Another Simplicity recall: will it ever end?

CPSC announced the recall today of another 600,000 Simplicity cribs with dropside problems -- the same ones they said were safe back when they recalled 1 million other Simplicity cribs. This on the heels of a recall of 900,000 Simplicity bassinets. Our advice -- do not use or buy any Simplicity products. The current company SFCA has refused to stand behind Simplicity labeled cribs and bassinets and we (and the CPSC) know of other incidents with Simplicity cribs that aren't on either of these recall lists. If you have a Simplicity crib on today's recall list, stop using it immediately and return it to the retailer for a refund or store credit. If you have a Simplicity crib not yet on a recall list, at the very least check it carefully for broken or loose hardware or problems with the wood in the drop sides or slats. Stop using it and report any problems with the cribs to CPSC.

Dangerous Simplicity Bassinets sold under Graco and Winnie-the-Pooh brands as well

The recently 'recalled' Simplicity Bassinet was also sold under the Graco name from from 2001 - 2004 and Winnie-the-Pooh from 2002-2008. If you have a Graco bassinet that looks like this picture -- do not use it! Graco now has the information posted at its website, as does the CPSC. Read more.

CPSC provides link to CPSIA activity

CPSC has provided a single web entry page for all their documents and information on the implementation of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Here you can see the latest proposed rules, ask a question or read the law.

CPSC hosts all day meeting on CPSIA

Yesterday, the CPSC held an all day meeting with stakeholders to explain their plans for implementation of the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. While the room was dominated by manufacturers and their lawyers, most major consumer organizations also attended to hear the presentation. CPSC has an ambitious schedule of rulemaking and deadlines for new requirements, some as early as next week. Many questions remain, including what the timeline for new standards for juvenile products will be and what manufacturers can do with current inventory that violates the new law. CPSC acknowledged that under their current plans, consumers will have no way to distinguish products certified as safe by the manufacturer and those that aren't. KID calls on the CPSC, retailers and manufacturers to address this problem so consumers aren't unaware of the safety risks of the products they are buying.

Got a question about the new law and how it affects children's safety? You can ask CPSC through a new form on their website.

Retailers agree to recall/refund Simplicity Bassinets

CPSC has gotten retailers to take the unusual step of recalling a product themselves. Because of Simplicity's new owner's refusal to recall this deadly product, the retailers stepped in. But it still might be for sale at other locations. If you see any of the models referenced in the CPSC alert for sale anywhere, please report it to CPSC. The alert has detailed pictures to show the affected models versus the newer ones that have been fixed. But both may still be for sale, so just because you bought it recently doesn't mean it is safe. Read this Tribune article for some of the background on this troubled company.