Blue-Box Crib Gyms Recalled for Infant Strangulation Hazard

Plain-English summary

Blue Box, New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling approximately 30,000 Blue-Box Crib Gyms because of a potential strangulation hazard to infants. The toys were sold in Toys R Us stores and distributed nationally in 1987 and 1988 for about $8. The product consists of a blue plastic bar approximately 15 inches long with several infant toys suspended from it. Yellow straps at each end allow the toy to be attached to a crib or playpen rail. The words "Blue-Box" and "Made in Singapore" are molded on the plastic bar.

The recall is issued because consumers may leave the toy in the crib longer than is considered safe. The package is labeled as appropriate for children "ages 3 months and up" but does not caution consumers to remove the product when the infant begins to push up on hands and knees or reaches five months of age. Additionally, the package does not contain information about the risk if the toy is not removed. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, five-month-old infants can pull themselves up to a hanging crib toy and may become entangled or fall forward over it, possibly strangling. The toy is also not labeled to advise consumers that it will not fit a standard full-size crib, which may lead consumers to attach strings or ribbons to the toy, increasing the risk of strangulation.

While no strangulations or injuries have been reported, consumers with the Blue-Box crib gym should return it to the retailer for a refund of the purchase price.

The recalled product

Product

Blue-Box Crib Gyms

Manufacturer

Blue Box

Category

Consumer Product — Infant Toys

Hazard

• strangulation

Distribution

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