Money Matters, Simplified.
1.7mn baby monitors recalled after 2 strangulation deaths
by Jaspreet Virk - February 12, 2011 - comments
The monitors, manufactured in China, were sold at retail stores nationwide, mass merchandisers, and juvenile products stores for price ranging from $60 to $300.
Summer Infant Inc. of Rhode Island is voluntary recalling around 2 million video baby monitors following two infant deaths by their electric cords in the past 11 months, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced Friday.
The CPSC in cooperation with Summer Infant have called by 1.7 million “video baby monitors with electrical cords” in order to prevent the babies from any fatal accident.
“The cords can present a strangulation hazard to infants and toddlers if placed too close to a crib. Because of this serious strangulation risk, parents and caregivers should never place these and other corded cameras within three feet of a crib,” stated CPSC in its press release.
Considering the risks involved, the company is recalling video baby monitors to include new labels and instructions that will alert the parents of dangers of placing the cords near the babies.
Strangulation deaths by electric cords
Over a year, the commission has received reports of two strangulation deaths due to the electric cords of the baby monitor.
In March, a 10-month-old girl from Washington D.C. died after strangulation. Later in November, a six-month-old boy from Conway, South Carolina, died from the same cause.
Further, a 20-month-old boy from Pittsburg, Pa, escaped strangulation after the parents found electric cord around his neck just in time to prevent serious injury.
Overall, there have been six deaths due to strangulation by the electric cords since 2004.
Baby monitors to include warnings
Considering the risks involved, the company is recalling video baby monitors to include new labels and instructions that will alert the parents of dangers of placing the cords near the babies.
Following the incidents, the company has started a campaign, warning parents that the cords should not be placed within 3 feet of baby cribs.
“CPSC and Summer Infant urge parents to immediately check the location of the video monitors, including cameras mounted on the wall, and all electric cords to make sure the cords are out of arm’s reach of their child,” stated the federal regulatory agency.
About the recall product
The monitors, manufactured in China, were sold at retail stores nationwide, mass merchandisers, and juvenile products stores for price ranging from $60 to $300. The label, “Summer” is found on all monitors.
They were available in more than 40 different models. These include handheld, digital, and color video monitors.
All these have camera and hand held device that enables the parents to watch their babies closely.
For information on recall, the parents can call toll-free at (800) 426-8627 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the company's website, www.summerinfant.com/Home/Product-Recall.aspx.