U.S. orders recall of 500,000 drop-side cribs
2/10/2010WASHINGTON - Government safety officials yesterday announced a recall of more than 500,000 drop-side cribs sold at Buy Buy Baby, Kmart, Wal-Mart, and other stores.
The recall follows the death of three infants.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says plastic hardware on Generation 2 Worldwide and ChildESIGNS cribs can break and allow the drop side to detach. Also, mattress supports can break away from crib frames. Both defects create gaps where a small child can be trapped and suffocate or strangle.
The agency has received three reports of children dying after getting trapped in gaps between the drop sides of their cribs and their mattresses. They were an 8-month-old boy from Newark, Ohio, an 8-month-old boy from Richmond, Ind., and a 6-month-old boy from Staunton, Va.
Consumer advocates have complained for years about the problems associated with drop-side cribs.
The cribs were made by Generation 2 Worldwide, which went out of business in 2005.
Buyers should contact the place of purchase for information on remedies, including refunds, replacements, and store credit.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says owners should contact the agency if they have difficulty getting a remedy.