Cosco Recalls Toddler Beds -- Head Entrapment Risk Cited

PRODUCT: Cosco Model T22 and T23 Youth Options metal toddler beds manufactured since December 1990. Beds are red or white tubular steel with arched headboards and footboards.

PROBLEM: A child may become entrapped between the bed's arches or between the bed mattress and an arch of the headboard or footboard.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers should look for the white label on the mattress support. If the label contains "10T22" or "10T23", consumers should write down the date code and measure the distance between the top two arches of the headboard. (This will enable Cosco to determine appropriate modification parts.) Consumers should then call Cosco at 1-800-468-0174 for information on free modification parts. CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT USE AFFECTED TODDLER BEDS UNTIL MODIFICATIONS ARE MADE.

WASHINGTON, DC -- Cosco, Inc., of Columbus, IN, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is voluntarily recalling approximately 155,000 Model T22 and T23 Youth Options metal toddler beds manufactured since December 1990. Cosco has received approximately 50 reports, including that of one death, of children becoming entrapped between arches or between the mattress and an arch of the head-or footboards of these beds.

These beds are designed for use by toddlers after outgrowing the crib but before using a full-sized bed. They are constructed of red or white tubular steel with arched headboards and footboards. The spacing between the arches on the headboard and footboard, and the spacing between the mattress and the arches, may allow entrapment of a child's head. Cosco is providing new, redesigned headboards, footboards, or an added headboard part, depending on the model owned.

Cosco reports that its T22 and T23 toddler beds were sold nationwide from December 1990 to March 15, 1992, at retail stores, including Toys-R-Us, Service Merchandise, Sears, and Walmart, for approximately $50.00.

Consumers should look for a white label on the mattress support. If the label contains "10T22" or "10T23," consumers should write down the date code and measure the distance between the top two arches of the headboard and then call Cosco toll-free on 1-800-468-0174 for information about how to obtain free modification parts. The date code and distance between arches are needed to determine the appropriate modification parts. Cosco and the Commission urge consumers not to use these toddler beds until modifications are made.

EDITORS' NOTE: For an 8" x 10" black and white photograph showing the recalled Cosco toddler bed, call Dan Rumelt, CPSC Office of Information and Public Affairs on 301-504-7908.