Summer Infant recalls video baby monitor for burns AND strangulation hazard

We posted a few weeks ago a recall that mysteriously showed up on the manufacturer's site (Summer Infant) and on Toys"R"Us, but not on CPSC's list of recalls. Many parents get their news of recalls from CPSC -- without that listing, parents using the product might be unaware of the dangers.

So today CPSC did list the recall for overheating batteries in Summer Infant Slim & Secure Baby Video Monitors. Summer Infant will provide new battery units for affected units.

But in addition, CPSC listed a recall of most Summer Infant baby monitors for cord strangulation hazards. Summer Infant will provide new instructions and warning labels to let parents know that a monitor should never be placed within three feet of a crib.

We'll have more on this, but wanted to get the links out -- here is CPSC's warning on monitor cord dangers.

Support KID when you buy flowers for your sweetie (or anyone!)

Use this link to purchase flowers or a gift for Valentine's Day and KID will receive $10 for each purchase - an easy way to support KID and surprise someone!

CPSC votes 4-1 to extend stay on lead testing

With delays in publishing the rules for testing children's products for lead as well as an upcoming possible change in the lead content limit from 300 parts per million (ppm) to 100ppm, CPSC voted 4-1 today to extend the current stay on the testing and certification requirements in the CPSIA until the end of the year.

This means that while manufacturers still have to meet the current 300ppm limit of lead content in products intended for children under 12, they don't have to prove they have met it through testing or certification.

We urge CPSC to finish the rules, including a process for component testing, so the law can be fully implemented.

ASTM toy standard committee meets in Baltimore

The ASTM 15-22 Committee on Toy Safety met Monday, January 31, 2011 in Baltimore. On the agenda were proposed changes to the F963 standard on toys. KID participated with Consumer Federation of America and Consumers Union as consumer representatives along with manufacturers, testing labs and consultants.

Some of the issues discussed were strengthening provisions on hazardous magnets in toys, yo-yo water balls, and heavy metals such as cadmium.

ASTM F963 standard is written into the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and toy makers are required to meet the provisions in the standard.

Land of Nod recalls 300 drop-side "Rosebud" cribs

CPSC and Land of Nod announced a recall today of 300 "Rosebud" drop-side cribs. The cribs pose (as do most drop-side cribs) a risk of entrapment and suffocation. These cribs were sold in 2003 and 2004. While no injuries or deaths were reported, the company and CPSC cite 13 reports of failing drop-side hardware -- almost 5% of the cribs sold were reported to be faulty. It is not clear from the information released when the reports of failure began to surface and how long this recall was in the works.

We applaud Land of Nod for stepping up to the plate now and providing a full refund ($599) for this dangerous crib. The crib's manufacturer, Status Furniture, is out of business.

If you have this crib, please stop using immediately and find a safe place for your baby to sleep until you can get a new crib.

With over 10 million cribs recalled since 2007, consumers should all check their crib against the CPSC's list of crib recalls. You can find more safety information on cribs on CPSC's Crib Information Center as well as KID's website.