Approximately 4 million Bumbo Baby Seats have been recalled because they present a falling risk to infants when they are placed on raised surfaces, which can result in injuries as severe as skull fractures, according to the CPSC.
The recall comes nine months after the government took the unusual step of issuing a warning to those using the product that infants were suffering serious injuries after falling out.
So far, the company is aware of at least 50 incidents in which babies fell from a Bumbo seat while it was being used on a raised surface. Nineteen of those incidents included reports of skull fractures.
It’s not the first time the seats have been recalled. In 2007, Bumbo issued a voluntary recall along with new safety instructions after reports of babies falling out of the seats and off of tables and other elevated surfaces. Parents and caregivers were then urged to not use the seats anywhere other than the floor.
Here’s some more info on the recalled products:
Description of the Bumbo Baby Seats: The bottom of the Bumbo seat is round and flat with a diameter of about 15 inches. It is constructed of a single piece of molded foam and comes in various colors. The seat has leg holes and the seat back wraps completely around the child. On the front of the seat in raised lettering is the word “Bumbo” with the image of an elephant on top. The bottom of the seat has the following words: “Manufactured by Bumbo South Africa Material: Polyurethane World Patent No. PCT: ZA/1999/00030.” The back of the seat has several warnings and seats manufactured since 2008 have an additional label on the front of the seat warning against use on raised surfaces.
Where they were sold: The seats were sold at Sears, Target, Toys R Us (including Babies R Us), USA Babies, Walmart, and various other toy and children’s stores nationwide, and various online sellers, from August 2003 through August 2012 for between $30 and $50.
Consumers should immediately stop using the product until they order and install a free repair kit, which includes: a restraint belt with a warning label, installation instructions, safe use instructions and a new warning sticker. The belt should always be used when a child is placed in the seat. Even with the belt, the seat should never be used on any raised surface.
Consumers should also immediately stop using Bumbo seat covers that interfere with the installation and use of the belt. A video demonstrating proper installation of the restraint belt and proper use of the Bumbo seat are available at www.BumboUSA.com
Order the free repair kit by visiting www.recall.BumboUSA.com or calling (866) 898-4999 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday and between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. CT on Friday.
NOTE: Do not return the Bumbo seat to retailers as they will not be able to provide the repair kit.
View the full recall on the CPSC’s website here.
