On August 3, 2010, Pottery Barn Kids recalled a children's product. Additional testing confirmed a design defect in the bunk beds that could lead to entrapment. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also issued a report to warn consumers of the dangers associated with the beds.
Children's Bunk Beds Recalled by Pottery Barn Kids
The kids' product listed under the recall was the Madeline Bunk Beds. The children’s beds were sold at Pottery Barn Kids. The bunk beds could also be purchased from the company's catalog and website. The beds were produced from July 2009 to March 2010 and were sold for about $1,400 each.
The Madeline beds were made with a combination of wood and fiberboard. All parts of the bed were painted white. A ladder, attached to the frame, was also standard. This assisted children in reaching the top bunk of the bed system. Guardrails were attached to the top bunk for additional safety.
Defects in Madeline Beds From Williams-Sonoma
Pottery Barn Kids, which is part of Williams-Sonoma, released the information that no reports of incident or injury were received based on the use of the kids' product. Following tests that confirmed a safety risk from the bed design the company began to issue warnings to consumers.
The end panels of the top and bottom bunks were made with a decorative design. The opening between the panel and support rails, created by the design, can trap children. This can be particularly dangerous if the child becomes trapped at night, during a period of reduced supervision.
The potential of suffocation or death exists after a child is entrapped. The design of the end panel can prevent children from removing their head from the fixture after entrapment occurs. Throughout the night, the angle of the child’s neck on the panel could results in breathing difficulty or suffocation.
Actions to Take Following Recall of Bunk Beds for Kids
The Madeline Bunk Beds are unsafe and should not be used with the original features. Consumers should not attempt to repair the product without the proper equipment. Pottery Barn Kids will complete a free repair with a replacement kit if contacted.
Consumers may contact the company at (888) 779-8692 between the hours of 7am and midnight throughout the week to learn more about the repair kit. A representative is available on Saturday and Sunday as well. Individuals may also use the Pottery Barn Kids website for additional recall information or to browse other available products.
Readers who have found this article useful may also like to read recalls on Antonio Flores Infant Pacifiers, Daiso Coin Purses, and SmileMakers Charm Bracelets.
Recall information from across the United States is available for interested individuals from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Source:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Pottery Barn Kids Recalls to Repair Madeline Bunk Beds due to Entrapment Hazard”, News From CPSC (accessed August 4, 2010).
Christopher Clayton - After I received my M.S. in Human Development I continued to work in Human Services. I focus on the care and supports that children ...
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