The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recently issued a warning about Simiplicity brand 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible “Close Sleepers” after a five month old Kansas girl was strangled to death by the space between the metal bar and the bed. In 2007, another four month old died after being entrapped in the metal bars of the bassinet.
The Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets contain metal bars spaced farther apart than 2 3/8 inches, which is the maximum distance allowed under the federal crib safety standard. The metal bars are covered by an adjustable fabric flap which is attached by velcro. The fabric is folded down when the bassinet is converted into a bed-side co-sleeping position. If the velcro is not properly re-secured when the flap is adjusted, an infant can slip through the opening and become entrapped in the metal bars and suffocate. This warning does not cover bassinets produced in recent months that have fabric permanently attached over the lower bar.” ~ CPSC Press Release
What compounds matters is that the company that now owns all Simplicity products, SFCA Inc., (an affiliate of Bethesda, MD based Blackstreet Capital Partners, LLC) refuses to take action. Evidently, SFCA purchased all Simplicity products in public auction back in April of 2008.
This lack of cooperations by the responsible party leaves the consumer with no replacement bassinet and pockets turned outward as there is no refund to be had. It’s time for the folks at SFCA to step up to the plate and be responsible for the products they are profiting from.
Regardless, it is most important for all consumers to share this safety warning with day care centers, consignment stores, family and friends to ensure that no child is placed to sleep in a Simplicity convertible bassinet covered by this warning.
Sited Links:
USCPSC | Infants Strangled to Death in Simplicity Bassinets…
Reuters | SFCA, Inc. Acquires Assets of Simplicity, Inc.
Tags:
baby health,
health alert,
recall
