Patty: Welcome to CPSC’s Podcast for Friday, September 28, 2007. I’m Patty Davis.

This week, CPSC has announced that Kolcraft is recalling about 425,000 play yards following the death of a child. The child – a 10-month old boy – strangled on the changing table’s restraint strap that was hanging down into the Kolcraft play yard where the child was located. Joining me to talk about the recall is CPSC’s Director of Public Affairs, Julie Vallese. Thanks. Julie.

[Julie:] Always great to talk with you Patty.

[Patty:] There are 12 different models of Kolcraft play yards included in this recall. What exactly happens with the changing table’s restraint strap that makes it so dangerous?

[Julie:] Well Patty, the restraint strap is actually quite long. It can hang down below the changing table, and if there’s a child in the play yard, a child can get caught. And it’s a strangulation hazard.

[Patty:] How do you know if you have one of the recalled play yards?

[Julie:] We have posted a list of model numbers on our Web site, www.cpsc.gov. You can find the model number on a white sticker on one of the feet of the play yard. That’s really the best way to tell whether or not you have one.

[Patty:] What should you do if you do have one of the recalled play yards?

[Julie:] First, cut the cord and remove it. Then contact Kolcraft and they’ll send you new, shorter, safer changing table restraints.

[Patty:] Now, there is also an additional hazard with one of the Kolcraft play yards with a rocking cradle – that is the Contours 3-in-1. What is the hazard? And have there been any incidents with that play yard?

[Julie:] The hazard is a child, if they roll to one side, can get stuck. There have been 45 reports of children rolling to the side of the rocking cradle attachment and not being able to rock back. It’s a suffocation hazard.

[Patty:] What should you do if you have this recalled play yard that has the rocking cradle?

[Julie:] Well, stop using the rocking cradle. Remove it from the top. You can still use the bottom portion of the play yard. But also then contact Kolcraft. They’ll supply you with a fix, a kit so that you will be able to put it in place and still use the cradle part of the play yard.

[Patty:] Thanks Julie.

[Julie:] Thanks for having me.

[Patty:] You can find out more about this recall by visiting our Web site, www.cpsc.gov. While you’re there, sign up to receive our recall announcements directly to your email inbox. That’s it for this week’s podcast. Thanks for listening.

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