CPSC, Dorel Juvenile Group Announce Recall of Cosco Playpens

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dorel Juvenile Group, of Columbus, Ind., is voluntarily recalling about 102,000 Cosco "Zip n Go," "Okie Dokie," and "Carters" playpens manufactured between May 1995 and December 1997. The plastic tabs on the playpen that lock the rails into the corners can break or loosen over time, allowing the rails to turn inward, collapse and entrap an infant.

In June 2001, an 11-month-old baby in Elyria, Ohio, died when his chest was caught in the V-shape created by the collapsed sides of his playpen. Dorel Juvenile Group has received 421 reports of rails not locking or collapsing.

The recalled playpens were sold under the "Zip n Go," "Okie Dokie," and "Carters" brand names and were manufactured by Cosco. Only model numbers 05-361, 05-362, 05-363, and 05-364 are included in this recall. The model numbers are located on a label on the bottom of the playpen, on the metal tubular frame near one of the corners. The label reads in part, "MANUFACTURED IN CHINA FOR COSCO INC." The 28-inch by 40-inch playpens have four mesh sides on a folding metal frame. The side rails have the name "Zip n Go, " "Okie Dokie," or "Carters" written on it. The padded floorboard forms a carrying case for the playpen.

Department, Toy and juvenile specialty stores nationwide sold the "Zip n Go" and "Carters" playpens. JC Penney stores nationwide sold the "Okie Dokie" brand playpens exclusively. The playpens were sold from May 1995 through December 1999 for between $40 and $70.

Consumers should stop using these playpens immediately and call Dorel Juvenile Group to receive a refund or replacement product. Consumers can contact Dorel at (800) 314-9327 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's web site at www.djgusa.com.