As a parent, it’s your job to keep your curious youngster safe. That can be quite a daunting task considering all the potential dangers that lie in play sight. In addition to investing in a quality home security system (check out www.totalalarmsystems.com), you can help safeguard your little angel by making sure you’re using safe baby products. Listed below are five of the biggest recalls of 2012:
Bumbo™ Baby Seats
In August 2012, the CPSC announce a recall of about 4 million Bumbo™ Baby Seats because of a manufacturing flaw that could increase the chance of injury from falling. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), at least 50 incidents have been reported, 19 of which included skull fractures. This was the second recall on Bumbo™ Baby Seats in the last five years. In October 2007, 1 million seats were recalled to provide more warnings against use on elevated surfaces.
I have this product. What should I do?
The CPSC advises that consumers should not use the Bumbo™ Baby Seat until they order a repair kit, which can be ordered for free at www.recall.BumboUSA.com. The restraint belt, which is included in the aforementioned repair kit, should always be used when a baby is placed in the seat. The CPSC also indicates that, even with the belt, the seat should never be used on any elevated surface.
Summer Infant Mother’s Touch® Baby Bathers
In August 2012, the CPSC announced a recall of more than 2 million Summer Infant Mother’s Touch® Baby Bathers in the U.S. and Canada. The CPSC and Summer Infant have received seven reports involving head injuries sustained by babies after falling from the bathers. When the product is lifted or carried with an infant in it, the wire frame can abruptly separate from the side hinge, causing the baby to drop out of the bather.
I have this product. What should I do?
The CPSC advises that consumer should immediately stop using the bather and contact Summer Infant for a repair kit. Additionally, consumers should never use the product to lift or carry an infant – even after performing the necessary repairs.
Safety 1st® Push ‘N Snap Cabinet Locks
In March 2012, the CPSC announced a recall of around 900,000 Safety 1st® Push ‘N Snap cabinet locks due to a failure to prevent young children from bypassing the lock and accessing cabinet contents. Since the lock can fail to adequately secure the cabinet, the product poses the risk of injury due to dangerous items. The manufacturer, Dorel Juvenile Group (DLG), has received 200 reports of locks that have failed to sufficiently secure the cabinet. Of the stated incidents, DLG is aware of 140 children between nine months and five years of age who succeeded in circumventing/disengaging the lock and gaining access to the contents of the cabinet.
I have this product. What should I do?
This recall pertains to Safety 1st® Push ‘N Snap cabinet locks with the model numbers 48391 and 48442. Consumers should immediately stop using recalled locks to secure cabinets and contact DLG for a free replacement lock with model numbers HS158 and HS159. In the mean time, the CPSC strongly suggests storing potentially hazardous items out of the reach of children.
Chicco® Polly Highchairs
In July 2012, the CPSC announced a recall of more than 485,000 Chicco® Polly highchairs in the U.S. and Canada. There have been 21 reports of children sustaining laceration/bruising injuries from falling on or against the pegs or back legs of the highchair.
I have this product. What should I do?
Consumers should contact Chicco for a no-cost peg cover kit, which will be sent through the mail. Prior to the repair, the CSPC recommends storing the tray on the pegs when the highchair is not being used.
Innovage Discovery Kids™ Lamps
In July 2012, the CPSC announced a recall of about 300,000 Innovage Discovery Kids™ Animated Marine and Safari Lamps. Internal wires near the circuit board can cause electrical short-circuiting and sparking, posing a fire and burn hazards to consumers. Innovage, the lamp’s manufacturer, has received 11 reports of short-circuiting, three of which involved the lamp catching fire and causing property damage.
I have this product. What should I do?
The CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop using the lamps and contact Innovage to learn how to receive a full refund.