CPSC And Baby Trend Announce Crib/Playpen Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. --In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Baby Trend Inc. of Pomona, Calif., is voluntarily recalling all portable crib/playpens sold under the brand names, Home and Roam and Baby Express. CPSC determined that the crib/playpens can collapse if the products are not completely locked into place. There have been two deaths and two more reports of babies found not breathing (who were revived) associated with these products.

The crib/playpen can appear to be set up properly even if the top rails are not fully locked. If the crib/playpen is not set up so that each top rail is securely locked in position, a baby can be caught by the neck and strangle (see illustration).

The crib/playpens, which are available in a variety of colors and fabrics, come in three sizes - 40 inches by 40 inches, 40 inches by 28 inches, and 31 inches by 41 inches. The words "Home and Roam" or "Baby Express" and "Baby Trend" appear on two of the four top rails. About 100,000 crib/playpens, priced from $60 to $130, were sold nationwide from 1992 to 1994 by several different retailers, including Price Costco and Kmart.

Baby Trend is recalling ALL Home and Roam and Baby Express crib/playpens, regardless of the purchase date or warning labels.

Consumers should call Baby Trend toll-free at (800) 328-7363 to have their top rail locks replaced free-of-charge. Baby Trend will pay the postage. The new lock is designed to prevent the collapsing risk.