FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2001
Release # 01-171
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Battat Recall Hotline: (800) 247-6144
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Nychelle Fleming, (301) 504-7063
Battat Media Contact: Valinda Cayetano, (518) 562-2200 Ext. 240
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CPSC, Battat Incorporated Announce Recall of Beanbag Cushions
Suffocation and Strangulation Hazards to Babies Cited
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Battat Incorporated, of Plattsburgh, N.Y., is
recalling about 1,500 Parents magazine-brand Soft Landing Beanbag
cushions. This product is an infant cushion manufactured by Battat for
Parents magazine. Infant pillows and cushions have been banned under
the Federal Hazardous Substances Act since 1992 because they pose a
suffocation hazard to infants. In addition, two 8- to 9-inch cords,
which attach toys to the cushions, pose strangulation hazards.
Battat has received one report of the cord attached to the rattle on one
of these cushions becoming wrapped around the neck of a 7-month-old baby
boy, causing red marks.
The airplane-shaped cushions, measuring approximately 27 inches long by
21 inches wide, are covered in various solid-colored cloth panels, and
are filled with plastic foam pellets. They have a "smiley face" on the
front with a propeller that spins and makes clicking sounds, and a plush
nose. The back of the cushion has a circular target design. Side pockets
on the wings have a "My First Passport" book with circle teether and a
heart-shaped rattle attached. The cushions' hang tag reads in part,
"Parent's PLAY + LEARN ...Fun and safe for all ages...Battat Inc... Made
in Thailand." Writing on the packaging states that the product can be
used for infants 6 months and up to nap, and that the cushions are "not
considered a safe sleeping area for babies."
Target stores nationwide sold the cushions from September 2000
through May 2001 for about $24.
Consumers should take the cushions away from children immediately and
return the cushions to a Target store for a refund. Consumers also can
send their cushions to Battat Incorporated, Attention: Valinda Cayetano,
Quality Assurance, 44 Martina Circle, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 for a refund
plus mailing costs. For more information, consumers should call Battat
Incorporated at (800) 247-6144 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday
through Friday, or visit the Battat web site at www.battat-toys.com or
the Target web site at www.target.com.
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