CPSC Urges Search for Previously Recalled Portable Cribs and Play Yards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to search for and stop using previously recalled child products, in particular the "Playskool Travel-Lite" portable crib, which was manufactured by Kolcraft from 1990 through 1992 and recalled in 1993. In May of 1998, a Chicago toddler died after a Playskool Travel-Lite portable crib collapsed.

Manufacturers of portable cribs and play yards are joining in the effort to warn consumers and childcare providers to stop using the more than 1.5 million portable cribs and play yards that have been recalled in past years. Top rail hinges must be turned to set up the cribs and play yards. These top rails can collapse, entrapping children and suffocating them. Twelve children have died from suffocation in collapsed play yards and portable cribs manufactured by various firms. Current production play yards have top rails that automatically lock into place when the play yards are fully set up.

"A death caused by a previously recalled product is a tragedy," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "We urge consumers to make an all out effort to search their homes and daycare centers for these portable cribs and play yards and stop using them."

The Playskool Travel-Lite portable cribs have two nylon mesh sides and two blue solid plastic ends. "Playskool" appears in white letters on a red background on each end. The portable crib folds in the center for storage and handling. Stores nationwide sold 11,600 of the products from 1990 through 1992.

Kolcraft has gone to great lengths to renew their recall efforts. Kolcraft is offering a $60 refund to consumers for the return of the Travel-Lite portable cribs. They also are notifying pediatricians and childcare providers about the recall. Consumers should call Kolcraft at (800) 453-7673 for instructions on disposing of the products and receiving the refund.

A number of portable cribs and play yards manufactured by other companies also have been recalled because of the risk of suffocation posed by collapsing top rails. Consumers and childcare providers should check for the following recalled play yards and portable cribs. If these products are found, consumers should call the company.
 

CPSC is asking the help of consumers, childcare providers and child welfare associations to help spread the word about the search for these portable cribs and play yards in an effort to avoid another tragic incident.

"CPSC gets recalled products off store shelves, but we can't go into consumers' homes and remove the products," said Brown. "That's why we want to get this message out and have consumers act immediately to prevent another tragedy."

Before using used nursery equipment, even if it has been used for a sibling, consumers should check the recalled product lists, available 24-hours-a-day, through the CPSC hotline at (800) 638-2772 or through the CPSC web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Kolcraft has gone to great lengths to renew their recall efforts. Kolcraft is offering a $60 refund to consumers for the return of the Travel-Lite portable cribs. They also are notifying pediatricians and childcare providers about the recall. Consumers should call Kolcraft at (800) 453-7673 for instructions on disposing of the products and receiving the refund.

In May of 1998, a Chicago toddler died after a Playskool Travel-Lite portable crib collapsed. Twelve children have died from suffocation in collapsed play yards and portable cribs manufactured by various firms.