On December 19th, 2013, Playtex issued a defective consumer product recall. Playtex’s Hip Hammock infant carrier (sling) has been recalled by the manufacturer due to the risk of a fall hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns the buckles on the child carrying sling connecting the waist and shoulder straps may crack or break, posing a fall hazard to the child.
A summary of the recall is shown here and can also be viewed on the CPSC website.
Name of product:
Playtex Hip Hammock infant carriers
Hazard:
The buckles on the waist and shoulder straps can crack or break, posing a fall hazard to the child.
Consumer Contact:
Call Playtex at (800) 522-8230 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.playtexproducts.com and click on Recall for more information.
Carrier Sales and Complaints
According to the CPSC, the infant carrier was sold in stores and online by Burlington Coat Factory, Walmart, Target, and several other retailers throughout the US and Canada. The carriers were sold from June 2004 through December 2008. All Playtex Hammock models are included in the recall, affecting models:
- 05300
- 05301
- 05302
- 05306
- 05307
- 05308
Carrier models came in basic and deluxe styles. The Hip Hammock’s fabric is suede or ultra-suede with either black or navy colors on the outside, and an inside lining in black, black and white checkers or burgundy. Approximately 305,000 units were sold in the US and 30,000 in Canada.
So far, 83 reports of broken strap buckles have been noted. To date, a total of 2 injuries were reported – one of which required emergency medical treatment for the infant. Playtex has asked consumers who purchased the Hip Hammock to stop using it immediately. Consumers should contact Playtex for a full refund of the purchase price.
Manufacturer Liability and Governing Authorities
All manufacturers who sell products in the US or Canada bear the responsibility of providing safe, tested products fit for consumer use. Consumers are not expected to fear for their personal safety when properly using an item for its intended purpose. Unfortunately, defective products sometimes make it market and unsuspecting adults (and sometimes children) are injured. Permanent disabilities or even death can result from such dangerous defects.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both possess recall authority and can help to protect consumers. In other cases, recalls come voluntarily from responsible manufacturers – as soon as defects are discovered.
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