Recall roundup: Products dangerous to babies & children

Recall: 5.5 million shades after 3 child deaths. After the strangulation deaths of three children, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced the recall of 5.5 million window blinds and shades because the cords pose a strangulation hazard. The shades were sold at Target, Ikea, Pottery Barn Kids and other retailers. Seven other children were found in various stages of distress with cords wrapped around their necks but were freed by parents or caregivers. Read the full Safety blog post.

2 more children die in recalled Simplicity bassinets. After the deaths of two more infants, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging all parents to stop using flawed Simplicity and Graco 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible "close sleeper" bassinets made by Simplicity and also sold with the Graco logo and a Winnie the Pooh motif. Read the full Safety blog post.

Other recalls:
41,000 Baby Jogger City Mini strollers (fall hazard)
15,000 eebee's 'Have a Ball" Adventures cloth books (choking hazard)
2,700 d’lite ST and Solo ST child bike trailers (fall hazard)
500 Quicksliver Roxy Girl cotton hoodies (strangulation hazard)

Comments

[Kalin Briggs]

It is true that car seats expire. There is typically a date on the side of the seat (usually where the serial number and other identifying information is listed) after which you are not supposed to use the seat. Also, Christina is right. Car seats should be replaced after any accident, even a minor one, as there may be internal damage to the seat rendering it unsafe.

[Christina Pitcher]

From what I have read, the cushioning styrofoam can begin to break down after about 5 years. So it is safest not to use a baby car seat that is more than 5 years old. Also, damage to a car seat after even a relatively minor accident can make a baby car seat unsafe. Hope this helps.

[Sandy]

Have heard that baby seats "expire" after a certain lenght of time. Is this true?
Thanks.