CPSC and J.C. Penney Recall 8,000 Yu Wei Drop-Side Cribs

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Yu Wei Ltd. of Taiwan, have recalled approximately 8,000 drop-side cribs which were manufactured in Taiwan and imported to the U.S. by J.C. Penney Purchasing Corp. of Plano, Texas. According to the CPSC announcement, “The drop-side rails on the crib can malfunction, detach or unexpectedly fall down, causing part of the drop side to fall out of position” creating a space into which an infant or toddler may roll and become wedged or entrapped. The entrapment could lead to strangulation or suffocation. The CPSC also notes that drop side crib incidents can be caused due to improper assembly, as well as wear and tear over time.

The CPSC and Yu Wei Ltd. are aware of nine occurrences of drop side crib rails that malfunctioned or became detached, including a report of a child who sustained minor injury to an arm. These particular cribs were sold in sold in antique white, pecan and dark cherry woods, exclusively on jcpenney.com and from the J.C. Penney catalog, from January 2006 through December 2010 for from $300 – $450. Models number 343-8225 called the “Scroll Crib” (sold from January 2006 through December 2010) and 343-9117, the “Lauren Crib” (sold from January 2007 through December 2010, are the models involved in this particular drop side crib recall.

Once again, consumers are advised to stop using the cribs immediately, arrange an alternate safe sleeping environment for their child and to contact the company for more information and a free immobilizer kit (which will immobilize the drop side). To contact the Yu Wei Ltd., consumers may call (877) 806-8190 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.yuweicribrecalls.com . Consumers can also email the firm at yuweiparts@aol.com to order a free immobilizer kit.

To view photos of the crib being recalled, please visit the CPSC website at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12003.html

The CPSC reminds consumers that it is illegal to sell or attempt to re-sell any recalled consumer product. In addition, the CPSC continues to provide the following important message to consumers:

The CPSC reminds parents:

· Do not use any crib with missing, broken or loose parts.

· Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy.

· When using a drop-side crib, parents should check to make sure the drop side or any other moving part operates smoothly.

· Always check all sides and corners of the crib for parts separating that can create a gap and entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib.

At a minimum, the CPSC recommends not to use a crib that is older than 10 years old. "Effective June 28, 2011, new, mandatory federal crib standards require that all cribs manufactured and sold after that date must meet new and improved safety requirements. Older cribs do not meet the new standard and can have a variety of safety problems. Check to learn whether your crib has been recalled at www.cpsc.gov."