The Recall Desk
CriticalCPSC·11127·Announced 2011-02-11

Summer Infant Recalls Video Baby Monitors Due to Strangulation Deaths

Summer Infant is recalling about 1.7 million video baby monitors with electrical cords after two infant strangulation deaths were reported.

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 two strangulation deaths of infants, which meets the rubric criterion for a Critical severity score (5) due to known fatalities.

Plain-English summary

Summer Infant is recalling approximately 1.7 million video baby monitors with electrical cords. The recall involves monitors distributed between January 2003 and February 2011, sold in more than 40 different models including handheld, digital, and color video monitors. The products were sold at major retailers, mass merchandisers, and juvenile products stores nationwide for between $60 and $300.

The recall was prompted by reports of two infant strangulation deaths involving the electrical cords of the monitor cameras. In March 2010, a 10-month-old girl in Washington, D.C., strangled in a cord from a camera placed on a crib rail. In November 2010, a six-month-old boy in Conway, S.C., strangled in a cord from a camera placed on a changing table attached to a crib. Additionally, a 20-month-old boy in Pittsburg, Pa., was found with a camera cord around his neck but was freed without serious injury.

Parents and caregivers should immediately check the location of their video monitors and ensure all electric cords are out of their child's reach. Consumers should contact Summer Infant to receive a new permanent electric cord warning label and revised instructions on how to safely mount the camera. The company can be reached toll-free at (800) 426-8627 or via their website.

The recalled product

Product
Video Baby Monitors with Electrical Cords

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Same manufacturer · Summer Infant, of Woonsocket, R.I.

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