Child’s Death Prompts Recall to Repair Portable Playard Tent by Tots in Mind Due to Strangulation Hazard
Recall 10303 · Jul 15, 2010 · Tots
20,000
units affected
20,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 10303
- Date
- Jul 15, 2010
- Company
- Tots
- Units affected
- 20,000
- Product
- Cozy Indoor Outdoor Portable Playard Tents Plus Cabana Kits
- Product type
- Play Yards
- Hazard
- Strangulation
The product
The dome-shaped white-colored mesh tent is designed to fit over playards as small as 28 inches by 40 inches or as large as 31 inches by 44 inches to contain a child. There are 12 plastic clips to secure the base of the tent to the top rail of the playard through button holes along the bottom of the tent. The tent has a zippered side for putting in and taking out the child.
What can happen
Clips that attach the tent to the top of the playard can break or be removed by a child. A child can lift the tent and become entrapped at the neck between the rigid playard frame and the metal base rod of the tent, posing a strangulation hazard.
The fix
Consumers should immediately stop using the playard tents and contact Tots in Mind to get free replacement clips. Replacement clips will be available in late August or early September 2010.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- 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. In three other incidents, children were able to remove one or more clips and place their necks between the tent and the playard.
- Sold at
- Walmart, Amazon.com and various baby and children's stores nationwide from January 2005 through February 2010 for about $60.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled cozy indoor outdoor portable playard tents plus cabana kits?
Consumers should immediately stop using the playard tents and contact Tots in Mind to get free replacement clips. Replacement clips will be available in late August or early September 2010.
What is the hazard?
Clips that attach the tent to the top of the playard can break or be removed by a child. A child can lift the tent and become entrapped at the neck between the rigid playard frame and the metal base rod of the tent, posing a strangulation hazard.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.