Potential Strangulation Hazard Prompts Recall of Chicco Crib Toy
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Some 136,000 Chicco-brand "Pram
Mobiles" imported in 1987 and 1988 from Italy by Artsana of
America, Inc., New York, N.Y., are being voluntarily recalled
because of a potential strangulation hazard to infants. The
majority of the toys were sold in Toys R Us Stores.
Artsana said the crib toy retailed for $5-6 and consists of
four pastel-colored, hard plastic bird and flower figures
separated by three small balls. Two white cords at opposite ends
allow the toy to be tied on a crib, carriage, playpen or
stroller.
While no strangulations or injuries have been reported,
Artsana is undertaking this voluntary recall because consumers
who read the package instructions may leave the toy in the crib
longer than is considered safe.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,
the Chicco "Pram Mobile II does not warn consumers that the toy
should be removed when the child begins to push up on hands and
knees, or has attained the age of five months. CPSC said five-
month-old infants can pull themselves up to a hanging crib toy
and become entangled or fall forward over it, possibly
strangling. The toy contains no warning about when to remove it
from a crib; moreover, the package recommends its use from birth
to 18 months of age.
Artsana said the Chicco crib toy is identified as item
number 62926 on the package. Once removed from the package, the
toy can be identified with words "Made in Italy" stamped on each
of the plastic balls.
Consumers who have the Chicco "Pram Mobile" should return
it to the retail store for a refund of the purchase price, or
send the toy to Artsana of America, Inc. 200 Fifth Avenue, #910,
New York, N.Y. 10010. The firm will refund the purchase price
and postage.