40,650 drop-side cribs recalled

WASHINGTON (AP) - Three U.S. companies recalled more than 40,000 cribs on Friday due to safety concerns raised by six child injuries.

The recalled Ethan Allen, Angel Line and Victory Land Heritage Collection 3-in-1 cribs have drop-sides that can detach due to faulty hardware or wear and tear, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This can create a gap where young children can be trapped or suffocated.

A detached drop-side can also allow a child to fall out of the crib.

Drop-sides have been blamed in the deaths of at least 32 infants and toddlers since 2000, and are suspected in another 14 infant fatalities. In the past five years, more than 9 million drop-side cribs have been recalled.

In July the CPSC proposed new rules that would ban the manufacture, sale and resale of drop-side cribs. The new crib standard is likely to take effect next year and would also outlaw drop-sides at motels, hotels and childcare facilities.

Friday's recall affects a total of about 40,650 cribs.

Danbury, Conn.-based Ethan Allen has received five reports of incidents related to its Chinese- and American-made cribs, resulting in three minor injuries. These cribs were sold at Ethan Allen stores from 2002 to 2008.

Pennsville, N.J.-based Angel Line has received one report of a detached drop-side on a Chinese-made crib. No injuries were reported. The Angel Line cribs were sold at Ababy.com, Babyage.com and other online stores from December 2004 to January 2009.

Bartlett, Ill.-based Victory Land has received 17 reports of incidents involving its Heritage Collection cribs, including three reports of minor injuries. The cribs were manufactured in Vietnam and sold by Kmart from February 2007 to October 2008.

CPSC urged parents to stop using the cribs and contact the companies for a free repair kit. The agency suggested bassinets, play yards or toddler beds as potential safe alternatives, depending on the age of the child.

For more information contact Ethan Allen at 888-339-9398 or visit any Ethan Allen store, contact Angel Line at 800-889-8158 and contact Victory Land Group at 866-499-2099.

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Online:

http://www.cpsc.gov

http://www.ethanallen.com

http://www.angelline.com

http://www.victorylandgroup.com