1. Drop-side cribs strike again. The CPSC has issued a recall of Graco’s drop-side cribs (made by LaJobi) due to suffocation and strangulation hazards.  Model numbers, pictures of the recalled cribs and information on how to receive a free hardware kit to fix the crib are here.

2. Simplicity cribs: mattress-support collapses have been reported which can cause suffocation and strangulation.  This recall includes both fixed- and drop-side cribs.  These cribs cannot be fixed. Consumers are advised to return to the store of purchase to receive a refund, replacement crib or store credit.  Crib names, model numbers and additional information are here.  NOTE: not all model numbers are known because Simplicity and its successor, SFCA Inc. are no longer in business.

When a consumer posts a complaint to the site, the CPSC will share it with the manufacturer, who will then have 10 days to investigate and object before it is made public.

Of course, manufacturers are not happy (big surprise). They fear that 10 days may not be enough time to review complaints before they go live in the database. The president of the Toy Industry Association, Carter Keithley, also fears that “information might be provided to the public which is not accurate or which might even be malicious. The damage that could be done to a company’s reputation and sales could be irreparable.”

Awesomely, the CPSC does not seem to care. “We’re not going to make everybody happy,” said CPSC commissioner Bob Adler.

“remove all possible problem drywall from their homes and replace electrical components and wiring, gas service piping, fire suppression sprinkler systems, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.”

The full text of the remediation guidance is here (PDF). More scientific studies are being conducted and the CPSC will continue to announce results of the studies as they are completed.

This problem drywall sounds like a nightmare. The recommendations above are pretty extensive.  If you think you may have problem drywall, the CPSC recommends calling their hotline at 800-638-2772 or visiting the Drywall Information Center.

Background info:

In researching incident reports from the past 20 years, the CPSC identified and is investigating at least 14 deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers, including 3 in 2009 (mentioned above). Twelve of the deaths involved babies younger than four months of age.

On March 12, 2010 the CPSC issued a warning about sling carriers for babies. Slings are a suffocation hazard for very young babies (those in the first few months of life).

CPSC recommends the following:

• parents and caregivers should make sure the infant’s face is not covered and is visible at all times to the sling’s wearer.
• If nursing the baby in a sling, change the baby’s position after feeding so the baby’s head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother’s body.
• Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about frequently checking their baby in a sling.

There is a safety video and a page with pictures of how to position a baby in a sling.

There are currently NO safety standards for infant sling carriers. The CPSC has determined that a mandatory standard is needed for infant sling carriers. While the agency is developing its standards, it is also working with sling manufacturers to quickly develop an effective voluntary standard.

[NOTE: Although this is not directly related to the CPSC, it is related to consumer protection in general]

This is a GREAT publication published by the Federal Citizen Information Center. This handbook is full of helpful tips including how to:

• prevent identity theft;
• understand credit;
• file a consumer complaint;
• buy a car or home;
• file for bankruptcy

and more! You can download the entire handbook (172 pages) here.   Or, you can download individual sections of the handbook here.

Check out the video.

Check out the long list of recalls from the past couple of years here.

There were over a million drop side cribs recalled in 2009 alone.