Recall Alert: Arm's Reach Concepts Recalls Infant Bed-Side Sleepers Due to Entrapment, Suffocation and Fall Hazards

from CPSC

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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Infant Bed-Side Sleepers

Units: About 76,000

Manufacturer: Arm's Reach Concepts Inc., of Oxnard, Calif.

Hazard: When the fabric liner is not used or is not securely attached, infants can fall from the raised mattress into the loose fabric at the bottom of the bed-side sleeper or can become entrapped between the edge of the mattress and the side of the sleeper, posing risks of suffocation.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and Arm's Reach have received 10 reports of infants falling from the raised mattress into the bottom of the sleeper or becoming entrapped between the edge of the mattress and the side of the bed-side sleeper. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves a product called a "co-sleeper" by the manufacturer. One side of the bed-side sleepers is lower than the others to allow positioning near a bed and access to the infant for care and feeding. This recall includes all Arm's Reach Original and Universal styles with manufacture dates between September 1997 and December 2001. The manufacture date and model number can be found on a sticker on one of the product's legs. Model numbers included in the recall begin with:

Originals
-
8108, 8133, 8111, 8112 & 8199
Universal
-
8311

Sold at: Burlington Coat Factory, Babies R Us and other retail stores nationwide from September 1997 through December 2001 for about $160.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bed-side sleepers and visit www.armsreach.com/instructions to view and download assembly instructions and to make sure that the product is properly configured. Consumers should also contact the company by phone or via the company website to receive hard-copy instructions by mail and an assembly/warning label. Consumers who are missing the fabric liner or other components should immediately contact Arm's Reach for an alternative remedy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Arm's Reach at (800) 954-9353 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.armsreach.com


---
CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting www.saferproducts.gov

Jogging Strollers Recalled by B.O.B. Trailers Due to Strangulation Hazard

from CPSC

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, 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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: B.O.B.® single and double strollers

Units: About 337,000 in the United States and 20,000 in Canada

Importer: B.O.B. Trailers Inc., of Boise, Idaho

Hazard: A drawstring on the stroller can get wrapped around a child’s neck, posing a strangulation hazard.

Injuries/Incidents: The firm has received one report of an 11-month-old girl who got entangled at the neck by the stroller’s drawstring. The child was freed by her mother.

Description: This recall involves the following 11 models of B.O.B.® single and double strollers. The name “B.O.B” appears on the cargo basket under the stroller and on the front of the stroller. All of the recalled strollers have a yellow/orange drawstring at the rear of the canopy which is used to gather loose fabric when the canopy is pulled back. Strollers have the serial number either stamped in the frame or on a white label located on the stroller’s rear right leg.

Model
Serial # ranges
Sport Utility Stroller
12362 - 35107
AA00001 – AA025490
Sport Utility Stroller D’Lux
12362 – 35107
AB000001 – AB007940
Ironman®
800000 – 803700
AC000001- AC027923
Sport Utility Duallie
002001 - 008068
AD000001 – AD011252
Ironman® Duallie
AE000001 – AE008909
Revolution
AF000001 – AF189112
Revolution 12”
AK000001 – AK024149
Stroller Strides®
AG000001 – AG011163
Revolution Duallie
AH000001 – AH072921
Revolution Duallie 12”
AL000001 – AL012657
Stroller Strides® Duallie
AM000001 – AM003229

Sold at: REI, buy buy Baby and other stores nationwide and on the Web at Babiesrus.com, Target.com and Amazon.com between April 2002 and February 2011 for between $300 and $600.

Manufactured in: Taiwan and China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and remove the drawstring. If using a separately purchased Weather Shield or Sun Shield accessory with the recalled stroller, contact B.O.B. Trailers for a free canopy retrofit kit.
Configuration
Use Stroller Only
Use Stroller With Optional
Weather Shield Accessory
Use Stroller With Optional
Sun Shield Accessory

Remedy
Remove Drawstring
Instructions on removing drawstrings at:
www.bobcanopy.com
Remove Drawstring, Install Canopy retrofit Kit
Order retrofit kits at www.bobcanopy.com
Remove Drawstring, Install Canopy retrofit Kit
Order retrofit kits at www.bobcanopy.com

Consumer Contact: For additional information, or to order a canopy retrofit kit, contact B.O.B. Trailers at (855) 242-2245 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.bobcanopy.com

Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1279

Recall! Britax Recalls Chaperone Infant Car Seat

Car-seat manufacturer Britax is recalling 17,251 Chaperone infant-safety seats because the chest clip was incorrectly produced, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recalled car seats were built between April 11, 2009, and May 31, 2010. The following model numbers are affected by this recall:

• E9L69N9 (Moonstone)
• E9L69P2 (Red Mill)
• E9L69P3 (Savannah)
• E9L69P5 (Cowmooflage)

The car seat’s chest clip, which positions the harness straps across the shoulders, could be too brittle and might break when used with the infant in the seat. The clip’s sharp edges could cut the child’s skin or be a choking hazard.

Britax will mail a remedy kit, which contains a new chest clip, to owners who have registered their car seats with the company. The kit will be mailed out around Nov. 11.

For more information or to contact the company if you haven’t registered this recalled car seat, call Britax at 888-427-4829 or NHTSA’s hot line at 888-327-4236.

Graco Stroller Recall

Graco Recalls Quattro™ and MetroLite™ Strollers Due to Risk of Entrapment and Strangulation
Four Infant Strangulation Deaths Reported

from CPSC

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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Graco Children’s Products Inc., of Atlanta, Ga., is announcing the recall of about 2 million Graco strollers due to risk of entrapment and strangulation. CPSC and Graco have received four reports of infant strangulations that occurred in these strollers between 2003 and 2005. In addition, CPSC is aware of five reports of infants becoming entrapped, resulting in cuts and bruises, and one report of an infant having difficulty breathing.

Entrapment and strangulation can occur, especially to infants younger than 12 months of age, when a child is not harnessed. An infant can pass through the opening between the stroller tray and seat bottom, but his/her head and neck can become entrapped by the tray. Infants who become entrapped at the neck are at risk of strangulation.

The recall involves older versions of the Graco Quattro Tour™ and MetroLite™ strollers and travel systems manufactured prior to the existence of the January 2008 voluntary industry standard which addresses the height of the opening between the stroller’s tray and the seat bottom. This voluntary standard requires larger stroller openings that prevent infant entrapment and strangulation hazards.

This recall involves Graco Quattro Tour™ strollers and travel systems manufactured prior to November 2006 and MetroLite™ strollers and travel systems manufactured prior to July 2007. The strollers and travel systems were distributed between November 2000 and December 2007. The model numbers are printed on a label at the lower portion of the rear frame, just above the rear wheels or underneath the stroller. The name “Graco” appears on a label on the stroller tray and the headrest. Models included in the recall are:

Quattro Stroller
$100-$190
Distributed Between
Nov 2002 – Dec 2007
Quattro Stroller Travel System
$200-$250
Distributed Between
Oct 2002 – Oct 2007
MetroLite Stroller
$90-$190
Distributed Between
Nov 2000 – Dec 2007
MetroLite Travel System
$190-$250
Distributed Between
Dec 2000 – June 2005
35735
35759
7111ASB
7111BKW
7111CLN
7111CUN
7111DIA
7111HEA
7111HIG
7111LAG
7111KSH
7112CNP
7112MTR
7113CJR
7113CMR
7113COT
7119GGG
7119WSR
7121MAY
7125QST
7126RNS
7127LEG
7132RXY
7134SMB
7138RNS
35760
7411ATR
7411BGN
7411BGN2
7411BLB
7411KBK
7411KBK2
7411LV
7411MCH
7411MCH2
7411MLY
7411MLY2
7419LIM
7419LIM2
7419OWD2
7B00BDA
7B00DRB
7B00KAS
7B01MNS
7B03CST2
7B03LTC2
7B03TFE2
1104
1240
6110DW
6110F3
6110S7
6110TS7
6111FKB
6111VIN
6113SCR
6114HAV
6114JAM
6114LAG
6114NGS
6116NRF
6120SHL
6121CJG
6121CNP
6121GGG
6121MTR
6123EME
6124LRD
6125SMB
6J01DAI
6J01HRL
6J03RIT
6J04JEN
6J05MIN
1070
7000KSB
7308DEL
7308DEL2
7308DEL4
7308TYR
7308TYR2
7406PLT
7408MRT
7409GRG
7410CON
7413CML
7413MRN
C7413CML

NOTE: Quattro and MetroLite strollers ending with the number 3 are NOT affected by this recall.
The strollers were sold at AAFES, Babies R Us, Burlington Coat Factory, Fred Meyer, Kmart, Meijers, Navy Exchange, Sears, Target, Walmart and other stores nationwide between November 2000 and December 2007 for between $90 and $190 for the strollers, and between $190 and $250 for travel systems.
The strollers were manufactured in China.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Graco for a free repair kit. To order a repair kit, contact Graco toll-free at (877) 828-4046 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at www.gracobaby.com. Consumers can continue use of the stroller as a “travel system.” When the stroller is used with the infant car seat, the entrapment and strangulation hazards posed by the space gap are not present.

For additional information, consumers can contact Graco at (800) 345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

NOTE:: When using a stroller, parents and caregivers are encouraged to always secure children by using the safety harness and never leave them unattended. To learn more about the importance of stroller safety, download CPSC’s safety alert: www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5096.pdf


Quattro™ Stroller

MetroLite ™ Stroller

RECALL ALERT: Bathtub Toys Recalled by Munchkin Due to Risk of Injury

from CPSC



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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Bathtub Subs

Units: About 34,000 units

Importer: Munchkin Inc, of North Hills, Calif.

Hazard: The intake valve on the bottom of the submarine toy can suck up loose skin, posing laceration hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and the company are aware of 19 incidents of lacerations to boys' genital area. One of the incidents required medical attention.

Description: This recall involves battery-operated bathtub submarine toys. The toy is yellow, has a smiling face, turquoise windows, an orange propeller and an orange periscope that turns the toy on and off. The intake valve has a water pump that sucks in water to propel the submarine. The toy is intended for use by children during bath time.

Sold at: Mass merchandise retail stores nationwide and children's stores nationwide from November 2009 through September 2010 for about $7.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and contact Munchkin for instructions on how to return the product for a free replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Munchkin at (877) 242-3134 anytime or visit the company's website at http://www.munchkin.com/

Stroller Recalls: Valco Baby and Tike Trech

Valco Baby Recalls Jogging Strollers Due to Strangulation Hazard

Read more from CPSC




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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Valco Baby Tri Mode Single and Twin Jogging Strollers

Units: About 12,000

Importer: Unique Baby Products USA LLC, of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Manufacturer: Valco Baby, of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Hazard: The opening between the grab bar and seat bottom of the stroller can allow an infant’s body to pass through and become entrapped at the neck by the grab bar, posing a strangulation hazard to young children when a child is not harnessed. When using a stroller, parents and caregivers are encouraged always to secure children by using the safety harness and never to leave them unattended. To learn more about the importance of stroller safety, download CPSC’s safety alert: www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5096.pdf

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the grab bar on Tri Mode Single and Twin strollers. “Valco Baby” is printed on the head rest and the padding on the footboard. The grab bar is optional and can be removed from the stroller. The stroller’s model numbers are located on a white sticker on the left hand side of brake bar. The recalled strollers with the affected grab bars are listed in the chart below.

Model Numbers
RUN6140
RUN6141
RUN6142
RUN6143
RUN6144
RUN6145
RUN6146
RUN6147
RUN7710
RUN7711
TRI8800
TRI8801
TRI8802
TRI8803
TRI8890
TRI9103
TRI9104
TRI9105
TRI9106
TRI1033
TRI1034
TRI1035

Sold at: Juvenile product stores and websites including www.amazon.com between November 2007 and March 2010 for between $480 to $700.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the grab bar from the stroller and contact Valco Baby to receive a free replacement grab bar.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Valco Baby at (800) 610-7850 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, visit the firm’s website at www.valcobaby.com or email at recall@valcobaby.com

Tike Tech Recalls Jogging Strollers Due to Strangulation Hazard

read more from CPSC




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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Tike Tech Single City X3 and X3 Sport Jogging Strollers

Units: About 800

Manufacturer: Tike Tech Ltd., of Toronto, Ontario

Hazard: The opening between the grab bar and seat bottom of the stroller can allow an infant’s body to pass through and become entrapped at the neck by the grab bar, posing a strangulation hazard to young children when a child is not harnessed. When using a stroller, parents and caregivers are encouraged to always secure children by using the safety harness and never to leave them unattended. To learn more about the importance of stroller safety, download CPSC’s safety alert: www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5096.pdf

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves the grab bar on Tike Tech Single City X3 and X3 Sport strollers. “Tike Tech” is printed on the footrest and on the back of the stroller on the left and right sides. The ID codes are located on the interior left side frame. The following ID codes are included in this recall:

ID-Codes
TT-18-01
TT-18-02
TT-18-03
TT-18-04
TT-18-05
TT-18-06
TT-18-07
The grab bar is optional and can be removed from the stroller.

Sold at: Juvenile product stores nationwide and websites including www.amazon.com from October 2009 through February 2010 for about $300.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the grab bar from the stroller and contact Tike Tech to receive a free replacement grab bar.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Tike Tech at (800) 296-4602 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or email the firm at recall@tiketech.com or visit firm’s website at www.tiketech.com

The Fisher-Price Recall: More than 10 Million Products

from CPSC



Today, Fisher-Price is recalling more than 10 million children’s products that were sold in the United States.
Fourteen models of the Fisher-Price Trike and Tough Trike toddler tricycles can cause serious injury, including genital bleeding when a child sits, strikes or falls on a pretend plastic ignition key. CPSC and Fisher-Price know of 10 injuries, including six girls between the ages of 2 and 3 who needed medical attention after falling against the pretend key that is sticking up in front of the toddler tricycle seat.

There are seven models of infant activity centers with inflatable balls in which the valve from the balls comes off. We know of 14 valves found in children’s mouths. There were three reports of a child beginning to choke on the valve. In total, we have 46 reports of the valves coming off.



Fisher-Price infant activity centers with an inflatable ball
Children can fall on or against pegs on the back legs of nearly 950,000 Fisher-Price high chairs. We know of seven children who fell on or against these legs and needed stitches and one who had a tooth injury.



Wheels detach from these green and purple Little People vehicles
And finally, the wheels can come off of two cars in the Fisher-Price Little People Wheelies Stand ‘n Play Rampway, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Fisher-Price did the right thing in agreeing to provide consumers with free remedies for these products. But all companies must do better. They must give more attention to building safety into their products. They must work to ensure that they are adhering to safety standards. And if any company finds itself with a defective product or one that is causing injuries, it must report the problem to CPSC immediately.

Meanwhile, as moms, dads and caregivers, you, too, have a role. We thank the dozens of you who reported these incidents. Thanks to you, CPSC was able to investigate, work with Fisher-Price on a remedy and recall these products.

If a toy breaks in your child’s hands or if your child suffers an injury from a product, tell us so that we can investigate. And if you own one of these recalled products, stop using it and contact Fisher-Price for free repair kits and replacement products.

ALERT! Similac Baby Formula Recalled; Possible Beetle Contamination

from ModernMom



Drugmaker Abbott is initiating a voluntary recall of certain Similac-brand, powder infant formulas in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and some countries in the Caribbean. The company says that there is a remote possibility of the presence of small beetle or larvae.

Babies who eat formula containing the beetles or their larvae could experience symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort and refusal to eat as a result of small insect parts irritating the GI tract.

The affected products were sold in plastic containers and various can sizes, including 8-ounce, 12.4 ounce and 12.9 ounce.  The recall does't affect any liquid formulas or Abbott-brand products.

Abbott has setup a Web site to check if your baby formula has been affected and consumer hot line at (800) 986-8850. The products should be returned to the company at no cost.

Recall Alert: Baby Hammocks Recalled by MamaLittleHelper Due to Suffocation Hazard

from CPSC




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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Infant and Toddler Hammocks

Units: About 500

Manufacturer: MamaLittleHelper LLC, of Frisco, Texas

Hazard: The side-to-side shifting or tilting of the hammock can cause the infant to roll and become entrapped or wedged against the hammock's fabric and/or mattress pad, resulting in a suffocation hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of the hammock becoming unbalanced, including one report of a two-month old who rolled to the side corner of the hammock and was found crying face down. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall includes MamaLittleHelper Hammocks with model numbers 1010, 1020 and BL222. They have a steel frame and a fabric hammock with a mattress which are connected by a large spring, safety rope and a metal hanger. Model BL222 has a computerized rocker device. "MamaLittleHelper" is printed on a label sewn onto the hammock models 1010 and 1020. Model BL222 does not have a label.

Sold exclusively: Online at www.mamalittlehelper.com from May 2008 through February 2010 for between $100 and $230.

Manufactured in: Malaysia

Remedy: Parents and caregivers should immediately stop using the hammocks and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Contact MamaLittleHelper to receive a free repair kit for hammock models 1010 and 1020. Consumers who own model BL222 should return the hammock to MamaLittleHelper in exchange for a new hammock. There is no repair available for model BL222. Repair kits can also be ordered online at www.mamalittlehelper.com/recall.htm

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact MamaLittleHelper toll-free at (866) 612-9986 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, visit the firm's website www.mamalittlehelper.com/recall.htm or email the firm at recall@mamalittlehelper.com

Recall Alert: Williams-Sonoma Recalls Baby Bottle Warmers Due to Burn Hazard

from CPSC



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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Beaba Express Steam Bottle Warmers

Units: About 11,000

Importer: Williams-Sonoma Inc., of San Francisco, Calif.

Hazard: The bottle warmers can overheat liquids and baby food, posing a burn hazard to adults and babies.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 10 reports of the bottles overheating, including one report of an adult who received a finger burn from touching a hot bottle.

Description: This recall involves the Beaba Express Steam Bottle Warmer which uses steam to heat baby bottles or baby food. The bottle warmer is green with an orange temperature dial. "Beaba" is printed on the base and model number 9602 is printed on the underside of the warmer.

Sold at: Williams-Sonoma stores nationwide, online at www.williams-sonoma.com and through Williams-Sonoma catalogs from June 2010 through July 2010 for about $65.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bottle warmers and call Williams-Sonoma for instructions on how to return the product for a full refund. Additionally, consumers who return the bottle warmers will receive a $25 Williams-Sonoma merchandise card.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Williams-Sonoma toll-free at (877) 548-0850 between 4 a.m. and 9 p.m. PT seven days a week or visit the firm's website at www.williams-sonoma.com

Recall – Nap Nanny Baby Recliner

from CPSC (click for more info)




Always use the Nap Nanny® on the floor
away from any other products

Baby Matters Recalls Nap Nanny® Recliners Due to Entrapment, Suffocation and Fall Hazards; One Infant Death Reported

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Baby Matters LLC, of Berwyn, Pa., is announcing the voluntary recall of 30,000 Nap Nanny® portable baby recliners. CPSC is investigating a report of a 4-month-old girl from Royal Oak, Mich. who died in a Nap Nanny® that was being used in a crib. According to preliminary reports, the infant was in her harness and found hanging over the side of the product, caught between the Nap Nanny® and the crib bumper.
CPSC and Baby Matters are aware of one other incident in which an infant became entrapped when the Nap Nanny® was used in a crib, contrary to the product instructions. In that incident, the infant fell over the side of the Nap Nanny®, despite being harnessed in, and was caught between the baby recliner and the side of the crib. The infant sustained a cut to the forehead.

CPSC and the firm have received 22 reports of infants, primarily younger than 5-months-old, hanging or falling out over the side of the Nap Nanny® despite most of the infants being placed in the harness. One infant received a bruise as a result of hanging over the side of the product.

Infants can partially fall or hang over the side of the Nap Nanny® even while the harness is in use. This situation can be worse if the Velcro™ straps, located inside the Nap Nanny® cover are not properly attached to the "D"-rings located on the foam, or if consumers are using the first generation model Nap Nanny® that was sold without "D"-rings.

In addition, if the Nap Nanny® is placed inside a crib, play yard or other confined area, which is not a recommended use, the infant can fall or hang over of the side of the Nap Nanny® and become entrapped between the crib side and the Nap Nanny® and suffocate.

Likewise, if the Nap Nanny® is placed on a table, countertop, or other elevated surface and a child falls over the side, it poses a risk of serious head injury. Consumers should always use the Nap Nanny® on the floor away from any other products.

The Nap Nanny® is a portable recliner designed for sleeping, resting and playing. The recliner includes a foam base with an inclined indentation for the infant to sit in and a fitted fabric cover and a three point harness. The first generation model of the Nap Nanny® can be identified by the absence of "D"-rings in the foam base. In second generation models, the harness system has "D"-rings in the foam base and Velcro™ straps inside the fitted fabric cover.

The recalled Nap Nannys® were sold at toy and children's retail stores nationwide and online, including at www.napnanny.com, from January 2009 through July 2010 for about $130.

The recalled product was manufactured in the United States and China.

Consumers with a first generation Nap Nanny® models, without "D"-rings, should stop using the recalled baby recliners immediately and contact the firm to receive an $80 coupon towards the purchase of a new Nap Nanny® with free shipping. Consumers with a second generation Nap Nanny® model, with "D"-rings, should immediately stop using the product until they are able to visit the firm's website to obtain new product instructions and warnings. Consumers will also view an important instructional video to help consumers ensure the harness is properly fastened. Consumers who are unable to view the video or new instructions online, should contact the firm to receive free copies by mail. For more information, contact Baby Matters toll-free at (888) 240-4282 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.napnanny.com/recall

Nap Nanny® safety tips:

• Do not use Nap Nanny® in cribs, play yards, or near any other adjacent entrapment surface
• Only use Nap Nanny® on the floor away from other products
• Secure Velcro straps through the "D"-rings every time cover is replaced

Recall Alert – Pottery Barn Cribs

from CPSC

Pottery Barn Kids Recalls to Repair Drop-Side Cribs Due to Entrapment, Suffocation and Fall Hazards

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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Pottery Barn Kids drop-side cribs

Units: About 82,000

Retailer: Pottery Barn Kids, a division of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., of San Francisco, Calif.

Hazard: The cribs’ drop-sides can detach when hardware breaks, creating a space into which a young child can become entrapped, which can lead to suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib. Drop side incidents also occur due to incorrect assembly and with age-related wear and tear.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and Pottery Barn Kids have received 36 reports of drop sides that have malfunctioned or detached, resulting in seven minor injuries when children fell out of the cribs or got their legs caught between the mattress and the drop side. One child became entrapped at the head between the drop side and crib mattress but was freed without injury.

Description: This recall involves all Pottery Barn Kids drop-side cribs regardless of the model number. Pottery Barn Kids is printed on a label attached to the crib headboard or footboard.

Sold at: Exclusively through the Pottery Barn Kids catalog, www.potterybarnkids.com , and at Pottery Barn Kids retail stores nationwide from January 1999 through March 2010 for between $300 and $600.

Manufactured in: Canada, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Italy

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs, inspect the hardware to make sure it is not broken, and contact Pottery Barn Kids to receive a free fixed-gate conversion kit that will immobilize the drop side.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Pottery Barn Kids at (877) 804-3847 between 7 a.m. and midnight 7 days a week or visit the firm’s website at www.potterybarnkids.com

NOTE: Photos above do NOT include all models involved in recall. For a complete list of all models included in the recall go to the firm’s web site at www.potterybarnkids.com

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 disengagement. Disengagements 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. Age is factor in the safety of any crib. At a minimum, CPSC staff recommends that you not use a crib that is older than 10 years. Many older cribs may not meet current voluntary standards and can have numerous safety problems.

RECALL ALERT: Seven Manufacturers Recall Cribs Due to Fall Hazards

from Modern Mom



The drop-side and fixed-side crib recalls announced today are of units manufactured between 2000 and 2009 by the companies listed below. Consumers should contact these firms directly for the appropriate solution.

• Child Craft, (this firm is out of business)
• Delta Enterprise Corp., of New York, N.Y.
• Evenflo, of Miamisburg, Ohio
• Jardine Enterprises, of Taipei, Taiwan
• LaJobi, of Cranbury, N.J.
• Million Dollar Baby, of Montebello, Calif.
• Simmons Juvenile Products Inc. (SJP), of New London, Wis.

Important Message from CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission):
Drop-side crib incidents can also occur due to incorrect assembly or age-related wear and tear. Age is a factor in the safety of any crib. At a minimum, CPSC staff recommends that you not use a crib that is older than 10 years. Many older cribs do not meet current voluntary standards and can have numerous safety problems.

The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib or bassinet depending on their age. If your crib has been recalled or it has missing, broken or loose parts, find an alternate safe sleep environment intended for a baby. If your baby is less than six months old and is not yet able to push up to his/her hands and knees, you can put your baby to sleep in a bassinet.

Do not put additional bedding such as pillows, thick quilts, comforters or anything plush into your baby’s sleeping space. More babies die every year from suffocation in plush sleeping environments than from defective cribs. Always place your baby on his or her back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Recalls - Infant Apparel Recalled by Kiwi Industries, Regal Lager Infant Carriers

Infant Apparel Recalled by Kiwi Industries Due to Choking Hazard

Click HERE to read the entire recall and see pictures from CPSC

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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Infant onesies and rompers

Units: About 450

Manufacturer: Holtrop & McIndoo LLC dba Kiwi Industries, of Albuquerque, N.M.

Hazard: Snaps on the onesies and rompers can detach from the garment, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of snaps detaching. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The onesies and rompers were sold in eight colors and prints: eggplant with kiwi green binding, floral print with eggplant binding, kiwi green with eggplant binding, pacific blue with kiwi green binding, crisscross print and kiwi green with pacific blue binding. The onesies were sold in sizes 0 to 3 months up to 12 to 18 months. The rompers were sold in sizes 0 to 3 months up to 18 to 24 months. “Kiwi industries” is printed on a tag sewn inside the garment’s collar.

Sold at: Children’s specialty stores nationwide from March 2010 through May 2010 for between $24 and $28.

Manufactured in: U.S.A.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the garments and contact Kiwi Industries for an exchange. The firm will provide a postage-free package for the return of the recalled garment.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kiwi Industries toll-free at (877) 509-4891 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.kiwiindustries.com. Consumers can also email the firm at info@kiwiindustries.com

Regal Lager Recalls Infant Carriers Due to Fall Hazard

Click HERE to read the full recall notice on CSPC



WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following product. Consumers should stop using products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of product: CYBEX 2.GO Infant Carriers

Units: About 2,700 in the United States and 400 in Canada

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

Hazard: A shoulder strap slider buckle can break, posing a fall hazard to babies.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of broken buckles. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves CYBEX 2.GO infant carriers. "CYBEX" is embroidered on the fabric covering on the top of the head support. "2.GO" is printed on an orange tag near the head support. They were sold in the following colors: chili, indigo, purple and slate.

Sold at: Baby furniture and baby product stores nationwide, and on various websites, from August 2009 through April 2010 for about $100.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled carriers and contact Regal Lager to receive a free replacement carrier.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Regal Lager at (866) 678-8940 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, visit the firm’s website at www.regallager.com/recalls or email the firm at info@regallager.com

Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1071

Step2® Recalls to Repair Riding Toys Due to Risk of Injury

from CPSC.gov


WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, 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: Push Around and Whisper Ride Buggies

Units: About 2.5 million

Manufacturer: Step2 Company, of Streetsboro, Ohio

Hazard: A pin attaching to the yellow knob on the handle of the buggy can loosen, causing the handle to detach from the buggy. This poses a serious risk of injury to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 28 reports of the handle detaching; two incidents required professional medical treatment and 26 resulted in minor scrapes and scratches.

Description: The Step2® Push Around Buggy™ and Whisper Ride Buggy™ are ride-on toys. The buggy comes in various colors; such as, orange, red, blue, pink and green. The buggies have a red “Step2” logo on the handle of the buggy.
Buggies that have a handle attached by a bolt with a plastic white or black head and nut are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Major retailers and specialty stores from August 1999 through March 2010 for between $29 and $59.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled buggy and contact Step2 for a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Step2 toll-free at (866) 860-1887 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.step2.com

Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1035

Only buggies with pins that have yellow knobs are included in this recall.
Push Around Buggy


 


 
Whisper Ride Buggy

Klean Kanteen Recalls Water Bottle Spouts Due to Choking Hazard

from CPSC


WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, 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: Sport Cap 2.0 water bottle spouts

Units: About 1.2 million in the United States and 102,000 in Canada

Manufacturer: Klean Kanteen Inc., of Chico, Calif.

Hazard: The water bottle spouts can break or crack, posing a choking hazard to children and adults.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received six reports of incidents of the water bottle spouts breaking or cracking in children’s mouths as they were drinking from the bottles. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The Sport Cap 2.0 water bottle spouts are made of black plastic and have an attachment loop. “Klean Kanteen” is stamped into the side of the cap.

Sold at: Outdoor sports stores, including LLBean, and grocery and specialty stores nationwide, and on the Web at www.llbean.com from April 2009 through April 2010 for $5 for the spout and between $15 and $28 when sold with a stainless steel water bottle.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact Klean Kanteen to receive a free mailing envelope to return the water bottle spout and to receive a free replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Klean Kanteen toll-free at (877) 546-9063 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at www.kleankanteen.com/safetynotice

Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1039

Recalls – GAP swimsuits, GRACO and Simplicity Cribs

Gap Recalls Baby Swimsuits Due to Strangulation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, 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: Baby swimsuits
Units: About 6,500 in the U.S. and about 480 in Canada
Retailer: Gap Inc., of San Francisco, Calif.
Hazard: The swimsuits have halter straps that were manufactured too short causing the plastic ring located at the neck of the swimsuit to press against the child’s throat and obstruct the airway. This poses a strangulation hazard to the child.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two consumer complaints. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The baby swimsuits were sold in two styles: number 706260 is blue and white and number 700452 is red and white. The style number can be found on the label located on the swimsuit. Both swimsuits were sold in infant sizes up to 24 months and are made of a synthetic knit stretch fabric of polyester and spandex. The straps are made of the same material as the body.
Sold at: The babyGap, GapKids, Gap, Gap Outlet stores nationwide and online at www.gap.com from February 2010 through April 2010 for between $17 and $20.
Manufactured in: Indonesia and China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled swimsuits away from children and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Contact Gap to return by mail if purchased online.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Gap toll-free at (888) 747-3704 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and Saturday between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., visit the firm’s website at www.gap.com or email Gap at custserv@gap.com
Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1037

Simplicity Cribs Recalled by Retailers; Mattress-Support Collapse Can Cause Suffocation and Strangulation

One Infant Death Reported

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing the recall of all Simplicity full-size cribs with tubular metal mattress-support frames. This recall includes fixed-side and drop-side cribs. These cribs pose a risk of serious injury or death due to entrapment, strangulation, suffocation and fall hazards to infants and toddlers.

The crib's tubular metal mattress-support frame can bend or detach and cause part of the mattress to collapse, creating a space into which an infant or toddler can roll and become wedged, entrapped or fall out of the crib.

CPSC has received a report of a one-year-old child from North Attleboro, Mass. who suffocated when he became entrapped between the crib mattress and the crib frame in April 2008. CPSC is aware of 13 additional incidents involving the recalled cribs collapsing due to the metal mattress- support frame bending or detaching, including one child entrapment that did not result in injury, and one child who suffered minor cuts to his head when his mattress collapsed and he fell out of the crib.

CPSC staff urges parents and caregivers to stop using these cribs immediately and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Do not attempt to fix these cribs.

Due to the fact that Simplicity and its successor, SFCA Inc., are no longer in business, CPSC has limited information about the number of cribs sold. All Simplicity drop-side cribs have previously been recalled for a hazard involving the drop side. Simplicity drop-side cribs could still be in use by parents or caregivers who are unaware of the recalls or by those who received a repair kit to immobilize the drop side from Simplicity when the firm was still in business. This recall involves ALL Simplicity cribs with tubular metal mattress-support frames regardless of model number.

Crib Name
Model Number
All Simplicity Cribs with tubular metal mattress-support frames regardless of model number
Model numbers unknown
Some of the known model numbers include:
Aspen 4-in-1
8755
Chelsea Deluxe 4-in-1 Convertible Sleep System
8324
Graco 4-in-1 Ultra Sleep System
4600
Graco Aspen 3-in-1
8740
Simplicity Crib and Changer Combo
8994
Simplicity Ellis Deluxe 4-in-1 Convertible Sleep System
8676
Simplicity Nursery-in-a-Box Convertible Crib
8910
Some model numbers are followed by letters, indicating the color or finish of the crib. The name "Simplicity Inc." or "Simplicity for Children" appears on a label on the crib's mattress-support frame and/or the crib's end panels. The cribs were manufactured in China.
The recalled cribs were sold at Walmart, Target, Babies R Us and other stores nationwide for between $150 and $300. Consumers should contact the store where the crib was purchased to receive a refund, replacement crib or store credit.

Important Message from CPSC:

CPSC would like to remind 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 disengagement. Any disengagement can create a gap, which could fatally entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib with tape, wire, rope or by other means. Infants and toddlers have died in cribs with makeshift repairs.
For more information on Crib Safety, visit CPSC's Crib Information Center.

Graco®-Branded Drop Side Cribs Made by LaJobi Recalled Due to Entrapment and Suffocation Hazards

ASHINGTON, 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: Graco®-branded drop side cribs made by LaJobi
Units: About 217,000
Manufacturer: LaJobi Inc., of Cranbury, N.J.
Hazard: The drop side hardware can break or fail, allowing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop side detaches, a hazardous gap is created between the drop side and the crib mattress in which infants and toddlers can become wedged or entrapped, posing a risk of suffocation and strangulation. In addition, children can fall from the cribs when the drop side detaches or fails to lock.
Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and LaJobi have received a total of 99 reports of drop side incidents, including hardware breakage and drop side detachment. There were two incidents in which children became entrapped in the gap created by the detached drop side. Both children were freed by their caregivers. There were six reports of children falling due to drop side failure, including one report of a mild concussion.
Description: This recall involves LaJobi-manufactured Graco® wood cribs. The full size cribs were sold in cherry, espresso, natural and white finishes. The production date, item number, purchase order number and finish name is printed on a label affixed to the footboard or headboard. "LaJobi" and the crib model name are printed on a product sticker located on the stabilizer bar or bottom rail of the crib. Affected models are listed below.
Picture
Name
Model Numbers

Ashleigh Drop Side
3280142
3280154
3280181

Hampton Drop Side
3080136

Jason Convertible Drop Side
3290235
3290254
3290281

Kendal Drop Side
3570170
3570181

Lauren Drop Side
3250235
3250242
3250247
3250254
3250281
3250282
3150281
3150282

Rachel Convertible Drop Side
3300236
3300281

Sarah Drop Side
3000135
3000136
3000142
3000147
3000154
3000181

Shannon Drop Side
3010136
3010154
3010181

Tifton Drop Side
3090136
3270136
Sold at: Children's product stores and other retailers nationwide from February 2007 to March 2010 for between $140 and $200.
Manufactured in: China and Vietnam
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and contact LaJobi to receive a free hardware retrofit kit that will immobilize the drop side. CPSC urges parents and caregivers to find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact LaJobi toll-free at (888) 842-2215 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.LaJobi.com
For more information on Crib Safety, visit CPSC's Crib Information Center.

Recall – McNeil Recalls Children and Infants Tylenol, Motrin, Benedryl and More

Click HERE to read more and see the complete list of recalled products

Children's Products
Fort Washington, PA (April 30, 2010) – McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is voluntarily recalling all lots that have not yet expired of certain over-the-counter (OTC) Children’s and Infants’ liquid products manufactured in the United States and distributed in the United States, Canada, Dominican Republic, Dubai (UAE), Fiji, Guam, Guatemala, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago, and Kuwait. (SEE RECALLED PRODUCT LIST BELOW).

McNeil Consumer Healthcare is initiating this voluntary recall because some of these products may not meet required quality standards. This recall is not being undertaken on the basis of adverse medical events. However, as a precautionary measure, parents and caregivers should not administer these products to their children. Some of the products included in the recall may contain a higher concentration of active ingredient than is specified; others may contain inactive ingredients that may not meet internal testing requirements; and others may contain tiny particles. While the potential for serious medical events is remote, the company advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use.

The company is conducting a comprehensive quality assessment across its manufacturing operations and has identified corrective actions that will be implemented before new manufacturing is initiated at the plant where the recalled products were made.

Consumers can contact the company at 1-888-222-6036 and also atwww.mcneilproductrecall.com. Parents and caregivers who are not sure about alternative pediatric health treatment options should talk to their doctor or pharmacist and are reminded to never give drug products to infants and children that are not intended for those age groups as this could result in serious harm.

For additional information, including affected NDC numbers, consumers should visit our website www.mcneilproductrecall.com or call 1-888-222-6036 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time). Any adverse reactions may also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. markets a broad range of well-known OTC products.
###

CLICK HERE FOR RECALL INFORMATION ON CERTAIN INFANTS' TYLENOL® AND CHILDREN'S TYLENOL® PRODUCTS
CLICK HERE FOR RECALL INFORMATION ON CERTAIN INFANTS' MOTRIN® AND CHILDREN'S MOTRIN® PRODUCTS
CLICK HERE FOR RECALL INFORMATION ON CERTAIN CHILDREN'S ZYRTEC® PRODUCTS
CLICK HERE FOR RECALL INFORMATION ON CERTAIN CHILDREN'S BENADRYL® PRODUCTS
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON ALL RECALLED PRODUCTS FROM APRIL 30, 2010

Step2 Recalls Basic Rhythms Drum Toys Due to Choking Hazard

from www.cpsc.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, 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: Step2® Basic Rhythms Drums™
Units: About 21,000
Importer: The Step2 Company LLC, of Streetsboro, OH
Hazard: The plastic clips used to attach the drumsticks to the drum can break. The small broken pieces present a choking to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves Step2® Basic Rhythm Drums™ intended for preschool age children. The toy drum is sold with two drumsticks that can be stored in clips on the side of the drum. A red "Step2®" logo in printed on the side of the drum.
Sold at: Toys "R" Us, Burlington Coat Factory and other retail stores nationwide from August 2009 through March 2010 for between $10 and $15.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy from children and contact Step2 to request a replacement toy.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Step2 toll-free at (866) 860-1887 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.step2.com
Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1025

Consumer Reports vs. Valco

from Spilling the Beans


Last week, Consumer Reports published a report calling the Valco Trimode stroller a “Safety Risk.” I have a history of skepticism with regards to similar claims Consumer Reports has made about other products, but in this case they appear to have done a little more homework.

The issue here is the bumper bar. There is an ASTM voluntary standard that asks manufacturers who include a bumper bar on their strollers to make sure that the space between the bar and the seat is wide enough that, if an unbuckled child started wriggling down under the bar, his or her head wouldn’t get stuck. This is called “submarining” in the industry. Obviously submarining is only possible if the child isn’t securely buckled into the harness, but the reality is, parents aren’t always diligent about using their harness, and a bumper bar can create a false sense of security.

When Consumer Reports tested the Valco Trimode to see if their bumper bar met this voluntary standard, they found that it did not. Then, they had their findings verified by an outside lab (good for them).

The bumper bar on the Valco is removable, and without it, there’s no safety risk. So for the time being, we’re told Valco will be removing those from the boxes of the Trimode stroller. For customers already using the Valco Trimode, either remove the bumper bar or be vigilant about using your harness (a good idea no matter which stroller you’re using). Valco is also working with their factory to design a new bumper bar that does meet this voluntary standard.

Valco is a family-owned and operated business. I know them, and I also know they have lots of kids of their own riding around in Valco strollers. They have a lot invested in the safety of their products, both personally and professionally. I expect they’ll get this figured out very quickly.