In recent months the news is filled with products that are being recalled. You can always get a full and updated list at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Generally, a recall is issued when a company discovers that there’s a potentially hazardous condition associated with their product. Most of the time no injuries result.
However, the most recent recall, that of Kolcraft play yards, is a direct result of the death of a 10 month old boy. He was in the play yard and his parents didn’t remove the changing table that goes on top. As a result, there was a cord hanging down and sadly, the boy strangled himself. And now Kolcraft has to recall over 400,000 of its playpens.
Stuff, Stuff, and More Stuff
I’ll admit it–but only because I suspect I’m not alone. One of my favorite parts of my pregnancies was signing up for stuff on my registry. Let’s face it–it’s almost like shopping (because you’re likely to end up with stuff), except you’re not spending your money! And boy do we love stuff. I have talked to moms that have a gizmo and gadget for everything.
We expect our stuff to do everything for us too. Hold the baby while we’re here. Rock the baby while we’re doing that over there. I recently had a mom stare at me in disbelief when I said that I spent many a infant days just holding babies. Just holding them–not actually putting them down. “How do you get anything done,” she asked. The truth is, I didn’t. But I can’t get those days back and so despite my house definitely not winning any awards for great housekeeping–I wouldn’t change a thing. But the point is that we as consumers want stuff that keeps our infants occupied while we go onto the more important things in life.
Common Sense?
My question is to what extent is a company responsible when the equipment fails? Some recalls are actually faulty manufacturing and well–if they mess it up they should pay for the expense. However, at the risk of stepping on toes, it seems to me like we parents need to rethink some of our purchases and how we use them.
First of all, whatever happened to just putting an infant on a blanket with toys? I realize that means he has to be watched more carefully, but that kind of comes in the not-so-fine print in the parenting gig contract.
But secondly, and here I speak specifically about the Kolcraft recall–doesn’t everyone know that you don’t put an infant next to a dangling cord? Isn’t that common sense? I am truly sorry for the loss of these parents. I cannot imagine losing one of my own children. But the truth of the matter is–had they removed the changing table part like they’re supposed to (it’s in the pre-recall instructions) it wouldn’t have been an issue. Secondly, had the baby not been left alone, someone would’ve caught on that there was a problem with the cord hanging there.
So parents, be aware and use common sense. Perhaps the safest place for baby is under your watchful eye.