Toddler Strangulation Death Prompts Playpen Recall
A child strangulation death has prompted Tots in Mind Inc., of Salem, New Hampshire to recall about 20,000 Cozy Indoor Outdoor Portable Play Yard Tents plus Cabana Kits, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
A 2-year-old Maine child died in December 2008 when his neck became caught between the play yard frame and the medal base rod of the tent. According to the CPSC announcement:
“The boy was found hanging with his neck entrapped between the playard frame and the metal base rod of the tent that had been partially tied by pieces of nylon rope and partially attached by clips. The tent was tied to the playard because the child was able to pop off the clips. Apparently, the child became entrapped while attempting to climb out of the playard.”
The CPSC reported three other instances in which children removed one or more of the clips and were able to put their necks between the tent and the playpen. They were not injured, however.
Playard Strangulation Hazard: Product Description
The recalled defective playards come with a white dome shaped mesh tent that fits over the playpens in a range of sizes, from 28 x 40 inches to 31 x 44 inches. Twelve plastic clips secure the tent to the top rail of the play pen through button holes along the bottom of the tent, and the tent has a zipper door on the side. Made in China, the cribs were sold at Walmart, Amazon.com, and baby and children’s product stores nationwide from January 2005 through February 2010.
Parents and caregivers should immediately stop using the playards and contact Tots in Mind for replacement clips that children won’t be able to unlatch.
