Thursday, August 20, 2009
Consumers Union: Infant Deaths Prompt New Alert to Stop Using Simplicity “Close-Sleeper/Bedside Sleeper” Bassinets
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 20, 2009 – Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine, is urging consumers to heed the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)’s call to stop using convertible "close-sleeper/bedside sleeper" bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa.
The CPSC today is alerting parents, caregivers, and daycare centers about the dangers of these Simplicity close-sleeper bassinets, which were recalled in August 2008. The agency says it has learned of two additional deaths since the recall and alert were first announced, which prompted today’s new alert. To date, the CPSC says it is aware of four infants who have died in the close-sleeper bassinets.
In a press release issued this morning, the CPSC says:
The Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets, including bassinets with the Graco logo and “Winnie the Pooh” motif licensed by Disney Consumer Products, contain metal bars that are covered by an adjustable fabric flap. This fabric flap is secured by Velcro fasteners, which are intended to be partially removed when the bassinet is converted into the bedside/close-sleeper mode. If the Velcro fasteners are not properly re-secured when the fabric flap is adjusted, or if the consumer entirely removes the fabric flap exposing the metal bars, an infant can slip through the opening between the lower metal bar and the mattress support and become entrapped and suffocate or strangle.
Janell Mayo Duncan, senior counsel for Consumers Union, urged consumers to check their bassinets to make sure they are not using one of the recalled Simplicity products.
“These bassinets can pose a serious danger to infants,” Duncan said. “If you have one of these bassinets, you should stop using it immediately and take it back to the retail store where it was purchased. We strongly urge people to share this information with their friends, day care centers, and consignment shops so we can stop another tragedy from happening.”
To determine whether their bassinets have been recalled, consumers can check for the model number and the manufacture date code provided by the CPSC (see below). Bassinets manufactured prior to 21st week of 2008, “2108” (before May 18) are recalled. The model numbers for recalled bassinets manufactured prior to “2108”are:
3000 3010 3011 3012 3013 3014
3015 3016 3017 3020 3025 3026
3027 3030 3040 3045 3046 3047
3050 3060 3070 3111 3112
343-8363 343-8399
5730 5750 8383 9250 TD2500
More information about today’s alert is available on the CPSC web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09319.html
Media Contact:
David Butler, 202-462-6262
Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, is an independent, nonprofit testing and information organization serving the consumer. We are a comprehensive source of unbiased advice about products and services, personal finance, health, nutrition, and other consumer concerns. Since 1936, our mission has been to test products, inform the public, and protect consumers.