November 22, 2010: Bassettbaby Recalls Drop-Side Cribs

Recall Reason

Many styles of the drop-side crib are included in this recall. Image here represents just one.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., of Bassett, Virginia, has recalled about 90,000 drop-side cribs with external plastic hardware. The cribs' drop-side rail can malfunction, detach, or otherwise fail, causing part of the drop side to detach from the crib. When a drop-side rail partially detaches, it creates a space between the drop-side and the crib mattress. An infant or toddler's body can become entrapped in the space, which can lead to strangulation and/or suffocation. A child also can fall out of the crib. Drop-side incidents also can occur due to incorrect assembly and age-related wear and tear.

The firm and CPSC are aware of 18 reported incidents in which drop-sides malfunctioned or detached from the crib. No injuries were reported. In one of the incidents a child became entrapped between the mattress and the drop-side. In three of the incidents children fell out of the cribs. The firm also has received 154 reports of drop-side hardware breaking during shipment, assembly, or use.

Do You Own This Product?

Click here to see the official recall.

The recalled cribs are wood with a metal mattress support and have a drop side with external plastic hardware. The cribs were sold in a variety of finishes. A label is attached to the footboard or headboard with the names "Bassettbaby" or "Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc." as well as the model number, production date, and other information. On some older models the manufacturer's name appears on a separate label.This recall does not include non drop-side cribs.

The drop-side cribs sold at children's product stores and other retailers nationwide and online from January 2000 through August 2010 for between about $200 and $500. The cribs were manufactured in China, Croatia, Slovenia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Whom to Contact

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drop-side cribs and contact Bassettbaby for a free kit that will immobilize the drop side. In the meantime, parents are urged to find an alternate, safe sleeping environment for the child, such as a bassinet, play yard, or toddler bed depending on the child's age.

For additional information, contact Bassettbaby at (800) 308-7485 between 10 AM and 6 PM EST, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.bassettbaby.com.