1.7 million video baby monitors with electrical cords are being recalled.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Summer Infant Inc., of Woonsocket, R.I, announced the voluntary recall. The electrical cords on the baby monitors pose a strangulation hazard to babies and young children when the monitor is placed too close to the crib. The CPSC says that these and other corded cameras should be placed at least 3 feet away from cribs.
The corded baby monitors were sold nationwide in prices ranging from $60-$300. The CPSC reports that more than 40 different models were sold. Some of the models were handheld, others were digital, and some color video. The monitoring system consisted of a camera and one or two hand-held devices that the parent or caregiver would use to see and hear the baby. The brand name “Summer” is located on the system. They were distributed between January 2003 and February 2011.
Two infant deaths have been reported to the CPSC over the last year. One occurred in March of 2010, when a 10-month-old girl strangled on the electrical cord while in her crib. The monitor had been placed on the crib railing.
The other was a report received in November of 2010, which involved a six-month old boy who strangled on the electrical cord. In this case the monitor had been placed on a changing table which was attached to his crib.
Summer Infant Inc. is providing new labels and instructions for the recalled video monitors. Both Summer and the CPSC have asked parents to immediately check the location of the monitors and cords to assure that they are out of reach of children.
Consumers with Summer Infant monitors are being asked to visit Summer Infant’s site at www.summerinfant.com/Home/Product-Recall.aspx or call (800) 426-8627 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
According to the CPSC, seven deaths of children from strangulation on audio, video, and movement monitoring electrical cords have been reported since 2002.
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