Health
Canada’s Angelcare Recalls 600,000 Baby Monitors
Several models of Angelcare baby monitors include not just the usual unit that monitors sound but also a sensor pad that monitors a baby’s movements inside the crib. Two infant girls strangled on the cord that connects the pad to the nursery monitor unit, which is what led the Quebec-based company to recall the products. (CPSC)
Baby Monitors Recalled After Infant Deaths
NBC news is reporting that Angelcare Monitors Inc. is recalling 600,000 baby monitors because of a strangulation risk caused by a sensor pad cord.
The report is credited to an Associated Press staff writer and claims that: “The Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitors with Sensor Pads were sold between 1999 and 2013 for between $100 and $300 at a number of U.S. retailers, including Babies R Us, Toys R Us, Burlington Coat Factory, Meijer, Sears, Walmart, Amazon.com, Target.com, Overstock.com and nearly 70 small baby specialty stores.”
Stop using this product and contact the company for a repair kit. “The recall involves all versions of Angelcare sensor monitors including model numbers: AC1100, AC201, AC300, AC401 AC601 and 49255 that did not include rigid cord covers. The model number is located on the back of the nursery monitor unit.”
Two infant deaths are blamed on a cord that attaches to the sensor pad. The sensor pad is placed under the crib mattress and monitors the infant’s movements. It is possible for an infant to pull the cord into the crib and become entangled.
“Consumers can contact Angelcare at (855) 355-2643 or online at www.angelcarebaby.com, by clicking on the safety notice section of the website. (The website was temporarily unavailable Thursday afternoon.)”
Here’s the full release from Health Canada:
Affected products
Angelcare Movement and Sound Baby Monitors
Product description
The recall involves Angelcare Movement and Sound Baby Monitors manufactured by Angelcare Monitors Inc. This design of baby monitor includes a unique sensor pad placed inside the crib, under the mattress, to monitor movement of the baby. An electrical cord about 3.4 metres (11 feet) long is permanently connected from the sensor pad to the baby monitor unit. The model number is printed on the baby monitor unit.
| Name | Model |
|---|---|
| Movement and Sound monitor | AC 201 |
| Movement Monitor | AC 300 |
| Movement and Sound Monitor | AC 301 |
| Movement and Sound Monitor | AC 401 |
| Movement and Sound Monitor | AC 601 |
| Video, Movement and Sound Monitor | AC 1100 |
Hazard identified
The cord that attaches to the baby monitor’s sensor pad placed under the crib mattress to the baby monitor unit, can present a potential strangulation hazard if the child pulls the cord into the crib and it becomes wrapped around the neck.
Angelcare Monitors Inc. has received two reports of strangulation deaths in the United States, one that occurred in 2004 and the other in 2011. In both cases, the baby monitor unit was placed too close to the crib and the cord to the sensor pad was pulled into the crib by the infant. There have also been reports of two non-fatal entanglements in the United States.
Health Canada has not received any reports of incidents or injuries related to the use of these products in Canada.
Health Canada would like to remind parents to place cribs away from windows, curtains, blind cords, lamps, electrical plugs and extension cords. The baby’s head could become caught in the cords, resulting in strangulation.
Number sold
Approximately 182,173 of the recalled products were sold in Canada.
Approximately 600,000 of the recalled products were sold in the United States.
Time period sold
In Canada, the recalled products were sold from 2003 to November 2013.
In the Unites States, the recalled products were sold from 1999 to September 2013.
Place of origin
Manufactured in China.
Companies
- Importer
- Angelcare Monitors Inc.
Brossard
Quebec
CANADA
Images (select thumbnail to enlarge)
What you should do
Consumers should immediately make sure cords are placed out of reach of the child and contact Angelcare toll-free at 1-855-355-2643 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, by email or visit the safety notice section on the firm’s website to order the free repair kit. This kit includes a rigid protective cord cover through which the sensor pad cords can be threaded, a new, permanent electric cord warning label about the strangulation risk, and revised instructions. Consumers should not return product to the store.
Consumers may view the release by the US CPSC on the Commission’s website.
Please note that the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act prohibits recalled products from being redistributed, sold or even given away in Canada.
Health Canada would like to remind Canadians to report any health or safety incidents related to the use of this product or any other consumer product or cosmetic by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form.
Sources: NBCNews.com (http://www.nbcnews.com/business/600k-baby-monitors-recalled-after-2-deaths-2D11635176)