The Simplicity Crib Recall: A Crib that Kills

Washington, DCThe distributors of a defective Simplicity infant crib made in China is voluntarily recalling about one million units out of fear that a flawed design, and the incorrect installation of a drop side could result in injury, or death. So far, three infants have perished after the drop side detached from the crib, leaving a gap large enough for the infant to fall into, and become trapped.

The manufacturer, Simplicity Inc. of Reading, Pennsylvania, announced the recall in association with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), on September 21st.

The problem with the cribs, which were sold from January 1998 through to May of this year and retailed for anywhere from $100 - $300, is the mechanical drop side. Due to a flawed design, the gate can easily be installed upside-down by unsuspecting consumers. This can weaken the hardware and the drop side can eventually detach, posing a potentially lethal hazard for infants.

Two infants have died in older-style Simplicity cribs after the drop side, installed incorrectly, detached and left a gap for the infant to fall into. A nine-month-old, and a six-month-old child died in this way. CPSC is reporting seven additional instances of entrapment, and 55 other incidents associated with these cribs.

Apparently, an update to the flawed crib proved no better, after a one-year-old child died in a Simplicity crib with newer hardware. Again, the drop-side was installed upside-down - however, it should be noted that product failure and risk to infant safety is not confined to incorrect installation, as problems have been reported with correctly-installed equipment as well. Incorrect installation serves to enhance that risk.

While the cribs were manufactured in China, it is not known if the assembly instructions were also printed in the Republic. Sometimes, due to language barriers and poor translation, product assembly guides and instruction booklets produced in a foreign country can lead to confusion, and misleading information.

What's more, one is left to wonder to what degree the product was tested prior to being introduced to the marketplace. A tired parent or caregiver charged with assembling a crib, constant use, and an active infant can combine to disaster, and accentuate a design flaw.

Sadly, it appears that the flaw was not identified until after three infants lost their lives.

The recalled models include (all Simplicity): Aspen 3 in 1, Aspen 4 in 1, Nursery-in-a-Box, Crib N Changer Combo, Chelsea and Pooh 4 in 1. The recall also includes Simplicity cribs using the Graco logo: Aspen 3 in 1, Ultra 3 in 1, Ultra 4 in1, Ultra 5 in 1, Whitney and the Trio.

Model numbers can be found on the envelope attached to the mattress support and on the label attached to the headboard. The recalled models are: 4600, 4605, 4705, 5000, 8000, 8324, 8800, 8740, 8910, 8994, 8050, 8750, 8760, and 8996.

Consumers are advised to check the drop side to determine if it has been installed correctly. If it has been installed upside-down, or if any of the hardware or components are loose or ill-fitting, consumers are advised to stop using the crib immediately and contact the manufacturer.

According to its web site, Simplicity is offering consumers with defective cribs, a replacement drop side track kit. The company has placed a product recall box on the home page of its web site, right underneath a tag line that proves the ultimate irony.

"Simplicity Inc. is dedicated to helping you raise your children in safe, nurturing and enjoyable furnishings and accessories."

Indeed.

If you have a potential problem with an affected crib, call the company toll-free at (888) 593-9274, or visit their [web site]

However, if a defective crib has injured your child, call a lawyer.

Three infants died before this problem came to light, and this recall was launched.

That's three infant deaths too many.