after the drop side detached, one child received a pinched hand and one child received an unspecified injury.
Description: This recall involves Ethan Allen brand cribs with item numbers 14-5650, 15-5650, 16-5650, 26-5650, 35-5622, 36-5620, 36-5622 and 38-5622. “Ethan Allen” and the item number are printed on a label on the crib’s headboard or footboard. The cribs were sold in a variety of colors.
Sold at: Ethan Allen stores from January 2002 through December 2008 for between $550 and $900.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drop-side cribs and contact any Ethan Allen store to receive a free repair kit that will immobilize the drop-side rail. In the meantime, parents are urged to find an alternate, safe sleeping environment for the child, such as a bassinet, play yard or toddler bed depending on the child’s age.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Ethan Allen toll-free at (888) 339-9398 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, contact the local Ethan Allen store or visit the firm’s website at www.ethanallen.com.
Recall #2:
Importer:Angel Line, of Pennsville, N.J.
Units: About 3,400
Hazard: Same as shown in the Ethan Allen report above.
Incidents/Injuries: CPSC is aware of one incident in which the crib’s drop side detached. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves the following models of Longwood Forest drop-side cribs with plastic drop-side hardware: 6103S, 6105S, 6106S, 6108S, 6109S, 8025P, and 8029P. They were sold in white, brown, natural and oak colors. “Longwood Forest” or “Angel Line” and the model number are printed on a label on the crib’s headboard. The firm’s fixed-side cribs and drop-side cribs with metal rod-type hardware are not included in this recall.
Sold at: On the Web at Ababy.com, Babyage.com and other Web retailers from December 2004 through January 2009 for about $140.
Remedy: Same as shown in the Ethan Allen report above.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Angel Line at (800) 889-8158 anytime, visit the firm’s website at visit www.angelline.com or email the firm at [email protected]
Recall #3:
Name of Product: Heritage Collection 3-in-1 drop-side cribs
Importer: Victory Land Group Inc., of Bartlett, Ill.
Units: About 34,000
Retailer: Kmart Corp., of Hoffman Estates, Ill.
Hazard: Same as shown in the two reports above.
Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and Victory Land Group have received 17 reports of incidents involving drop-side rail detachments from the cribs. Three infants received bruises and abrasions to the neck, back and legs after becoming entrapped when the drop-side detached.
Description: This recall involves Heritage Collection 3-in-1 drop-side cribs with Kmart model numbers 07-1248 and 07-1252. They were sold in natural and white colors. A label with Kmart and the model number can be found on the inner side of the crib’s headboard or footboard on the bottom rail. The 3-in-1 infant cribs can also be converted into a toddler bed and a double bed.
Sold at: Kmart stores nationwide from February 2007 through October 2008 for about $130.
Remedy: Same as shown in the two reports above.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Victory Land Group at (866) 499-2099 between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.victorylandgroup.com.
Note: Photographs of these cribs can be seen by clicking on the source links listed below.
An 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 parts separating that 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. Crib age is a factor in safety. 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 a variety of safety problems. Check if your crib has been recalled at www.cpsc.gov.
Sources:
http://www.cpsc.gov/
Ethan Allen recall: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11018.html
Angel Line recall: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11019.html
Victory Land recall: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11020.html