The death of a 6-month-old child prompted the recall Tuesday of about 635,000 cribs sold by Kmart, Sears, Wal-Mart and other stores.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of 20 models of Dorel Asia cribs with both drop sides and fixed front rails.
Some of the Chinese- and Vietnamese-made cribs were recalled because their drop sides can detach, creating a space where a child can be trapped and suffocate or strangle.
A 6-month-old child from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, strangled after getting trapped in the crib when the drop-side hardware broke. The child's parents were using the crib after trying to repair it themselves.
Some of the cribs were also recalled because a child can be trapped if one of the slats is broken or damaged. This damage can occur while the crib is in use as well as when it is being put together, taken apart or shipped.
CPSC and Barbados-based Dorel Asia SRL have received 31 reports of incidents involving drop-side cribs, including six incidents of children being trapped between the mattress and the drop side. The agency and company have also received 36 reports of broken slats, including two reports of trapped children.
To receive a free repair kit to prevent this hazard, contact Dorel Asia at 866-762-2304. More information is available online at http://www.dorel-asia.com.
