Step 2 recalls riding toys after injuries

Step 2, in conjunction with CPSC, recalled 2.5 million Push Around and Whisper Ride Buggies today. The bolt holding the handle to the buggy can come out, causing the handle to detach. CPSC reports two injuries requiring medical care and 26 other minor injuries. It appears the handle fails while on an incline and the baby and buggy roll away, causing the injuries.

Only buggies with yellow knobs are affected by this recall. Consumers should stop using the product and contact Step 2 for a free repair kit.

Company compiles poster of baby product recalls

Check out the recent poster on recalls by Hugamonkey. A great visual..

CPSC issues warning about drop-side cribs

After the most recent in a long run of recalls of drop-side cribs, CPSC today issued their strongest warning to date about the dangers of drop-side cribs. Citing at least 32 deaths attributed to faulty drop-side design, CPSC says they are inherently less durable that fixed side cribs. CPSC is likely to follow the lead of the voluntary standard setting body, ASTM International, and ban the design in the mandatory standard due out by the end of this year.

In the warning on their blog, On Safety, CPSC states that many of the deaths happen when hardware fails -- breaking or deforming, leaving a gap where a child can become entrapped. The incidents took place both before parents had realized the crib was broken and in some cases after parents attempted to fix the broken crib. In some cases, because of a poor design, the crib could be put together wrong - still working, but leading to earlier failure of the hardware. CPSC again warned parents against trying to fix cribs that break. Instead, contact the manufacturer for replacement parts, or perhaps a refund for the defective crib.

Many of the safety recommendations are also in our recent post on drop-side cribs. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office has also released a poster about drop-side crib hazards. Bottom line? Avoid drop-side cribs if possible and check them carefully and often both for recalls and broken hardware if you are currently using one.

C&T International/Sorelle Recalls Drop-Side Cribs

CPSC, in cooperation with C&T International/ Sorelle, has recalled approximately 170,000 drop-side cribs. The cribs were also sold under the Golden Baby name. The cribs’ drop-side hardware can disengage from the tracks, causing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop-side partially detaches, it creates space between the drop side and the crib mattress in which infants and toddlers can become entrapped. This entrapment can pose a strangulation and/or suffocation hazard. The complete detachment of the drop sides can lead to falls from the crib. CPSC and the company have received reports of 104 incidents of drop-side and slat detachments. In several of these incidents, entrapped infants received bruises and abrasions to their bodies. Consumers should stop using the crib immediately. Contact C&T/Sorelle to receive a immobilizer and replacement parts kit, or a voucher for older cribs that no longer have replacement parts available. You can also call the company at (877)791-9398, but only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday!!

Federal Investigation into Pampers with Dry Max

Recently, the CPSC launched an investigation into parents' complaints of the latest version of Pampers diapers, Pampers with Dry Max. Parents alleged that Pampers with Dry Max are causing rashes, burns and bleeding. Parents' have expressed their growing concerns and complaints on online sites including a Facebook page, where concerns were first reported by a consumer approximately two weeks ago. Since then, the number of members of the page has doubled to more than 4,200 and the complaints continue to grow.

Procter & Gamble, the parent company, says the ingredients in the diaper should not be causing the rashes and suggests they often get increased complaints anytime a new product is introduced.

We urge all parents who have experienced any problems with Pampers with Dry Max to file a complaint with the CPSC by filling out an online form, by emailing the agency at info@cpsc.gov or calling its hotline at 800-638-2772.