On December 19, 2013, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, in accordance with Playtex, announced a voluntary recall of the Hip Hammock Infant Carriers due to a fall hazard. Playtex has received 87 reports of the buckles cracking or breaking, including two reports of serious injuries, in which one infant required immediate emergency room treatment.
The Playtex Hi Hammock Infant Carrier was sold at Burlington Coat Factory, Target, Walmart, juvenile product, baby and discount stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com from June 2004 through December 2008 and January 2010 in Canada for a retail price of approximately $40 for the basic model and $60 for the deluxe model.
This recall includes the Platex Hip Hammock with model numbers 05300, 05301, 05302, 05306, 05307, and 05308. The model numbers are sewn into the inside panel below the instructions for use.
The Playtex Hip Hammock is an infant carrier designed to strap the baby against the caregiver’s body at the hip. It is made of a soft, quilted fabric and intended for babies that are from 15 to 35 pounds. The child seat is attached with straps that wrap around the carrier’s hips and shoulder. “Playtex Hip Hammock” is printed on a label sewn into the front of the carrier. The Hip Hammock comes in basic and deluxe styles. The hip hammock’s fabric is suede or ultra-suede in black or navy colors on the outside, and the inside lining is black, black and white check or burgundy.
Consumers are urged to immediately discontinue use of the carrier and contact 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 and for instructions on how to return the product for a full refund.
As a parent, child safety advocate and trial lawyer, I am continually troubled by the fact that manufacturers continue to sell products that endanger the lives of children. Manufacturers, in their zeal to get products on the market, often cut corners and overlook safety when designing and manufacturing products. Manufacturers have an obligation and opportunity to thoroughly assess product safety before the launch of a product. It should not take an infant getting injured for a manufacturer to make a product safe.
The Quinn Law Group, LLC, is a preeminent personal injury law firm with offices conveniently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous product or through the fault of another, please contact Sean E. Quinn for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are Your Voice. Your Advocate.