One million Simplicity cribs recalled after reported deaths

One million Simplicity cribs, some carrying the Graco logo, were recalled today because of a design flaw that led to at least two deaths, seven infant entrapments, and 55 other reported incidents according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Although the cribs were made in China, the problem is not a manufacturing issue, said CPSC spokesman Scott Wolfson. “It’s a design, directions and hardware problem,” he said. “The CPSC is very concerned about the guidance for parents and caregivers about how to assemble the crib as well as the impact of what occurred because of the poor hardware ... and how it put the lives of children at risk,” he added. CPSC is warning parents and caregivers to check all Simplicity cribs to make sure the drop-side is installed correctly.

For details and photos, check CPSC’s recall notice as well as www.simplicityforchildren.com. If the drop-side is installed upside down or not securely attached, consumers should stop using the crib immediately, the CPSC said. Owners of these cribs should contact Simplicity via its Web site or call 888-593-9274 to receive a retrofit package to address the problem.

The problem: the drop-side of the crib can detach and create a dangerous gap, leading to entrapment and suffocation. The drop-side failures result from both the hardware and crib design, which allows consumers to unintentionally install the drop-side upside down. This, in turn, can weaken the hardware and cause the drop-side to detach from the crib. Part of the problem stems from incorrect installation, the CPSC said, but it added it is also aware of two incidents in which the drop-side was correctly installed with older style hardware. Simplicity president Ken Waldman said the company phased in newer hardware over the past two-and-a-half years.

The CPSC said it knows of two deaths in Simplicity-manufactured cribs with older style hardware, including a 9-month-old child and a 6-month-old child, where the drop-side was installed upside down. The agency is also investigating the death of a 1-year-old in a Simplicity crib with newer hardware in which the drop-side was installed upside down.

The cribs were sold in department stores, children stores, and mass merchants from Jan 1998 through May 2007 for about $100 to $300. The models include Aspen 3 in 1, which was subject to a previous recall in 2005 because screws on the wooden mattress support could come loose allowing a portion of the mattress to fall, and pose a suffocation hazard to young children. The CPSC knows of one death from that problem, which occurred after the recall: a 19-month-old baby died after two of the mattress support slats came out of his recalled crib. He became entrapped between the mattress and the footboard of the crib and suffocated. And earlier this year, Simplicity recalled 40,000 of its Nursery-in-a-box cribs, which is also in today's recall, because of problems with poor instructions and installation of the drop-side.

Wolfson said the CPSC learned of the latest problems through various sources, including its own investigations. He added that the agency now has an open and active investigation into one of the deaths as well as other actions associated with the company. Wolfson said he could not release details about the deaths at this time—such as when they occurred—because the agency, by law, must receive company approval to release that information.

Waldman, in an interview, said he didn’t know when the deaths occurred and a company spokesman said the company would not release more details about the fatalities out of respect for the families.

The recalled Simplicity crib models include: Aspen 3 in 1, Aspen 4 in 1, Nursery-in-a-Box, Crib N Changer Combo, Chelsea and Pooh 4 in 1. The recall also involves the following Simplicity cribs that used the Graco logo: Aspen 3 in 1, Ultra 3 in 1, Ultra 4 in1, Ultra 5 in 1, Whitney and the Trio. The recalled cribs have one of the following model numbers, which can be found on the envelope attached to the mattress support and on the label attached to the headboard: 4600, 4605, 4705, 5000, 8000, 8324, 8800, 8740, 8910, 8994, 8050, 8750, 8760, and 8996.

Parents should check to see if they own one of the recalled cribs. And Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, recommends that owners of any crib currently in use make sure that it is assembled properly, re-secure the hardware every few months and, for the safety of the baby, take everything out of the crib including stuffed animals and bumpers.

Comments

[Rebecca Rodriguez]

I purchased a Simplicity crib from Target in Clifton Park NY. The support under the mattress has given way 3 times, which led me to do some research. Each time my 3 mth old was face down in the V shape between the mattress and the side rail. We thought we fixed it, but it went from one side to the other. When we took the mattress off to further check out the problem one of the corner screws was stripped and wouldn't tighten, it has never been taken apart since we bought it. Also I read about this happening to other people. When I looked on the Simplicity website.... it listed certain numbers were recalled and mine was not listed. When I called the hotline, it said my number was not recalled and hung up on me. But my crib is having the same problems as the other ones. I want my money back. Something needs to be done about this. Legal action needs to be taken!

[rachael navar]

I was shocked to see that the walmart here in marysville and yuba city are still carrying the simplicity products even after those infant death and a recall.
I have one for my daughter she has not been in it since june

[william ennox]

The federal government is non-functional !

[Dee]

I don't see how anyone can purchase a crib under this manufacture's name or Graco, for that matter. I was shocked to see that the Wal-Marts in my area still have these products out on there sale floor. I am expecting in January and definately will be doing a little more research behind the manufactures of such an important item. I am leaning towards buying a crib now that has the stationary sides instead of the drop down side. I had the drop down, with my previous children, but the quality of items seems to have went down hill since then.

[lilowat]

put finger nail polish on the screws it want take much.

[jennifer]

I have this crib for our daughter and the problem we are not having problems with the drop side. We are having problems with the screws falling out. One day, my daughter came in the room with a screw that she had found under her crib. It was one of the screws that hold the slats unders her mattress in place. We usually have to tighten them up about every 2-3 weeks. I wouldn't recommend this crib.

[kristy Ruth]

I am very disappointed to hear of the recall on this crib I have the apen 4 and 1 for my three month old son. The crib is put together properly however I still do not feel safe having my son in this product knowing that something could possibly happen to himand that there was a recall in 2005. I feel bad for those families who trusted your prodcut and you let them down.I will be getting a new crib for my son. I do feel that I should be credited some money back so that I can buy a safer product for my son. I purchashed this crib from Wal-Mart in Baltimore, MD.