Safety Commission: Stop using Simplicity bassinets

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In response to the strangulation deaths of two infants, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urged parents and caregivers to immediately stop using the convertible “close-sleeper/bedside sleeper” bassinets made by Simplicity Inc.

On Aug. 21, a 5-month-old girl from Shawnee, Kan., was strangled to death when she became entrapped between the bassinet’s metal bars. Last fall, a 4-month-old girl from Noel, Mo., became entrapped in the metal bars of the bassinet and died.

According to the CPSC, the safety alert was issued after SFCA Inc., the company that purchased all of Simplicity Inc.’s assets at public auction in April, refused to cooperate with the government and recall the products. SFCA maintains it is not responsible for products previously manufactured by Simplicity Inc., the CPSC said.

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A doll shows the danger of the metal bars on the Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible Close-Sleeper bassinets, which are spaced farther apart than 2 3/8 inches, the maximum distance allowed under the federal crib safety standard. (Courtesy photo)

A doll shows the danger of the metal bars on the Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible Close-Sleeper bassinets, which are spaced farther apart than 2 3/8 inches, the maximum distance allowed under the federal crib safety standard. (Courtesy photo)

Following the safety warning, Wal-Mart, Toys “R” Us, Kmart,  Target, J.C. Penney and Big Lots! stores all announced they would stop selling the Simplicity bassinets.

And the CPSC is asking people to notify day care centers, consignment stores, family and friends to ensure no child is placed to sleep in these bassinets.

The metal bars on the Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible Close-Sleeper  bassinets are spaced farther apart than 2 3/8 inches, which is the maximum distance allowed under the federal crib safety standard. The metal bars are covered by an adjustable fabric flap that is attached by velcro. The fabric is folded down when the bassinet is converted into a bedside co-sleeping position. If the velcro is not properly resecured when the flap is adjusted, an infant can slip through the opening and become entrapped in the metal bars and suffocate.

This warning does not cover bassinets produced in recent months that have fabric permanently attached over the lower bar.

Simplicity bassinets included in the recall include the following models (number is on the label on the underside): 3000CL, 3112DOH6, 3011WHE, 9250A, 3016LAU, 3046GTM, 3010BIJ, 3112DOH7, 3011WHK, 3012SOM, 3016MIR, 3046HAN, 3010HAV, 3122BAN, 3012BIJ, 5750SAR, 3017NCB, 3047MON, 3010NGS, 3122TGC, 3012OXF, 3012TGT, 3020SFB, 3050LIL, 3010TGT, 3010BIJC, 3012SFD, 3013PRO, 3025BER, 3050SAR, 3010WHE, 343-8363, 3040SAR, 9250B, 3025C, 3060GFS, 3040LAU, 343-8399, 3040SPR, 3014LOL, 3026CRT, 3060TFS, TD2500, 3045FEL, 3050SWT, 3014NGS, 3027MIS, 8393, 3040WDS. 3111DPC, 3060BTL, 3015GFR, 3030SAR, 3040SPRC, 3045DRM, 3012LLTC, 3112BDY, 3070MAN, 3040CLA, 3040LAC, 3111ZOL, 3050SWTC, 3045OXFC, 3112DOH, 5730FKB, 3045DRMC.