The AP (2/11, Kerr) reported Rhode Island-based Summer Infant issued a recall of approximately 1.7 million video baby monitors Friday, “after being linked to the strangulation deaths of two infants.” Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Inez Tenenbaum said, “I urge all parents and caregivers to put at least three feet between any video or audio baby monitor cords and a child in a crib.” The recall includes over 40 different models of digital, handheld, and color monitors. Summer Infant is not replacing the monitors, “but will offer new on-product warning labels and instructions about monitor placement.”

If you’re feeling like there have been a rather large number of baby product recalls in recent days, you’re right.

1. On January 31, 37,000 Sassy Refreshing Rings Teethers were recalled because pieces of black plastic can come off while baby is chewing on the teether/rattle, posing an ingestion hazard. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. You can call 800-323-6336 or visit sassybaby.com for information on returning the product for a replacement.
2. Back on January 12, 2011 – More than 3,500 Discovery Discovery Toys Mobile Phones sold in the US and Canada were recalled because the antenna can break off, posing a choking hazard. Three incidents of the antenna breaking were reported. The red and blue plastic phone has a clear plastic antenna. Only model 1231 is included in the recall. “Discovery Toys” is stamped into the red plastic on the back of the toy. Call 800-426-4777 or visit discoverytoysinc.com to return the toy for a replacement.
3. On Jan. 11, 2011 – About 800 PajamaGram Hoodie Footies infant and toddler pajamas were recalled because the metal snaps that attach the hood to the pajamas can detach, posing a choking hazard. The Winter Whimsy style was sold in sizes for newborns to 5T and has the code GPU#SUNHFH1 or GPU#SUNHFH2 on the tag at the neck. Stop using the recalled pajamas and call 800-262-1162 or visit pajamagram.com to receive a replacement item. 

Why are there so many product recalls? Well, perhaps one reason is that the infant product market is fiercely competitive. Companies often rush their products to market without proper safety training first.  You can always look here for more information on product recalls. You can also look at the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website.

If your child has been injured by a defective product, call the personal injury lawyers at Lundy Law at 1-866-281-8612.