I do not write about every recall there is. If I did, the baby blog would be filled with absolutely nothing but information on recalls. It seems like in these days, something is getting recalled daily. However, the bumbo seat has been a popular topic in our forums and so I thought I’d write about the decision that came down earlier today, to recall all the bumbo seats ever made. Apparently, they could be dangerous.
The voluntary recall was issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the seats are sold for about $40. I have read from various sources that Walmart, Target and other suppliers are pulling the Bumbo “Baby Sitter” (and that is not, by the way, my opinion, that is its ’real name’) from the shelves. Although the recall is voluntary, retail stores don’t want the liability of a recalled product.
28 injuries, including two skull fractures, have resulted from parents who put the Bumbo seat on the table or other high place, and the baby then arched his back and fell out. I fail to see how a parent who lacks common sense is Bumbo’s fault. I cannot fathom putting my children on top of a table. . .in anything. It’s just dumb.
With that said, there is a common trend I see among many of these safety recalls that parents seem to be missing. As a society we seem to expect baby product manufacturers to produce things that are completely safe despite ourselves. We want products that will help us get through the day more easily. We want things that will hold our babies for us, lull tem to sleep or hold their attention while we do some ‘adult’ type things.
I have said it before and I will say it again. Parenting is a 24/7 gig. Sometimes that really stinks. But babies, cannot be left alone unattended. They just can’t be. It means that your house might be less clean than you’d like or that you look slightly unkempt on most days. Believe me, if anyone gets it, it’s me. Regardless, you still can’t leave your babies unattended in or on things so that you can get something done.
I am hoping with an onslaught of recalls, parents will get the hint.