CPSC Warns of Suffocation Hazards in Dropside Mesh-Sided Cribs

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and seven manufacturers have renewed warnings regarding dropside mesh-sided cribs and playpens. The products involved are manufactured by Bilt-Rite Juvenile Product, Inc.; Century Products, Inc.; Pride-Trimble Corporation; Spalding and Even-Flo Companies, Inc. (successor to Questor Corporation); Strolee of California; and Welsh Company, Inc.

The CPSC cited 15 deaths of young children since 1978 associated with these products when a side is left down. In these incidents, children rolled or moved off the floor into the mesh pocket formed by the lowered side, leading to suffocation. The agency noted that children may be unable to cry out when caught in the mesh pocket because they cannot breathe, and other injuries such as brain damage can occur.

This announcement is part of a publicity campaign initiated in August 1985, following a Consent Agreement signed by the manufacturers. The campaign includes sending letters to households with children nine months of age or younger, mailing posters to pediatricians and health officials, and placing advertisements in family-oriented magazines. Consumers can contact the CPSC toll-free hotline at 800-638-CPSC for more information.

The recalled product

Product

Bilt-Rite dropside mesh-sided cribs and playpens

Manufacturer

Questor

Category

Consumer Product — Baby Furniture

Hazard

• suffocation
• asphyxiation

Distribution

Related recalls