A Womans Blog » Parenting

More Recall News…..

Tawnya Jonsek — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:47:56 +0000

I get updates about recalls from the CPSC. The following items are serious due to strangulation and laceration.1. Infants Strangled to Death in Simplicity Bassinets: CPSC Urges Consumers To Stop Using Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible “Close-Sleeper” Models

2. Six Retailers Agree To Stop Sale and Recall Simplicity Bassinets Due To Strangulation Hazard

3. Regal Lager Recalls to Repair Phil & Teds Strollers Due to Laceration Hazard

4. Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Orioxi International Due to Strangulation Hazard

5. Wooden Infant Toys Recalled by Habermaass Corp. Due to Choking Hazard

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1. Infants Strangled to Death in Simplicity Bassinets: CPSC Urges Consumers To Stop Using Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible “Close-Sleeper” Models

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 27, 2008

Release #08-378

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Infants Strangled to Death in Simplicity Bassinets: CPSC Urges Consumers To Stop Using Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible “Close-Sleeper” Models

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to stop using convertible “close-sleeper/bedside sleeper” bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa. CPSC has learned that on August 21, 2008, a 5-month-old girl from Shawnee, Kan. was strangled to death when she became entrapped between the bassinet’s metal bars. This is the second strangulation death CPSC has learned of in the co-sleeper bassinets. On September 29, 2007, a 4-month-old girl from Noel, Mo. became entrapped in the metal bars of the bassinet and died.CPSC is issuing this safety alert because SFCA Inc., the company which purchased all of Simplicity Inc.’s assets at public auction in April 2008, has refused to cooperate with the government and recall the products. SFCA maintains that it is not responsible for products previously manufactured by Simplicity Inc.The Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets contain metal bars spaced farther apart than 2 3/8 inches, which is the maximum distance allowed under the federal crib safety standard. The metal bars are covered by an adjustable fabric flap which is attached by velcro. The fabric is folded down when the bassinet is converted into a bed-side co-sleeping position. If the velcro is not properly re-secured when the flap is adjusted, an infant can slip through the opening and become entrapped in the metal bars and suffocate. This warning does not cover bassinets produced in recent months that have fabric permanently attached over the lower bar.

Due to the serious hazard these bassinets pose to babies, CPSC urges all consumers to share this safety warning with day care centers, consignment stores, family and friends to ensure that no child is placed to sleep in a Simplicity convertible bassinet covered by this warning.

The Commission voted, using its new authorities in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, to release this warning upon making a finding that the health and safety of the public require immediate notice.

To see this release on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08378.html

********************************************************2. Six Retailers Agree To Stop Sale and Recall Simplicity Bassinets Due To Strangulation Hazard

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 28, 2008

Release #08-381

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Six Retailers Agree To Stop Sale and Recall Simplicity Bassinets Due To Strangulation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging retailers across the country to protect the health and safety of babies by stopping sale and recalling nearly 900,000 dangerous Simplicity bassinets. Yesterday, CPSC warned parents, caregivers and consumers to immediately stop using convertible “close-sleeper/bedside sleeper” bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa., due to a serious safety risk. Today, CPSC is announcing that the following retailers have voluntarily agreed to recall the product and provide a refund or store credit to consumers who return the product to the store where purchased:Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark. – (800) 925-6278 or www.walmart.comToys “R” Us Inc., of Wayne, N.J. – (800) 869-7787 or www.toysrus.com or www.babiesrus.com

Kmart Corp., of Hoffman Estates, Ill. – (800) 659-7026 or www.kmart.comBig Lots!, of Columbus, Ohio – (866) 244-5687 or www.biglots.com

Target of Minneapolis, Minnesota sold at www.target.com onlyJ.C. Penney, of Plano, Texas – (888) 333-6063 or www.jcp.comBelow is a listing of Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible “Close-Sleeper” model bassinets that are included in this recall. The model number can be found on a label on the underside of the bassinet.RECALLED Model Numbers:

3000CL

3112DOH6

3011WHE

9250A

3016LAU

3046GTM

3010BIJ

3112DOH7

3011WHK

3012SOM

3016MIR

3046HAN

3010HAV

3122BAN

3012BIJ

5750SAR

3017NCB

3047MON

3010NGS

3122TGC

3012OXF

3012TGT

3020SFB

3050LIL

3010TGT

3010BIJC

3012SFD

3013PRO

3025BER

3050SAR

3010WHE

343-8363

3040SAR

9250B

3025C

3060GFS

3040LAU

343-8399

3040SPR

3014LOL

3026CRT

3060TFS

TD2500

3045FEL

3050SWT

3014NGS

3027MIS

8393

3040WDS

3111DPC

3060BTL

3015GFR

3030SAR

3040SPRC

3045DRM

3012LLTC

3112BDY

3070MAN

3040CLA

3040LAC

3111ZOL

3050SWTC

3045OXFC

3112DOH

5730FKB

3045DRMC

CPSC learned that on August 21, 2008, a 6 ½-month-old girl from Shawnee, Kan. was strangled to death when she became entrapped between the bassinet’s metal bars. This is the second strangulation death CPSC has learned of in the co-sleeper bassinets. On September 29, 2007, a 4-month-old girl from Noel, Mo. became entrapped in the metal bars of the bassinet and died.

The Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets contain metal bars that are covered by an adjustable fabric flap which is attached by velcro. The fabric is folded down when the bassinet is converted into a bed-side co-sleeping position. If the velcro is not properly re-secured when the flap is adjusted, an infant can slip through the opening and become entrapped in the metal bars and suffocate. This warning does not cover bassinets produced in recent months that have fabric permanently attached over the lower bar.

To see this release on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08381.html

********************************************************3. Regal Lager Recalls to Repair Phil & Teds Strollers Due to Laceration Hazard

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 28, 2008

Release #08-377

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (877) 242-5676

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Regal Lager Recalls to Repair Phil & Teds Strollers Due to Laceration Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Phil & Teds e3 Single Buggy, e3 Twin Buggy and sport v1 Single Buggy Strollers (an additional 425 e3 Twin Buggy Strollers were recalled on May 5, 2006)

Units: About 44,000

Importer: Regal Lager Inc., of Kennesaw, Ga.

Hazard: The stroller’s hinge locking mechanism poses a laceration hazard to the user folding and unfolding the strollers.

Incidents/Injuries: Regal Lager has received nine reports from consumers who injured their fingers in the stroller’s hinge locking mechanism.

Description: The recalled single strollers all have metal frames with three wheels, a cloth seat and canopy. The twin strollers have a metal frame with four wheels, side-by-side cloth seats and double sun canopies. The strollers were sold in a variety of colors including red, orange, green, black, charcoal and navy. The Phil & Teds logo is located on the crotch piece of the harness.

Sold at: Baby furniture and baby products stores nationwide from August 2003 through August 2008 for between $400 and $650.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the strollers immediately and contact Regal Lager to obtain a free hinge cover repair kit and instructions.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can Regal Lager toll-free at (877) 242-5676 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.regallager.com

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08377.html********************************************************4. Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Orioxi International Due to Strangulation Hazard

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 28, 2008

Release #08-379

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 875-4352

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Orioxi International Due to Strangulation Hazard

Name of Product: Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets

Units: About 43,000

Importer: Orioxi International Corp., of Brea, Calif.

Hazard: The sweatshirts and jackets have drawstrings through the hood which pose a strangulation hazard to young children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstring in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled garments were sold in children’s sizes small, medium and large in the following colors: white, ivory, red, black, navy, brown, green, charcoal, blue, and pink. “BAC” is printed on the sewn-in tag on some of the garments. “Breckenridge”, “Keystone”, “Jackson Hole”, “Vail”, “Steamboat”, and “Mackinac Island” is printed on the front of the garments.

Sold at: “Shirt off My Back” retail stores located in Colorado, Wyoming, and Michigan from September 2005 through May 2008 for between $20 and $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard. Consumer can return the garments to the place of purchase for a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Outfitter Trading Company at (800) 875-4352 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.shirtoffmyback.com

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08379.html********************************************************5. Wooden Infant Toys Recalled by Habermaass Corp. Due to Choking Hazard

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 28, 2008

Release #08-380

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 468-6873

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Wooden Infant Toys Recalled by Habermaass Corp. Due to Choking Hazard

Name of Product: Wooden Puzzles, Infant Rattles, Pacifier Holders, and Stroller Toys

Units: About 118,000

Manufacturer: Habermaass Corp. Inc., of Skaneateles, N.Y.

Hazard: The wooden rattles, pacifier holders, and stroller toys contain small pieces including glued on mirrors and/or prisms that can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants. The head of the ladybug puzzle pieces also poses a choking hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Habermaass Corp. has received 15 reports of incidents involving the recalled puzzles, rattles, and pacifier holders including pieces of the rattles detaching and being mouthed by young children.

Description: The puzzles, rattle toys, pacifier holders, and stroller toys are wooden and are described in the chart below. “HABA” is printed on them.

Sold at: Specialty toy stores nationwide and at specialty online retailers from January 2002 through August 2008 for between $10 and $35.

Manufactured in: Germany

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled puzzles, rattles, pacifier holders and stroller toys away from children and contact Habermaass to receive a free replacement product or a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Habermaass Corp. at (800) 468-6873 ext. 107 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.HABAusa.com/safety

Model: DescriptionTriolino Puzzle: Lady bug puzzle is 7 inches x ½ inch thick LUCY Clutching Toy (rattle): Hearts have mirrors and prisms. The rattle is about 4 inches in diameter.

Little Heart Clutching Toy (rattle): Heart has mirror. The rattle is about 3 ½ inches in diameter.

Pixie’s World (rattle): 2.5″ rattle with mushroom, flower, person and house with mirror.

Belinda Clutching Toy (rattle): Flower clutching toy has face in the middle. The rattle is about 4 inches in diameter.

Miro Clutching Toy (rattle): Rattle center contains blue plastic ball with 10 holes. The rattle is about 3 ½ inches in diameter.

Bunny Pacifier Holder: Pacifier holder is 8.6 inches long with fabric bunny on the end and wooden star with mirror in the middle.

Bear Pacifier Holder: Pacifier holder is 8.6 inches long with bear at the end and wooden circle with mirror in the middle.

Bonita (rattle): 2.5″ bouquet of four shapes on wooden ring.

Bella (rattle): 3″ diameter with four wooden hearts with two mirrors.

Pirate Joe (rattle): 4″ pirate theme with bell and mirror.

Rally (rattle): 4″ triangle shape with three cars.

Flori (rattle): Six petal shapes on elastic band. Includes three mirrors & three bells. 5″

Triola (rattle): 4″ triangle with two flowers and round corner.

Trio (rattle): 4″ triangle shape with squeaker, bell and mirror.

Speedy (rattle): Wooden car about 4.5″ L x 3″ H. Squeaker in back and mirror on car hood.

Little Hearts Stroller Toy: 18″ pram-chain with ten various size wooden hearts.

Discovery Balls, Set of 4: Set contains 1 orange, 1 red, 1 blue and one bicolor blue/yellow ball. Red ball contains three small mirrors.

Discovery Ball with Rattle: Blue/Yellow round wooden ball with small mirror.

Stroller Activity Bars from China a Choking Hazard

Tawnya Jonsek — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:11:59 +0000

I wonder why we don’t do more to regulate what comes to us from China? It seems like the last year of recalls has been primarily from that one country. Am I the only one that things something smells in Denmark? (Or, should I say China?)

Anyhow, here’s the latest:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 26, 2008

Release #08-373

International Playthings’ Recall Hotline: (800) 445-8347 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Stroller Activity Bars Recalled by International Playthings Due to Choking Hazard

Name of Product: Taggies(tm) Strollin’ Along Stroller Activity Bars

Units: About 10,000

Importer/Distributor: International Playthings Inc., of Parsippany, N.J.

Hazard: The shiny material on the elephant’s ear on the activity bar can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: International Playthings has received three reports of the shiny material detaching and children putting it in his/her mouth. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Taggies(tm) Strollin’ Along stroller activity bars. The multicolored, fabric, and plastic activity bars feature a yellow giraffe, a purple hippo and a blue elephant attached to a 12″ long elliptical base with straps that attach to a stroller. The Taggies(tm) and Earlyears(r) logos are located on woven and satin labels sewn into the seam on the lower left front of the activity bar.

Sold at: Specialty toy stores nationwide and on the Internet from February 2007 through July 2008 for about $23.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the activity bars and contact International Playthings for a free replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact International Playthings at (800) 445-8347 or visit the company’s Web site at www.intplay.com

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08373.html

More BPA News

Tawnya Jonsek — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:02:48 +0000

If you haven’t heard, many plastics, including baby bottles and sippy cups, contain BPA, a chemical that can cause cancer, type 2 diabetes, early onset of puberty, obesity and a host of other maladies.

There is some good news out there.

Even though the U.S. government has been slow on the uptake and have failed to regulate how much of that stuff manufacturers can shove in their products, some U.S. retailers are now declaring their shelves BPA-free, like Toys ‘R Us. Playtex is even joining in and agreeing to eliminate BPA from their products.

For a more in-depth article, follow the link: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-04-21-BPA-phase-out_N.htm

or visit this blog for Or, check out this blog for a list of companies that sell BPA products already.

And China Wins a Gold For Recalled Toy Record

Tawnya Jonsek — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:27:43 +0000

Here’s one more to add to a long list of imports from China gone haywire – exploding batteries.

From the U.S. gov’s recall alert:

Hobbico Inc. Recalls Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopters Due to Fire HazardWASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.Name of Product: Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopter Kits

Units: About 11,000

Importer/Distributor: Hobbico Inc., of Champaign, Ill.

Hazard: The rechargeable battery can overheat and catch fire while charging, igniting nearby combustible materials. This poses a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Hobbico has received 28 reports of batteries overheating and/or melting, including 27 reports of flames and minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Electrifly lithium-polymer batteries (part #GPMP0401) sold individually or with the Heli-Max Axe CP-L radio-controlled helicopter kits. The kit includes a 23-inch long plastic helicopter, a battery, a radio transmitter, a balance charger, a car adapter, an AC wall adapter, decals that read “HMX”, “AXE” and “Heli-Max” and training gear. “Electrifly” and “GPMP0401″ are printed on the battery.

Sold at: Hobby Stores nationwide and online from November 2007 through March 2008 for about $35. The helicopter kits were sold for $200.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled batteries and contact Hobbico for instructions on returning their battery for a free replacement battery.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hobbico toll-free at (866) 462-2426 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the company’s recall Web sites at www.helimaxrc.com or www.electrifly.com to register for the recallTo see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08364.html

Want Your Kid to be a Passionate Reader?

Tawnya Jonsek — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:38:49 +0000

Ok – I LOVE LOVE books. I love to read. I consider myself a writer, albeit not prolific. But for me, a writer is not what you do, it’s what you are.

So, naturally, I want my kids to love reading like I do. Thankfully, they do. But I have one tip for really making reading special. Tell your kids they can’t do it. Sounds backwards, but last year my then 6 year old bugged me to read Harry Potter to him all year long.

My response? ‘Honey, that is a special book and one that you cannot read until you are at least in the 2nd grade.’ Man, that made him eager. And it drove him nuts. And much like a boycott of The Last Temptation he couldn’t stand not knowing what the fuss was about and why why why he had to wait.

So, now that school is just weeks away, I ‘broke down’ (wink, wink) and have started reading him the first of the Harry Potter books. You would have thought I was giving him the absolutely best gift in the world (I am) or that I had just told his 16 year old self that the shiny red corvette in the drive was his for the taking (I won’t). It’s great. I’m having fun; he’s having fun.

Once, I overheard a mom tell her kids that when they get home they would have to sit on the couch and read instead of watching TV since they did xyz when she told them not to do it. Wow – if she just realized that by making books the punishment she could be ending a potentially life long love of reading.