What Happened
All Generation 2 Worldwide and "childESIGNS" drop-side crib brands were recalled in the United States by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) due to the risk of serious injury or death to infants and toddlers by suffocation or strangulation.
Because the company went out of business in 2005, an exact number of cribs sold has been difficult to determine, but the CPSC estimates that more than 500,000 cribs are included in this recall.
What This Means
The recall includes all models of Generation 2 Worldwide and "childESIGNS" drop-side cribs. The crib's plastic hardware can break, potentially causing the drop-side to detach from a corner of the crib. When the drop-side detaches from a corner, it creates a space into which an infant or toddler can roll and become wedged or entrapped, thus creating a risk of suffocation or strangulation.
Additionally, the crib's mattress support can detach from the crib frame, creating a second hazardous space in which an infant or toddler could become entrapped and suffocate or strangle.
The CPSC received reports of three infant deaths after the drop-side detached and the babies became entrapped between the crib mattress and the drop-side:
- A 6-month-old suffocated when the lower drop-side track, which was missing two screws, pulled away from the headboard post and became detached.
- An 8-month-old suffocated when the plastic hardware on the drop-side broke, allowing the drop-side to detach from the crib headboard in one corner.
- An 8-month-old suffocated after the drop-side of his crib detached because of a broken plastic stop tab on the lower track.
The CPSC also received 20 reports of other drop-side incidents, 12 of which involved the drop-side detaching in a corner of the crib. A child became entrapped in two of these incidents, and one suffered bruising as a result. Five of the 20 reports pertained to children falling out of the cribs due to drop-side detachment, with one child suffering a broken arm in the fall.
Eight incidents of mattress support detachment also were reported. Three of those children became entrapped between the crib frame and the unsupported mattress due to the space created by the detachment, and four children crawled out of the crib. There was one report of cuts and bruises.
All Generation 2 Worldwide and "childESIGNS" drop-side cribs are included in this recall, regardless of model number. The name "Generation 2 Worldwide" appears on a label on the crib's headboard or footboard, some of which identify the place of manufacture as Dothan, Alabama, while others list China as the country of manufacture. The name "ChildESIGNS" appears on the teething rail of some of the cribs.
Where This Product Was Sold
Local furniture and retail stores including Buy Buy Baby, and Kmart and Walmart stores nationwide for between $60 and $160. Because the manufacturer is now out of business, the CPSC recommends that consumers contact the store from which they purchased the crib for remedy information.
Depending on the retailer, consumers may receive a refund, replacement crib, or store credit. Any consumers who have a problem obtaining a remedy from the retailer should report it to the CPSC.
What to Do Next
Immediately stop using the recalled cribs, find a safe alternative sleep environment for any children affected by the recall, and contact the place of purchase.
For More Information
Recall date: February 9, 2010
