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Consumer product recall

Playtex recalls Hip Hammock Infant Carriers

Starting date:
December 19, 2013
Posting date:
December 19, 2013
Type of communication:
Consumer Product Recall
Subcategory:
Children's Products
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Physical Hazard
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-37289

Joint recall with Health Canada, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC) and Playtex.

Affected products

Playtex Hip Hammock infant carriers

Product description

This recall involves the Playtex Hip Hammock Infant Carrier with model number 05306.  The Playtex Hip Hammock is an infant carrier designed to strap the baby against the caregiver’s body at the hip.  It is made of a black, soft, quilted fabric with black inside lining and is intended for babies that are from 15 to 35 pounds.  The child seat is attached with straps that wrap around the carrier’s hips and shoulder. “Playtex Hip Hammock” is printed on a label sewn into the front of the carrier.

Hazard identified

The buckles on the waist and shoulder straps can crack or break which can result in children falling out of the carrier, posing a fall hazard.

Playtex has received 4 reports of the buckles cracking or breaking with no injuries.

In the United States, Playtex has received 83 reports of the buckles cracking or breaking, including two reports of injuries, where one infant required emergency room treatment.

Health Canada has not received any reports of incidents or injuries related to the use of these carriers.

Consumers can learn more about the safe use of baby carriers through Health Canada’s information sheet on baby slings and carriers.

Number sold

Approximately 36,000 units of the recalled carriers were sold in Canada.
Approximately 305,000 units of the recalled carriers were sold in the United States.

Time period sold

The recalled products were sold in Canada from June 2004 through January 2010 and in the United States from June 2004 through December 2008 at Walmart, Toys R Us, Big Lots, other juvenile product stores and through online retailers.

Place of origin

Manufactured in China.

Companies

Distributor
Playtex Ltd.
Mississauga
Ontario
CANADA

Images (select thumbnail to enlarge - opens in a new window)


What you should do

Consumers should stop using the carrier and contact Playtex for instructions on how to return the product for a full refund. Consumers can reach Playtex at 1-800-522-8230 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday or firm's website and click on Recall for more information.

Consumers may view the release by the US CPSC on the Commission’s website.

Please note that the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act prohibits recalled products from being redistributed, sold or even given away in Canada.

Health Canada would like to remind Canadians to report any health or safety incidents related to the use of this product or any other consumer product or cosmetic by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form.