The Recall Desk
CriticalCPSC·02008·Announced 2001-10-10

Cosco Playpens Recalled Due to Risk of Infant Entrapment and Death

CPSC and Dorel Juvenile Group recall Cosco playpens because collapsing sides can entrap infants. One infant death and 421 reports of rail failure have been documented.

What this means for you

Highest-severity recall. Risk of serious injury or death is documented or strongly suspected. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly reports a fatality involving an 11-month-old infant, which mandates a Critical severity score of 5 according to the rubric.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Dorel Juvenile Group are recalling approximately 102,000 Cosco "Zip n Go," "Okie Dokie," and "Carters" playpens. The recall covers model numbers 05-361, 05-362, 05-363, and 05-364, which were manufactured in China for Cosco Inc. and sold between May 1995 and December 1999. These 28-inch-by-40-inch playpens feature four mesh sides on a folding metal frame with a padded floorboard that forms a carrying case.

The hazard involves plastic tabs that lock the rails into the corners, which can break or loosen over time. This failure allows the rails to turn inward and collapse, creating a V-shape that can entrap an infant. In June 2001, an 11-month-old infant in Elyria, Ohio, died when his chest was caught in the collapsed sides of a playpen. Dorel Juvenile Group has received 421 reports of rails not locking or collapsing.

The playpens were sold at Department, Toy, and juvenile specialty stores nationwide, with the "Okie Dokie" brand sold exclusively at J.C. Penney stores. Consumers should stop using these playpens immediately and contact Dorel Juvenile Group at (800) 314-9327 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.djgusa.com, to receive a refund or replacement product.

The recalled product

Product
Cosco "Zip n Go," "Okie Dokie," and "Carters" playpens
Manufacturer
Cosco Inc., of Columbus, Ind.
Category
Consumer Product — Play Yards
Hazard
Affected units
102,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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