Cosco Recalls Two-Rod Guard Rails For Toddler Beds; Asphyxiation Risk Cited

PRODUCT: Approximately 75,000 Cosco Youth Options Toddler Bed Guard Rails, #10T71 (sold separately) and toddler bed guard rails sold as part of Cosco Toddler Beds, #10T23 and #10T33.

The high gloss metal toddler bed guard rails are red, white, or blue. The rail has a 3/4-inch tubular metal frame with two thin horizontal metal rods within the frame. Cosco toddler bed guard rails with three thin horizontal metal rods within the frame, as well as guard rails for full size beds, are not involved in this recall.

PROBLEM: Entrapment in the guard rail may create a risk of asphyxiation.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers owning a guard rail with two thin horizontal rods within the guard rail frame should call (800) Cosco-14 or (800) 267-2614 to obtain a free modification kit.

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Cosco, Inc., Columbus, Indiana, is voluntarily recalling some of its toddler bed guard rails. The recalled guard rails have a 3/4-inch tubular metal frame and two thin horizontal rods within the frame. The metal toddler bed guard rails were sold as part of Cosco tubular metal toddler beds (model 10T23 and 10T33) and also sold separately as Cosco model 10T71. Cosco toddler bed guard rails with three thin horizontal rods within the bed rail frame, and Cosco bed rails for full size beds, are not involved in this recall. The two-rod version being recalled was manufactured between August 1, 1991 and June 10, 1992. They were sold in stores nationwide during that period and for a while thereafter.

Cosco two-rod toddler bed guard rails, in some circumstances, allow a space to be created between the lowest rod, the toddler bed mattress frame and the mattress. A child can become entrapped in this space, while sleeping or when the child attempts to back down off the bed through the guard rail, thereby creating a potential asphyxiation risk.

Although Cosco has received 67 reports of children becoming entrapped in these toddler bed guard rails, to date no cases of asphyxiation have been reported. A consumer complaint to the CPSC Hotline alerted the Commission to the problem.

Approximately 75,000 red, white or blue two-rod toddler bed guard rails were sold nationwide. When sold separately, the toddler bed guard rail cost was approximately $12-15. Cosco toddler bed guard rails with three horizontal rods within the frame, as well as Cosco bed rails for full-size beds are not affected by this recall. The three-rod version of the toddler bed rail replaced the two-rod version in approximately June, 1992.

Consumers should locate the four-digit manufacture date code on the toddler bed guard rail label and then call (800) Cosco-14 or (800) 267-2614 to obtain a free modification kit and installation instructions. The modification kit includes a special guard rail cover designed to close the opening and prevent entrapment. Consumers may also call the Cosco 800 number for assistance in identifying the affected guard rails.