Whether we’re a parent or not, we can all agree that raising children is an expensive gig. It’s easy to get caught up in bargain shopping for the multitude of items you’ll need for your child because the costs add up quickly.
But one item not to be frugal over is a child’s crib.
USA Today’s Liz Szabo wrote yesterday, “More than 9,500 babies and toddlers go to the emergency room each year because of injuries related to cribs, playpens and bassinets, according to a 19-year study released today.”
Also yesterday, a half-million baby bassinets were recalled from manufacturer Burlington Basket Co. because of concerns that they would collapse if not assembled properly.
The recall pertains to bassinets purchased before June 2010. But instead of receiving replacement bassinets, the company is sending consumers free repair kits to show exactly how to install the support rails.
It’s the rails that are the reason the Consumer Product Safety Commission mandated the recall – the Commission noted that the bassinets can collapse if the support rails that hold the basket are not fully locked into place.
Children are top-heavy and can very easily fall headfirst. Because babies don’t have the strength to support their falls with their arms, it is likely they land on their heads and can cause serious damage.
The Burlington Bassinets involved in the recall were sold at Wal-Mart and other mass merchandisers, department stores and juvenile product stores nationwide.
If you have any questions about this specific recall, consumers may call the company at 800-553-2300 for more information.
Finally, it seems, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is doing something to prevent any more infant injury.
The Commission created in December the first new mandatory crib standards in 30 years, prompted by the deaths of at least 36 infants since 2007.
“The new standards ban cribs with movable drop-down sides. Although drop-side cribs make it easier to get babies in and out, they also can trap children, especially when the cribs have broken pieces or missing hardware,” according to Szabo.
More than 11 million cribs have been recalled since 2007 across a wide variety of brands.
Parents.com keeps an easy reference guide of toy and product recalls and lists crib and bassinet recalls here: http://www.parents.com/product-recalls/cribs.
So remember, shorting on a baby crib or bassinet is not a wise idea. Do your research and find a stable, sturdy bed to lay your child’s head on at night.
Half-million baby bassinets are recalled
http://yourlife.usatoday.com/parenting-family/babies/story/2011/02/Half-million-baby-bassinets-are-recalled/43799300/1
Nearly 10,000 infants hurt each year in crib accidents
http://yourlife.usatoday.com/parenting-family/babies/story/2011/02/Nearly-10000-infants-hurt-each-year-in-crib-accidents-/43820820/1
Toy and Product Recall Finder
http://www.parents.com/product-recalls/cribs/