CPSC Issues Urgent Recall Warning for Kmaier Infant Swings Over Serious Safety Risks
Kmaier Infant Swings Under Scrutiny
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a critical warning regarding Kmaier-branded infant swings, advising all users to stop utilizing these products immediately. This alert arises from serious safety violations that could lead to significant risks, including suffocation and even death for infants using them.
Safety Violations and Risks
These infant swings, marketed for sleep support, are advertised as ideal for rocking babies to sleep. However, they possess an incline angle exceeding 10 degrees, infringing upon the Safe Sleep for Babies Act. This dangerous design creates conditions that increase the suffocation risk for infants, especially if they are not placed on a firm, flat surface for sleep.
Moreover, the swings fall short of mandatory federal safety standards for consumer items equipped with button cell and coin batteries. Each swing's remote control features a lithium coin battery that lacks the required safety warnings under Reese’s Law. If a child ingests these batteries, the consequences can be dire, leading to severe internal injuries or even fatal outcomes.
Recall and Manufacturer Response
Despite the CPSC’s Notice of Violation directed at Guang Zhou Wei Chen Ke Ji You Xian Gong Si, the Chinese company behind the brand Eacofy, the manufacturer has yet to agree to a product recall or provide remedies for consumers affected.
The swings were available for purchase on Amazon.com, listed as "Electric Baby Swing for Infants" and were sold at prices ranging from $70 to $800. They come in various colors, including yellow, gray, pink, and blue, featuring a round black aluminum base with control buttons and a cloth cover seat.
Immediate Consumer Action Needed
The CPSC strongly urges parents and caregivers to halt the use of Kmaier infant swings and dispose of them safely. Specific recommendations for battery disposal include following local hazardous waste procedures, as the button cell and coin batteries present significant hazards. Selling or donating these unsafe swings is highly discouraged to prevent any potential harm to other children.
Parents are reminded that the safest sleeping arrangement for infants involves placing them on a hard, flat surface like a crib or bassinet. Additional items such as blankets, pillows, or padded bumpers should not be added to the sleeping area, as these can create suffocation hazards.
Infants should always be positioned to sleep on their backs. If they doze off in an upright or inclined position, it is crucial to transfer them to a secure sleeping environment promptly.
Reporting and Further Information
Any incidents related to injuries or product defects should be reported to the CPSC through their official portal at www.SaferProducts.gov. Individuals are encouraged to visit the CPSC website for additional safety information, including guidance on how to handle hazardous products related to child safety.
In conclusion, the CPSC's proactive measures serve as a critical reminder for consumers about the importance of product safety, particularly in items intended for infants. Awareness and prompt action are essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of our children.