Simplicity Bassinet Safety Alert
On August 27, 2008, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning for parents and caregivers to stop using convertible “close-sleeper/bedside sleeper” bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc. The CPSC cited that two children have died since 2007 from being strangled in the metal bars of the bassinets. The company that now owns Simplicity Inc., SFCA Inc., has refused to cooperate with government officials to recall the products.
The safety alert affects all Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets that contain metal bars spaced farther apart than 2 3/8 inches (the maximum distance allowed under the federal crib safety standard). The bassinets feature adjustable fabric flaps that are attached by Velcro to cover the metal bars. If the Velcro flaps are not properly secured, an infant’s head can slip through the opening and become entrapped between the metal bars.
Consumers are urged to stop using all Simplicity convertible bassinets and alert all day care centers, consignment stores, friends, and family about the issue.
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