Image Source: Cpsc.gov
When you own a child care center , your number one priority must be to keep children safe by maintaining a secure and healthy environment. Infants may be at risk of entrapment, suffocation, strangulation, injury or asphyxiation if childcare products prove to be faulty.
Parents and child care providers MUST check regularly with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall list which can be found at cpsc.gov. You can even sign up to be on an email list which will inform you of current recalls. They continually updated the recall list, so be sure to check frequently for recalls on toys, cribs, and child care equipment. Depending on the severity of the recall, the manufacturer might mail kits with parts to repair faulty products. Sometimes consumers are told to take the product back to where they were purchased for refunds, store credits or replacement items.
Recent Children’s Products Recalls, May 2012
In order to reduce the risk of injury or even death of children in your care, it is important to take note of the following product recalls. All information is taken directly from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website. Here are SOME of the most recent product recalls:
May 30, 2012: Toys R Us Recalls Imaginarium Activity Center Due to Choking Hazard
Name of Product: Imaginarium 5-Sided Activity Center, Imported by Toys “R” Us Inc. of Wayne, N.J. “The small wooden knobs attaching the xylophone keys to the end can detach, causing a choking hazard to young children.” This recall involves the Imaginarium 5-Sided Activity Center. The multi-sided center has two triangle-shaped ends with a wooden multi-colored xylophone on one and a mirror on the other. The three sides are square-shaped and include moveable block letters, rotating gears and sliding shapes. The name “Imaginarium” appears in a blue, oval-shaped logo underneath the mirror on one end. The second ‘i’ in the logo is dotted with a shooting star. The recalled product has model number 46284; Toys “R” Us item number 295909; and has the barcode number 000799985462841. The model number is printed on the back of the box, directly above the bar code. These numerical markings do not appear on the actual product. Consumers should immediately stop using the product, move it out of the reach of young children and return it to a Toys “R” Us store for a refund or store credit. For additional information, contact Toys “R” Us toll-free at (800) 869-7787 between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday and between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, or visit the firm’s website at www.toysrus.com/safety
May 22, 2012: Bicycle Stems Recalled by Ridley Bikes Due to Fall Hazard
Name of Product: 4ZA Threadless Carbon Bicycle Handlebar Stem, Distributed by Sinclair Imports, of Reno, Nev., and Quality Bicycle Products, of Bloomington, Minn. and manufactured by Race Productions NV, Belgium. “The bicycle handlebar stems can crack or break, posing a fall hazard.” The recall involves all 4ZA 31.8 threadless bicycle handlebar stems sold as individual aftermarket components. The stems are black and have the words “4ZA Cycling Performance” painted on the carbon extension between the steerer clamp and handlebar clamp. The recalled stems range in extension lengths from 90mm to 130mm, approximately 3.5 to 5 inches. Consumers should immediately stop using their bicycles and contact the bicycle retailers where the stems were purchased to obtain a free replacement stem. Other bicycle shops can handle the replacement process by contacting the manufacturer’s current distributor, Quality Bicycle Products, Inc. For additional information, please contact Quality Bicycle Products, Inc. (“QBP”) toll-free at (877) 745-7703 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit www.ridley-bikes.com
May 17, 2012: Aqua-Leisure Recalls Children’s Trampolines Due to Fall Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Toys “R” Us Stores
Name of Product: First Fitness® Trampolines with Handlebars, Manufactured by Aqua-Leisure Industries Inc., of Avon, Mass.”Metal fatigue can cause the handlebar to break away during use, posing a risk of laceration from exposed metal surfaces or other injury from a fall.” This recall involves First Fitness Kid’s First trampolines with handlebars. The child-size toy trampolines have a red and blue metal handlebar, a blue nylon deck guard and a black jumping deck. “First Fitness” is embossed on the jumping deck in white letters. The trampolines can be identified by model number FF-6902TR and Toys R Us SKN 491463. The model and store numbers can be found on the lower right corner of the back of the packaging. A sewn-in tag on the bottom of the deck lists the factory date code of five numbers followed by “GLTX.” Consumers should immediately take the recalled trampolines from children and contact Aqua-Leisure’s recall hotline for a full refund. For additional information, please contact Aqua-Leisure toll-free at (888) 912-7087 between 8:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.aqualeisure.com
May 17, 2012: Safety 1st Toilet and Cabinet Locks Recalled Due to Lock Failure; Children Can Gain Unintended Access to Water and Dangerous Items
Name of Product: Toilet and Cabinet Locks, Imported by Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) Inc., of Columbus, Ind. “Young children can unexpectedly disengage the toilet locks and gain access to water in the toilet, posing the risk of drowning. The cabinet locks are being recalled because young children can disengage the lock, posing the risk of injury from dangerous or unsafe items stored in the cabinet.” This recall involves Safety 1st Sure Fit toilet locks with model numbers 48003 and 48103. The toilet lock is attached to the tank behind the lid and is intended to prevent a child’s access to the toilet bowl. This recall also involves Safety 1st cabinet slide locks with model numbers 12013 and 12014. The cabinet slide lock is attached to cabinet knobs or handles to prevent access to the contents of the cabinet. Model numbers can be found on the back of the locks. Consumers should immediately remove the recalled locks and contact DJG for a free replacement lock of a different model. When removing the recalled locks, consumers are urged to immediately store dangerous items out of reach of children and to prevent unsupervised access to bathrooms. Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact DJG toll-free at (877) 416-8105 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.djgusa.com. In March 2012, 900,000 Safety 1st Push ‘N Snap cabinet locks were recalled due to lock failure.
May 9, 2012: Bassinets Recalled by Kolcraft Due to Fall Hazard
Name of Product: Kolcraft Tender Vibes & Light Vibes bassinets, Distributed and manufacturer and imported by Kolcraft Enterprises Inc., of Chicago, Ill.”The latches that attach the bassinet base onto the metal frame can appear to be locked in place but still remain unlocked. This allows the bassinet to become detached from the metal frame, causing the bassinet to fall and the infant to be injured.” This recall includes Kolcraft Tender Vibes bassinets with model numbers KB021-ARC, KB022-VER, KB039-CMR1 and Light Vibes bassinet with model number KB043-BNT1. A label with the model/item number of the bassinet is located on one of the legs of the metal frame. The recalled bassinets were manufactured from July 2008 through May 2010. The words “Kolcraft Tender Vibes” or “Kolcraft Light Vibes” is located on the removable music box which is attached to the side of the bassinet. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bassinets and contact the firm by phone or on-line to receive a repair kit and instructions for securing the latches to the metal frame. In the meantime, parents are urged to find an alternate, safe sleeping environment for the child, such as a crib that meets current safety standards or play yard depending on the child’s age. For additional information, contact Kolcraft toll-free at (888) 624-1908 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.kolcraft.com
May 9, 2012: Trampolines Recalled by Sportspower Limited Due to Fall Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Walmart
Name of Product: Sportspower BouncePro 14′ Trampolines, Imported by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark., Manufacturered by Sportspower Limited, of Hong Kong, China. “The netting surrounding these trampolines can break, allowing children to fall through the netting and be injured.” The recall involves the Sportspower BouncePro 14’ Trampolines with brown mesh netting. UPC codes 68706404210, and 68706404244 are printed on the trampoline box. “Sportspower BouncePro 14” and “TR-14-63-A” are printed on a plate on the leg of the trampoline frame. The trampolines are surrounded by brown netting measuring about 6 feet high on the perimeter of the trampoline. The netting is designed to contain individuals bouncing on the trampoline. Consumers should stop using the trampolines immediately and contact Sportspower to receive replacement black netting for the trampoline. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Sportspower’s customer service hotline toll-free at (888) 965-0565 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at http://www.sportspowerltd.net/recall-bouncepro-14ft.html, or send an e-mail to Sportspower at customerservice@sportspowerltd.net
May 10, 2012: Reported Death, Severe Neck Injuries Prompt Recall of Banzai Inflatable Pool Slides Sold by Walmart and Toys R Us
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark. and Toys R Us Inc., of Wayne, NJ are announcing the recall of about 21,000 inflatable Banzai in-ground pool water slides. During use, the slide can deflate, allowing the user to hit the ground underneath the slide and become injured. The slide is also unstable and can topple over in both still and windy conditions and carries inadequate warnings and instructions. The CPSC is aware that a 29-year-old Colorado mother died in Andover, Mass. after fracturing her neck going down a Banzai in-ground pool water slide which had been placed over the concrete edge of a pool. The victim hit her head at the bottom of the slide because it had partially deflated. The recall involves Banzai in-ground pool water slides designed for use with in-ground pools. The vinyl slides have a blue base, yellow sliding mat and an arch going over the top of the slide. By connecting a hose to the top of the slide, water can be sprayed on its downward slope. The words ‘Banzai Splash’ are printed in a circular blue, orange and white logo, shaped like a wave on either side of the slide.CPSC urges consumers to immediately stop using the product and return it to the nearest Walmart or Toys R Us for a full refund. Consumers can also cut the two safety warning notices out of the slide and just return that portion. For additional information from Walmart, call (800) 925-6278 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.walmartstores.com. For additional information from Toys R Us, call (800) 869-7787 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday and between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, or visit the firm’s website at www.toysrus.com
May 7, 2012: Dorel Juvenile Group (Cosco Comfy Carry and Safety 1st Onboard35)
Name of Product: Cosco Comfy Carry Infant Child Restraint, Safety 1st Onboard35 Infant Child Restraint. Defect: Dorel Juvenile Group is recalling certain Cosco Comfy Carry (model IC123FSM) and Safety 1st OnBoard35 (model IC124FSM) infant car seats manufactured from May 1, 2011 through April 25, 2012. The affected seats were sold without the base and therefore fail to provide the LATCH attachment assembly as required by FMVSS 213. The seats can be installed without the base using the vehicle seat belt. Consequence: Without the LATCH system, the seat may be more difficult to properly secure and in the event of a vehicle crash, the child may not be adequately protected and is at an increased risk of injury. Corrective Action: DJG will contact all registered owners and provide them with information on how to obtain a free infant base. Owners may contact DJG at 1-877-416-811 or by email at infantlatchrecall@djgusa.com. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
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 do not use a crib that is older than 10 years old. Effective June 28, 2011, new, mandatory federal crib rules require that all cribs manufactured and sold after that date must meet new and improved safety requirements (pdf). Older cribs do not meet the new standard and can have a variety of safety problems. Check if your crib has been recalled at www.cpsc.gov
Toys, furniture and other equipment is an expensive investment for a daycare business, However it is an investment that is essential for licensed daycare providers that care for infants. Be aware that if you must buy used cribs and furniture for your daycare center it is imperative that you check against the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall list to be sure the product has not been previously recalled.
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