Note: Phone number change.

CPSC And Fisher-Price Issue Crib Toy Safety Alert

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Fisher-Price, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, today voluntarily issued a product safety alert concerning the company's #155 Play Gym -- an activity bar toy for cribs. In late March the Company received a report that a one-year old child died when a hooded sweater became entangled on a #155 Play Gym. A previous death was reported in May 1980 due to a child's clothing catching on a Play Gym.

In 1981, Fisher-Price voluntarily began labeling this crib toy to warn parents to remove the Play Gym from their child's crib when he is able to push up on hands and knees or reached 5 months of age. A child who can push up on hands and knees while wearing loose clothing or any stringlike material around the neck may become entangled on the Play Gym or other similar toys that attach across a crib.

There may be unlabeled Play Gyms still in use. Therefore, the Commission and Fisher-Price are issuing this alert and urging parents to remove these toys from cribs and playpens as soon as their child begins to push up on hands and knees.

The Commission and Fisher-Price also advise parents against putting children in cribs while the infants are wearing hooded clothing or any loose-fitting garments that could become entangled about a child's neck.

Consumers outside of New York State who have questions may call Fisher-Price directly on a toll-free line: 1-800-233-4004.

Consumers may also contact the Commission's toll-free hotline for further information at 1-800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is 800-638-8270.