A major recall of crib tents and play yard tents has a horrible story behind it. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is issuing yet another recall on the baby product made by Tots in Mind, a now defunct company, to try to get them out of homes. The tents have been blamed in the death of one baby and the catastrophic brain injury of another. And yet, parents still seem to be using them.
That's got the CPSC so concerned that they've convinced five retailers who once sold the tents to give money out of their own coffers to parents. Think you're in line for a refund? Here's what you need to know to get your money ... and more importantly, keep your child safe.
1. The voluntary recall is for 330,000 crib tents and play yard tents made by Tots in Mind. There are no model numbers, but affected tents feature the Tots In Mind logo located on the non-mesh portion near the top of the tent. They were sold under the names Cozy Crib Tent, Cozy Crib Tent II, Crib Tent for Portable Play Yards, Portable Play Yard Tent Plus Cabana Kit, and Portable Play Yard Tent.
2. The tents have a serious defect that has reportedly trapped some 27 kids, including the child who died. Although a repair kit was once offered, the CPSC advises parents to stop using the tents immediately and NOT to attempt a repair.
3. The tents were sold at the following retailers, all of which can be contacted for a refund: Amazon.com; Bed Bath & Beyond/Buy Buy Baby, 800-GOBEYOND; Burlington Coat Factory, 888-223-2628; Toys R Us/Babies R Us, 800-869-7787; and Wal-mart 800-925-6278.
4. Refunds will vary. The tents originally sold for $65 to $80, and some retailers are offering store credit rather than cash.
Is your child sleeping under one of these tents?
Image via Consumer Product Safety Commission