On June 2, 2010, Sprout Stuff recalled a children’s product. The reported death of an infant was directly linked to the use of a ring sling child carrier. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also issued a report to warn consumers of the dangers associated with the use of the ring slings.
Ring Sling Recalled by Sprout Stuff
The children’s product listed under the recall was the ring sling for infants. Sprout Stuff sold the baby carriers directly to consumers. Even though this is a smaller company based in Texas, shipping of the slings was available across the United States.
The slings were produced from October 2006 to May of 2007. Consumers could purchase the items online or send a request and payment to the company’s mailing address. The carriers were sold from between $35 and $45.
The infant carriers were made of a muslin fabric in a natural color. A variation in the design was possible with either a shoulder pad or the natural fiber used for the shoulder harness. The company’s name was sewn into the fabric of the sling.
Defects in the Infant Carriers Sold Online
From information released by Sprout Stuff, one death occurred from the use of the baby carriers. No additional reports of incidents or injuries were noted from either Sprout Stuff or the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The slings could create two different suffocation hazards with the limited ability of infants to move away from choke hazards. The fabric of the sling could trap the baby without a means to move. In a few minutes the child could suffocate with the sling over the mouth and nose.
The second way is from the design of the sling. Created to cradle the baby, the curved design could force the neck and head of the child down. This pressure can restrict airflow and create a suffocation hazard.
Actions to Take Following Recall of Baby Sling
The ring slings are unsafe and should not be used as a means to transport infants. Individuals should not attempt to correct the design defect themselves. Consumers may contact the company for a full refund.
Consumers may contact the company at (877) 319-3101 at anytime throughout the week. Individuals may also use the email address of sproutstuffrefunds@gmail.com to gain additional refund information. Standard letters can also be sent to P. O. Box 612, Buda, Texas 78610 to request refund information.
Recall information from across the United States is available for interested individuals on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website.
Readers who found this article useful may also like to read about additional recalls on Rashti & Rashti Giraffe Blankets, Family Dollar Store Toy Dart Gun Sets, and Claire’s Boutique Metal Charm Bracelets.
Source:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Infant Death Prompts Recall of Ring Slings Made by Sprout Stuff Due to Suffocation Risk,” News From CPSC (accessed June 2, 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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