Generation 2 Worldwide and ChildESIGNS Drop Side Crib Recall

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled all Generation 2 Worldwide and “ChildESIGNS” portable and full-size drop side cribs due to the products' liability. The CPSC reports that the recalled cribs present a risk of strangulation and suffocation to toddlers and infants. The agency urges parents and caregivers in possession of the cribs to discontinue use immediately and find a safe sleeping alternative for their infant; attempts to repair the cribs are not advised.

If the crib’s plastic hardware breaks, the drop side of the crib can detach creating a space in which a child can become entrapped. If an infant gets stuck between the mattress and drop side, he or she runs a risk for serious injury or death from suffocation or strangulation. Additionally, the mattress support can detach from the crib’s frame, creating a dangerous space in which a child could strangle or suffocate.

To date, the CPSC has received three reports of infant death. These children died after suffocating upon entrapment between the mattress and drop side after it detached. In Sept. 2002, a six-month-old child from Virginia suffocated after getting stuck between the mattress and crib’s drop side. Two screws were missing from the lower drop side track, allowing it to detach from the headboard post. Then, in Oct. 2003, an eight-month-old from Indiana suffocated after becoming entrapped between the mattress and crib’s drop side. In this case, the drop side’s plastic hardware broke, allowing the drop side to separate from the headboard in one corner. Lastly, in July 2007, an eight-month-old infant from Ohio suffocated after getting stuck between the mattress and drop side. A plastic stop tab on the lower track broke and as a result, the drop side of the crib detached.

In addition to the three infant deaths, the CPSC also received 20 other reports of drop side incidents, 12 of which involved the drop side separating from a corner of the crib. According to the reports, two children became entrapped, one of whom suffered bruising. There were also five reports of children falling out of the cribs due to the faulty drop side; one child broke an arm as a result.

The CPSC has also received eight reports of mattress support detachment in the recalled cribs. Because of the gap created by the detachment, three children became stuck between the frame and sagging mattress, while four others crawled out of the crib. One child reportedly suffered cuts and bruises.

Because Generation 2 went out of business in 2005, only limited information regarding the recalled cribs is available. Although the total number of units distributed or production years are unknown, it is believed that more than 500,000 of the recalled cribs were sold. Known model numbers include the following: 10-110X; 10-210X; 21-110X; 20-710X; 64-315X; 26-110X; 90-257X; 20-810X; 46-715X; 64-311X; 74-315X; 21-815X; 21-810X; 20815X; 308154 and 54915. The “X” indicates that an extra, varying number may exist at the end of the model number. Still, all Generation 2 Worldwide and “ChildESIGNS” full-size and portable cribs have been recalled, including those with other model numbers.

A label with the name “Generation 2 Worldwide” appears on the crib’s headboard or footboard. Some labels cite Dothan, Alabama as the country of manufacture, while others identify China. On the recalled “ChildESIGNS” cribs, the name appears on the teething rail of some of the cribs.

Sold for approximately $60 to $160, the recalled cribs due to product liability were sold at the following locations:

• K-mart
• Wal-mart
• Buy Buy Baby
• Local furniture outlets

The CPSC advises consumers with the recalled cribs to stop using the products immediately and offers general crib safety advice as follows. The CPSC urges parents and caregivers to never use cribs with loose, missing or broken parts and to occasionally tighten the hardware to maintain stability.

Consumers with drop-side cribs should ensure the drop-side, as well as any other moving part, functions with ease. Corners and sides of cribs should also be checked frequently for disengagements, which can create a space where a child could become stuck. For more information on crib safety and the recalled cribs, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Our product liability attorneys can help you with any concerns you might have. Fill out our risk-free, no-cost case evaluation form today.