After the deaths of a 6-month old and a 9-month old child, Simplicity has announced the recall of about 1 million cribs sold under its name or with Graco branding.
A news release from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said that the drop-side can detach, leaving a gap that can trap and suffocate infants.
In the deaths, the side panel was installed upside down.
CPSC said it knew of seven other entrapments and 55 other incidents related to the problem. It is investigating the death of a 1-year-old with newer hardware in which the side was also put in upside down.
The agency warned parents to make sure cribs were assembled correctly. The slightly rounded rail with a decorative groove should be at the top. CPSC has pictures on its Web site to help show the proper installation.
If the drop-side is installed upside down or not securely attached, consumers should stop using the crib immediately, a news release said.
Simplicity models in the recall are:
# Aspen 3 in 1
# Aspen 4 in 1
# Nursery-in-a-Box
# Crib N Changer Combo
# Chelsea and Pooh 4 in 1
Cribs sold with a Graco logo are:
# Aspen 3 in 1
# Ultra 3 in 1
# Ultra 4 in 1
# Ultra 5 in 1
# Whitney and the Trio
Model numbers on the recalled cribs are 4600, 4605, 4705, 5000, 8000, 8324, 8800, 8740, 8910, 8994, 8050, 8750, 8760 and 8996.
The cribs were sold in department stores, children's stores and mass merchandisers nationwide from January 1998 through May 2007 for between $100 and $300.
Consumers who have a crib with older style hardware can receive a free repair by immediately contacting Simplicity toll-free at 888-593-9274 between 8:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. EDT Monday through Thursday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT on Friday and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET on Saturday.