Baby Deaths Spark Numerous Bassinet Recalls
Posted by
Amanda SchlagerSeptember 17, 2008 6:42 PMYesterday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled almost 600,000 Simplicity Drop Side Cribs. This comes after a recent recall of almost 900,000 bassinets produced by major companies in the industry, including Graco and Simplicity, all of which were recalled as part of an ongoing list of dangerous infant beds. The CPSC issued the August 28, 2008 alert because SFCA Inc., the company which purchased all of Simplicity Inc.’s assets at public auction in April 2008, refused to cooperate with the government and recall the products. SFCA maintains that it is not responsible for products previously manufactured by Simplicity Inc.
After the deaths of two babies in Kansas and Missouri, the CPSC recalled the Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 bassinets. Both of these models are constructed with a metal bar that has lead to strangulation deaths when the baby is trapped between the bars.
Despite reports that Graco failed to alert the CPSC of defects in similarly designed bassinets, Graco spokeswoman Stacy Becker says Graco alerted the commission of the dangers on August 28, 2008. However, the company came under fire because of the convenient timing of its “self reporting” – the CPSC alert was released late on August 27, 2008. The next day, upon seeing the alert, Graco officials informed the CPSC that some 200,000 Simplicity bassinets made before 2004, bearing the Graco name, had the same design flaw as the 900,000 recalled.
Simplicity bassinets labeled with the Graco logo were sold between 2001 and 2004. The Simplicity Winnie-the-Pooh themed bassinets were sold between 2002 and 2008.
Consumers are urged to return the recalled items to the place of purchase for a refund or store credit. A list of recalled bassinets can be found on both the Simplicity and Graco websites.
PLEASE NOTE: Given the recent criticisms of the CPSC, it’s vital for parents and consumers today to monitor recalls and be aware of product risks before purchasing. Thousands of items in our everyday life have been recalled or declared hazardous. As evidenced by the appalling lack of action taken by one of the companies listed above, companies that produce these products have no obligation to contact customers beyond reporting to the CPSC. This leaves the burden on consumers. So before going to purchase a product, consider checking the CPSC website for any recalls or product notices. You can search by product type and it includes not only toys and baby products, but also common household goods.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a defective crib, or other product, consider contacting an attorney to preserve your rights.