After an initial warning by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) in November 2011, Bumbo International Trust of South Africa has voluntarily recalled almost 4 million Bumbo Baby Seats as of August 15, 2012. The Bumbo Baby Seats, previously known as Bumbo “Baby Sitter” Seats, pose a safety risk to infants when placed upon elevated surfaces. The CPSC has received notification of over 95 incidents since 2007 where infants were injured by falling out of the Bumbo Baby Seat. The affected seats were sold between August 2003 and August 2012 from stores such as Wal-Mart, Sears, Target, and Toys R Us for approximately $30 to $50 dollars each. Bumbo International Trust states that there is no need to return the product since they are supplying consumers with a free repair kit.
In October of 2007, Bumbo International Trust first recalled approximately 1 million Bumbo Baby Seats after 28 cases of infant injury were reported. Consumers were provided with additional warning labels indicating falling hazards when the seat is placed on raised surfaces. Bumbo International Trust also added another warning label to be placed on all Bumbo Baby Seats produced in the year 2008 or later.
Infants are able to wiggle or fall out of the baby seats by leaning sideways, arching their backs, leaning forward, or rocking. Of the 95 or more cases reported since 2007, at least 45 children were injured while the seat was placed on an elevated surface. At least 19 of the children between the ages of 3 and 10 months experienced skull fractures. Another 50 incidents occurred while the Bumbo Baby Seat was placed on the floor or at an unidentified height, 2 of which caused skull fractures and 1 caused a concussion.
Bumbo International Trust has asked consumers to stop using their Bumbo Baby Seats until they receive a free repair kit.The repair kit includes new warning stickers, a restraint belt, and anchors to secure the belt to the seat. Bumbo International Trust has additionally stated that consumers should stop using any seat covers that may interfere with the way the seatbelt fastens. The company has released a video covering the Bumbo Baby Seat’s newest recommendations and instructions.
Rachel Weintraub, director of product safety at Consumer Federation of America, stated: “These hazards shouldn’t happen. It should never cause these kinds of injuries.”
Consumers should not take their Bumbo Baby Seats to retailers because they will not be supplying the repair kits. Consumers may call Bumbo International Trust toll-free at 866-898-4999 or order the repair kit online and should anticipate its arrival within two to three weeks.