UrbanMommies » Recalls

Infantino Baby Sling Recall

Jill — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:49:20 +0000

More than one MILLION baby slings made by Californian company Infantino are being recalled in Canada and the US after reports of three deaths involving these carriers.

Infantino and US and Canadian consumer watchdogs announced today the recall of two infant carriers, the SlingRider and Wendy Bellissimo.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission said it was aware of three deaths in slings reported last year.

In a statement on his company’s website, Infantino president Jack Vresics said the recall was being announced to “address concerns raised” by the CPSC.

“In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles,” that warning said.

“The sling’s fabric can press against an infant’s nose and mouth, blocking the baby’s breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two.

“Additionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate.”

Please see also our article on baby sling safety.

Graco Contempo Highchair Recall

Jill — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:25:09 +0000

Graco is recalling approximately 100,000 Contempo Highchairs due to the possibility of collapse. Parents are urged to pick up a safety kit that will fix the problem.

Name of Product: Graco® Contempo™ Highchairs

Units: About 100,000

Manufacturer: Graco Children’s Products Inc., of Exton, Pa.

Hazard: The highchair can collapse if it is not fully opened and locked into place from the storage position prior to use. If the highchair collapses, a child occupying the highchair can be injured.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 18 reports of the highchair collapsing. There has been one report of an 18 month old male who suffered a bruise on his foot. Additionally, there have been two reports of the highchair collapsing outside of the United States.

Description: The Contempo™ highchairs have an “A” frame design. The highchairs feature six height adjustment positions and three recline positions. The recalled highchairs have model numbers that begin with 3800, 3803, 3804, 3805, 3810 and 3811 followed by a three letter fashion code. Model numbers included in the recall include: 3800COU, 3800DRB, 3800FMT, 3800GGG, 3800GRM, 3800HEM, 3800JEN, 3800LEG, 3800MNS, 3800OWD, 3800SND, 3800TFE, 3800RIT, 3803HRL, 3804CNR, 3805BDA, 3810PEW, 3810PST and 3811PST. The highchairs were manufactured from October 27, 2005 through November 22, 2006. The model number and manufacturing date are printed underneath the snack tray of these highchairs.

Sold by: Babies “R” Us, Toys “R” Us, Target, Target.com, Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart.com, Burlington Coat Factory, Shopko, AAFES, USA Baby and various specialty retailers nationwide from December 2005 through December 2006 for between $100 and $130.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should contact the firm to obtain instructions on how to receive a free repair kit. Consumers can continue to use the highchair until the repair kit is received but must make sure it is fully opened first. Consumers should open the highchair until they hear a “click” which indicates the hub is locked into place.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Graco toll-free at 800-345-4109 anytime or go to the firm’s Web site at www.gracobaby.com

Nike Bauer Hockey Stick Recall

Jill — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:13:04 +0000

Lead paint. Wow. This recall is one that should have attention. For all of you parents who must schlep to the rink at 6am, you have something to think about besides another cup of coffee.. The Nike Bauer Junior Hockey Stick is Recalled.

Full Product Description

This recall involves the hockey stick style Nike Bauer Supreme One50 composite stick JR-52 with UPC 440004249959, which is a yellow and black composite hockey stick distributed under the brand name “Nike Bauer” by Bauer Hockey Corp.

Nike Bauer Supreme One90 Youth and Junior Stick (sticks, shafts, and replacement blades).
Nike Bauer Supreme One50 Junior Stick (sticks, shafts and replacement blades).
Nike Bauer Supreme One40 Junior Stick.
Nike Bauer Supreme One70 Junior Stick.
Nike Bauer/Bauer Supreme One75 Junior Stick (player and goalie sticks).
Nike Bauer/Bauer Vapor XX Junior Stick (player and goalie sticks).
Nike Bauer Supreme LTX Junior Stick.
Nike Bauer Apollo Junior Stick.
Nike Quest Apollo Junior Blade.
Nike Bauer Supreme Force Junior Stick.
Nike Bauer Vapor XVI Junior Stick.
Nike Bauer Vapor XXX Lite “Woody” Junior Stick.
Nike Bauer Supreme Accel Junior Stick.

Hazard Identified

Health Canada’s sampling and evaluation program has revealed that the yellow paint on the Nike Bauer Supreme One50 composite stick JR-52 with UPC 440004249959 contains lead in excess of the allowable limit. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Bauer Hockey Corp. tested all 120 models of hockey sticks manufactured since 2004. Of these, 12 exceeded the allowable lead limit.

Health Canada has not received any reports of incidents or illnesses related to the use of these hockey sticks.

For more information on the risks and symptoms of lead exposure, visit Health Canada’s: It’s Your Health: Effects of Lead on Human Health.

Corrective Action

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled hockey stick and contact Bauer Hockey Corporation for a refund or replacement product.

For additional information, consumers may contact Bauer Hockey Corporation at 1-888-734-0443.

Number Sold

Approximately 7,657 of the recalled products were sold at sport equipment stores across Canada.

Time Period Sold

The recalled products were sold from October 2006 to February 2010.

Manufactured in China.

Companies

Manufacturer
Bauer Hockey Corp. of Mississauga, Ontario

Infant Sling Advisory

Jill — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:51:12 +0000

Health Canada is advising parents and caregivers to exercise caution when using infant slings and soft infant carriers. Injuries tend to happen when:

the baby falls from the sling or soft carrier when the caregiver trips and falls;
the product malfunctions or its hardware breaks;
the baby slips and falls over the side or through the leg openings; or
the baby suffocates as a result of improper positioning of the baby or product use.

Prior to each use, parents should examine their sling or soft carrier for ripped seams, torn straps or damaged hardware and also ensure that it is secure before placing the baby in it. Caregivers are advised to frequently check on their baby while they are in these items. To help ensure there is an adequate supply of fresh air and that the child’s airway is unobstructed, the baby’s head should be above the sling and the face should always be visible.

Suffocation can happen when the baby’s nose or mouth presses against the product’s fabric or the caregiver’s body, therefore restricting breathing. The design of some slings also forces the baby into a curled position forcing their head to bend towards the chest and potentially restricting the child’s airway. Caregivers should not zip up their coats around a baby in a sling or soft carrier to keep the baby warm.

A baby can suffocate in less than a minute and as consciousness is lost, the child will likely not be able to cry for help. Premature babies or those who have pre-existing medical conditions, such as a cold, are especially at risk of suffocation. Caregivers should exercise extra caution and consult their paediatrician prior to using a sling or soft carrier.

The use of infant slings and soft carriers worn by the caregiver has led to serious injuries of babies. Since 1995, nine incidents, including two deaths in soft infant carriers, have been reported to Health Canada. Over the past 20 years, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has identified 14 suffocation deaths linked to the use of sling-style infant carriers.

ASTM International-a renown, global organization that develops standards-has published a voluntary standard for soft infant carriers. Health Canada is also working with ASTM International to develop a voluntary standard for infant slings, to help keep Canadian children safe.

More Info and Photographs of proper sling usage.

MacLaren Stroller Recall

Jill — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:16:25 +0000

Is nothing safe? Maclaren? We loved you! 15 complaints and 12 amputations of tiny fingers and only now you are recalling these? Enough editorial. Here are the facts: On Monday the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a stunning recall of some one million Maclaren strollers released from 2004 through November of this year. Friday, Helath Canada followed suite. See the Canadian Details here: Health Canada. The affected umbrella strollers are: Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno, and Easy Traveller. Maclaren, the 42-year-old British brand, is very popular among young urban professionals, including many of our readers.

If you own one of these strollers, stop using it until you have attached the new hinge covers. These can be obtained free of charge to better protect children. No matter where you live, you can order them on the Maclaren USA website. (You can also call 877-688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.)

Good luck, and if you’d rather a new stroller instead, check our Top Strollers of 2009 (Maclaren is not one of the recommended ones).

Select SIGG Water Bottles

Jill — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:58:34 +0000

Date: August 26, 2009
Product: Select SIGG bottles which may contain traces of Bisphenol A (BPA).

From the London Drugs website:
SIGG – CEO Letters About our Liners

Dear SIGG Customer,

(STAMFORD CT) – Within the scientific community, the safety of the packaging ingredient bisphenol A (BPA) remains the subject of considerable debate and controversy as evidenced by the FDA meetings on the topic this month. For decades, BPA has been the industry standard for protective coatings – approved by food and health regulators around the world. One year ago, Andrew von Eschenbach, the Commissioner of the FDA, announced that, “The science we have reviewed does not justify recommending that anyone discontinue using products containing BPA.” At that time, SIGG Switzerland, the world leader in premium reusable bottles, had already made the transition into bottles that are BPA free.

To read the full recall details visit the London Drugs website.

Old Navy Recall

Jill — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:45:42 +0000

Product Name: Button-eyed stuffed toys by Old Navy (Canada) Inc.

Full Product Description: This recall involves the complete line of button-eyed stuffed toys by Old Navy (Canada) Inc. The small stuffed toys come in a variety of styles such as a rabbit, penguin and reindeer. The toys are identified by a style number that is printed on a white label sewn into the side seam of the toy. The following style numbers are included in this recall:

Type of Stuffed Toy	Style Number
White Dog (Dr. Poopsie)	612738
Brown Plaid Creature (Stubby Stuberson)	612756
Hot Pink Creature (Lucy Toothy)	612800
Dark Pink Rabbit (Honey O’Bunny)	612806
Pink Striped Dove	600571
Grey Dog	600572
Light Pink Rabbit	612671
Brown Penguin	612672
Brown Reindeer	612728

Hazard Identified: Testing by Health Canada on the White Dog (Dr. Poopsie) stuffed toy (style # 612738) has revealed that the hard button eyes on the stuffed toy can detach from the toy; these small parts pose a choking hazard to young children. In cooperation with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC) and Health Canada, Old Navy (Canada) Inc. is voluntarily extending the recall to include the complete line of button-eyed stuffed toys in both countries, as these toys may present the same hazard.

There have been no reports of incidents or injuries related to the use of these stuffed toys.

For some tips to help consumers choose safe toys and to help them keep children safe when they play with toys, see Health Canada’s Toy Safety Tips .

Corrective Action: Consumers should immediately take the recalled stuffed toys away from young children. Consumers can return the stuffed toys to any Old Navy store for a full refund. Consumers who return the toys before July 1, 2009 will also receive a $5 appreciation card from Old Navy.

For additional information, consumers can contact the firm by phone at (866) 580-9930 between 9AM and 9PM EST Monday through Friday or between 12PM and 7PM EST Saturday, by e-mail, or view the the firm’s Recall Notice.

Consumers may view the release by the US CPSC on the Commission’s Website.

Number Sold: Approximately 5,400 units were sold in Canada and 35,500 units were sold in the United States at Old Navy stores nationwide and online.

Time Period Sold: The recalled stuffed toys were sold from July 2008 to February 2009. Manufactured in China.

Retailer: Old Navy (Canada) Inc. of Toronto, Ontario

Storkcraft Crib Recall

Jill — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:06:38 +0000

This is the latest. The second on in a year for Storkcraft. Wow. Please read all of the details below, and sign up for our newsletter to get the latest recalls.

DATE: November 24, 2009

Product Name: Stork Craft Drop-Side Cribs and Stork Craft Drop-Side Cribs with Fisher-Price Logo

Joint Recall with Stork Craft, Health Canada and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC)

Full Product Description

This recall involves Stork Craft drop-side cribs with plastic hardware, including Stork Craft drop-side cribs that were sold with the Fisher-Price logo. This recall does not involve any cribs with metal rod drop-side hardware. The cribs were sold in various styles and finishes. The manufacture date, model number, and crib name are printed on the assembly instruction sheet that is attached to the mattress support board.

Stork Craft drop-side cribs: The recall includes products with manufacture and distribution dates between January 1993 and October 2009.

Stork Craft drop-side cribs with Fisher-Price logo: The recall also includes products with manufacture dates between October 1997 and December 2004. The Fisher Price logo can be found on the teething rail, in the manufacturer’s instructions, and on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board. The logo is also on the end panels of the Twinkle-Twinkle and Crystal crib models.

Hazard Identified

The cribs’ drop-side plastic hardware can break or deform. In addition, the drop-side can be installed upside-down, which can result in broken or disengaged plastic parts. All of these problems can cause the drop-side to detach in one or more corners. When the drop-side detaches, it creates space between the drop-side and the crib mattress. The bodies of infants and toddlers can become entrapped in the space which can lead to suffocation. Complete detachment of drop-sides can lead to falls from the crib. Please note that these products meet current safety standards. However, the reported incidents have demonstrated that the plastic hardware can break.

In Canada, there have been 3 reports of entrapment and 8 reports of falls from these cribs. There have also been 32 other reported incidents related to broken plastic drop-side hardware.

In the United States, there have been 12 reports of entrapments, including 4 incidents of suffocation, and 12 reports of falls from these cribs. There have also been 43 other reported incidents related to broken plastic drop-side hardware.

Parents and caregivers are reminded to check their baby’s crib regularly before using it and are instructed not to use it if any parts are loose or missing, or if there are any signs of damage. Only parts obtained from the original manufacturer must be used for repairs. Do not repair broken parts with tape, wire or rope. Contact the manufacturer if replacement parts or additional instructions are needed.

For more information on crib requirements in Canada, as well as the safe use of cribs, see Health Canada’s Crib Safety Booklet. For more information on safe sleeping practices for infants, see Health Canada’s Consumer Information – Safe Sleep Practices for Infants.

Corrective Action

Consumers should carefully examine the plastic drop-side hardware for any signs of damage or that the drop-side is installed up-side down. If there is reason for concern, consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby.

Consumers should not return the crib. Any consumer with a crib subject to this recall should contact Stork Craft to receive a free repair kit that converts the drop-side of the crib to a fixed side.

If consumers determine that their drop-side has been installed up-side down, or the drop-side hardware is broken, loose, missing, or deformed, they should immediately stop using the crib, find an alternative safe sleeping environment for their baby, and contact Stork Craft to receive replacement parts in addition to the repair kit.

Stork Craft Instructional Video for conversion of drop-side crib to fixed side crib (available in English only).

For more information, consumers may contact Stork Craft toll-free at 1-877-274-0277 or visit the firm’s website.

Consumers may view the release by the US CPSC on the Commission’s website .

Number Sold

In Canada, approximately 968,841 of the recalled products were distributed. These cribs were sold at Sears Canada, Wal-Mart Canada and various other specialty retailers.

In the United States, approximately 1,213,000 units were distributed.

Time Period Sold

The recalled products were sold from January 1993 to October 2009.

Manufactured in Canada, China, and Indonesia.

Companies

Manufacturer
Stork Craft Manufacturing Inc. of Richmond, British Columbia

Date: January 2009
Product Name: Stork Craft Baby Cribs

Full Product Description: All Stork Craft cribs with a manufacturing date between May 2000 and November 2008 are included in this voluntary recall. The manufacturing date can be found on the lower right hand corner of the instruction sheet which is glued on the mattress base.

The cribs were sold in various styles and finishes. The manufacture date, model number, crib name, country of origin, and the firm’s name, address, and contact information are located on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board. The firm’s insignia “storkcraft baby” is inscribed on the drop side teething rail of some cribs.

Hazard Identified: The metal support brackets used to support the mattress frame can crack and break after stress is put upon them during incorrect installation. If one or more support brackets break, the mattress could potentially collapse and create a dangerous gap between the mattress and crib rails in which a child can become entrapped and suffocate.

Health Canada has received one complaint in which the metal mattress support bracket failed. No injury resulted from this incident.

Please note that these products meet current safety standards. This notice is posted as a precautionary measure. Stork Craft, in cooperation with Health Canada, is conducting a voluntary recall of this consumer product.

For more information on crib requirements in Canada, as well as the safe use of cribs, visit Health Canada’s Crib Safety – Booklet

For more information on safe sleeping practices for infants, visit Health Canada’s Consumer Information – Safe Sleep Practices for Infants.

Corrective Action: All consumers should carefully examine the support brackets for any signs that they may be damaged. If there is reason for concern, consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby.

Consumers should not return the crib. All consumers with cribs manufactured between May 2000 and November 2008 should contact Stork Craft to receive a free replacement kit with new mattress support brackets.

For more information, consumers may contact Stork Craft toll-free at 866-361-3321 anytime to order the free replacement kit or log on to the firms Web site.

Number Sold: Approximately 494, 000 cribs were sold in Canada.

Time Period Sold: These cribs were sold between May 2000 and January 12, 2009 at major retailers nationwide.

Manufactured in Canada, China and Indonesia.

Manufacturer: Stork Craft Manufacturing Inc. of Richmond, British Columbia.

London Drugs increasing BPA-free alternatives

admin — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:45:30 +0000

Consumer demand prompts London Drugs to increase offerings of BPA-free alternative products

Customers will find BPA-free products in London Drugs’ Baby section, BPA-free Reusable Water bottles, and BPA-free food storage containers.

Richmond, BC – (May 8, 2008) – With the health and safety of our customers being of utmost importance, London Drugs immediately removed baby bottles, sippy cups and select food containers and water bottles containing BPA from store shelves in April and provided customers refunds for 50,000 products – mostly baby bottles – containing BPA.

London Drugs now offers only BPA-free baby bottles, toddler sippy cups and child drinking cups from reputable manufacturers such as Born-Free, Chicco, Nuby, Medela, Nurture Pure and Thermos. London Drugs Pharmacy is also offering BPA-free collection kits with Ameda breast pump rentals.

Further to the BPA-free baby products available, London Drugs also offers a wide variety of Canadian Thermos and Bilt Fresco stainless steel products including bottles, mugs, food jars and carafes. Rubbermaid, Sterilite and Starfrit Lock & Lock BPA-free food storage containers and reusable water bottles are also available at London Drugs.

Nalgene reusable water bottles containing BPA have been removed from London Drugs store shelves and we have quantities, although limited at present, of BPA- free Nalgene water bottles. We are working with Nalgene to increase these quantities as soon as more BPA-free Nalgene product becomes available.

In response to customer requests and concern for the environment, London Drugs has been accepting old BPA baby bottles and sippy cups for recycling or for return to the manufacturer, and we will continue to provide refunds for BPA baby bottles purchased from London Drugs returned with a valid receipt. London Drugs will no longer refund BPA baby bottles without a valid London Drugs receipt.

London Drugs was happy to provide immediate assistance to both consumers and suppliers during this transition period stemming from Health Canada’s concerns regarding baby bottles containing BPA.

We are pleased to report that our baby bottle suppliers are also now prepared to directly address consumers who are seeking an alternative to polycarbonate bottles containing BPA. Consumers are invited to speak directly with a knowledgeable care representative who can provide assistance.

For baby bottles supplied by Philips AVENT: call 1-866-624-1906
For baby bottles supplied by Playtex: call 1-800-387-1300
www.playtexbaby.com/bpafree/info.html

For frequently asked questions about BPA in food storage and beverage products, please visit http://www.rubbermaid.com/rubbermaid/bpa-info.jhtml

Customers can also call a London Drugs customer service specialist for more information at 1-888-991-2299.

About London Drugs
Founded in 1945, B.C.-based London Drugs currently has 68 stores in more than 35 major markets throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Renowned for its creative approach to retailing, the company employs more than 7,500 people and carries a diverse range of health and consumer electronic products. With its strong commitment to innovation and customer appreciation, London Drugs has established itself as a reputable and caring company and continues to position itself for future growth and development.

Media Contact:
Wendy Hartley
604-817-2758
wendyhartley@telus.net

RC2 Corp. Recalls Additional Thomas & Friends™ Wooden Railway Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

admin — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:13:23 +0000

NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

RC2 Corp. Recalls Additional Thomas & Friends™ Wooden Railway Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

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.

Name of Product: Various Thomas and Friends™ Wooden Railway Toys

Units: About 200,000 (1.5 million other Thomas & Friends railway toys were recalled on June 13, 2007)

Importer/Distributor: RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill.

Hazard: Surface paints on the toys can contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves five toys from the Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway product line: the all-black cargo car, toad vehicle, olive green sodor cargo box and all-green maple tree top and signal base accessories. The front of the packaging has the logo “Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway” in the upper left-hand corner. A tracking code may be located on the bottom of some of the products. Toys marked with codes containing “WJ” and “AZ” are not included in the recall.