What Happened
Approximately 217,000 Graco-branded drop-side cribs made by LaJobi were recalled in the United States by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and LaJobi Inc. due to entrapment and suffocation hazards.
Additionally, a second crib recall was issued by the CPSC on the same day for an untold number of Simplicity cribs due to the risk of serious injury or death by entrapment, strangulation, suffocation, and falls. Because Simplicity and its successor, SFCA Inc., went out of business, the CPSC is uncertain how many cribs were sold.
What This Means
The Graco-branded crib recall was issued because the drop-side hardware can break or fall, allowing the drop-side to separate from the crib, thus creating a dangerous gap between it and the crib mattress. There, infants and toddlers could become wedged or entrapped, potentially suffocating or strangling. They could also fall from the cribs when the drop-side detaches or fails to lock in place.
LaJobi and the CPSC have received 99 reports of drop-side incidents, including breaking hardware and detaching sides, in which two children became entrapped in the gap created by the separated drop-side, and six children fell due to drop-side failure, resulting in a single mild concussion.
The recall involves LaJobi-manufactured full-size Graco wood cribs, sold in cherry, espresso, natural, and white finishes. "LaJobi" and the crib model name are printed on a product sticker on the bottom rail or the stabilizer bar of the crib. The production date, item number, purchase order number, and finish name are printed on a label on the footboard or headboard.
The Simplicity crib recall includes all Simplicity full-size cribs with tubular metal mattress-support frames, including both fixed-side and drop-side cribs. It was issued because the mattress-support frame can detach or bend, causing part of the mattress to collapse and creating a space an infant or toddler can roll into and become wedged or entrapped; they could also fall out of the crib.
The CPSC has received a report of the death of a 1-year-old who suffocated when he became entrapped between the crib's frame and mattress. Also reported were 13 additional incidents involving these cribs collapsing because the mattress-support frame bent or detached.
This Simplicity crib recall follows a July 2009 recall of all Simplicity drop-side cribs due to a hazard involving the drop-side. The CPSC believes that some Simplicity drop-side cribs may still be in use by families unaware of the recalls or by those who received a repair kit from Simplicity to immobilize the drop-side, back when the firm was still in business.
Where This Product Was Sold
The Graco-branded cribs were sold at children's product stores and other retailers nationwide from February 2007 to March 2010 for between $140 and $200.
The Simplicity cribs were sold at Babies "R" Us, Target, Walmart, and other stores nationwide for between $150 and $300. Because the manufacturer is now out of business, the CPSC recommends that consumers contact the store where they purchased the crib for a refund, replacement crib, or store credit, depending on the individual retailer's policy. Any consumers who have a problem obtaining a remedy from the retailer should report it to the CPSC.
What to Do Next
In the Graco recall, immediately stop using the recalled cribs, find a safe alternative sleep environment for babies affected by the recall, and contact LaJobi for a free hardware retrofit kit that will immobilize the drop-side.
Call LaJobi, (888) 842-2215, or go to the company's website. (Please note: By clicking on this link, you will be leaving the KidsHealth site.)
In the Simplicity recall, immediately stop using the recalled cribs, find a safe alternative sleep environment for babies affected by the recall, and contact the store where the crib was purchased for a refund, replacement crib, or store credit. Do not attempt to fix these cribs.
For More Information
- CPSC (Graco): Includes style names, model numbers, and photos of the recalled cribs
(Please note: By clicking on this link, you will be leaving the KidsHealth site.)
- CPSC (Simplicity): Includes a partial list of the names and model numbers of the recalled cribs
(Please note: By clicking on this link, you will be leaving the KidsHealth site.)
Recall date: April 29, 2010
