Stay informed about recalls on products for tots
Most parents are unaware of a new rule that helps ensure they are notified about recalls of cribs and other children's products.
The Consumer Federation of America is trying to raise awareness of the new product safety protection. Manufacturers of many infant and toddler products, including cribs, play yards, strollers, and high chairs, are required to provide consumers with a registration card and method to register online.
Yet more than a year after the rule went into effect, 61 percent of parents with children under 12 are unaware of the protection, according to a survey commissioned by the federation.
"People like the idea and support the idea in very large numbers," when they are made aware of it, said Rachel Weintraub, the federation's director of product safety and senior counsel, in a telephone interview.
Companies are required to notify consumers who registered their products of any recalls or safety issues. The requirements, which took effect June 2010, are based on the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
Drop-side cribs recalled for entrapment and choking hazards
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Dutailier Group, of Quebec, Canada have announced the recall of about 440 drop-side baby cribs. The slats on the cribs can detach and create a space that could trap a baby's head and strangle the child or cause the child to fall out of the crib.
According to the CPSC, the Dutailier Group is aware of 16 reports in which the slats on the drop side became detached from the top or bottom of the drop side rails of a crib. While no injuries have been reported, the CPSC continues to warn of the dangers of drop-side cribs . And we've previously reported, tougher crib safety standards enacted by the CPSC that have now banned the sale of any new drop-side cribs. (See Consumer Reports Baby crib buying advice for more information on how to choose a safe crib .)
This current recall involves full-size, drop-side wooden cribs sold at children's products stores and other baby specialty stores from January 2009 through February 2010, for between $425 and $775. The faulty cribs have part numbers that begin with E1230C2, E3500C2, E3540C2, E5100C2, E5140C2, E5530C2, E9000C2 and E9100C2. The Dutailier logo and the part number can be found on labels on the inside of the end panels.