Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Bassinet recalled because of suffocation danger

A baby bassinet attachment on a playpen sold under the Eddie Bauer label has been recalled in the U.S. and Canada because it can get stuck in a tilted position. This can put a baby in danger of rolling over onto one side while sleeping, with possible dire consequences.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in an alert today that 10 reports had been received of infants rolling to their sides in the bassinets, which are part of the Eddie Bauer Soothe & Sway Play Yard. In six of these cases, the babies' faces were pressed against the side or the bottom of the bassinets. No injuries or deaths were reported, but in one instance, the baby was turning purple and out of breath when discovered.

The agency alert covers more than 75,000 of the playpens that sold for about $150 in retail outlets such as Sears, Target and the Burlington Coat Factory. But only the bassinet attachments are eligible for consumer redress -- and not in actual cash.

The distributor of the playpens, Dorel Juvenile Group, will give purchasers a $40 voucher that can be used to buy another Dorel product. The number to call if you own the product is (888) 233-4903.

In the meantime, the agency said the bassinet attachment should not be used, but the playpen can continue to be used.

-- David Colker


Source : http://latimesblogs.latimes.com