The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., of Bassett, Va., announced a voluntary recall of about 90,000 Bassettbaby drop-side cribs with external plastic hardware today.
Hazard: The cribs' drop-side rail can malfunction, detach or otherwise fail, causing part of the drop side to detach from the crib. When a drop-side rail partially detaches, it creates a space between the drop-side and the crib mattress. An infant or toddler's body can become entrapped in the space, which can lead to strangulation and/or suffocation. A child also can fall out of the crib. Drop-side incidents also can occur due to incorrect assembly and age-related wear and tear.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm and CPSC are aware of 18 reported incidents in which drop-sides malfunctioned or detached from the crib. No injuries were reported. In one of the incidents a child became entrapped between the mattress and the drop-side. In three of the incidents children fell out of the cribs. The firm also has received 154 reports of drop-side hardware breaking during shipment, assembly or use.
Description: The recalled cribs are wood with a metal mattress support and have a drop side with external plastic hardware. The cribs were sold in a variety of finishes. A label is attached to the footboard or headboard with the names "Bassettbaby" or "Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc." as well as the model number, production date and other information. On some older models the manufacturer's name appears on a separate label.
Plastic external hardware. Credit: CPSC.
Note: This recall does not include non drop-side cribs.
Sold at: Children's product stores, and other retailers nationwide and on-line from January 2000 through August 2010 for between about $200 and $500.
Manufactured in: China, Croatia, Slovenia, Taiwan and Vietnam
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drop-side cribs and contact Bassettbaby for a free kit that will immobilize the drop side. In the meantime, parents are urged to find an alternate, safe sleeping environment for the child, such as a bassinet, play yard or toddler bed depending on the child's age.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Bassettbaby at (800) 308-7485 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.bassettbaby.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 parts separating that 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. Crib age is a factor in safety. 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 a variety of safety problems. Check if your crib has been recalled at www.cpsc.gov.
