Baby Monitors Recalled Amid Strangulation Reports

Chris Newmarker

December 3, 2013

2 Min Read
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Angelcare Monitors is engaging in a voluntary recall to provide cord covers for 600,000 baby monitors with potential strangulation risk, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced

It turns out cords can be a lethal problem with healthcare-related devices, especially when they pertain to babies. The CPSC explains: "The cord attached to the baby monitor's sensor pad is placed under the crib mattress, which poses a strangulation risk if the child pulls the cord into the crib and it becomes wrapped around the neck."

Quebec-based Angelcare and the CPSC, in fact, have already received reports of two infant cord-related deaths, in San Diego in November 2011 and in Salem, OR in August 2004.

The recall involves Angelcare's Movement and Sound Monitor.

The CPSC says: "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 11 feet long is permanently connected from the sensor pad to the nursery monitor unit. The hazard is created by a cord within reach of a baby inside the crib. The cord can be pulled into the crib and can wrap around the child's neck. 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, offered in the remedy.  The model number is located on the back of the nursery monitor unit. The monitors were manufactured between 1999 and 2013."

Angelcare is providing consumers with a repair kit that includes rigid protective cord covers, a permanent electric cord warning label about the strangulation risk, and revised instructions. Safety Alert Campaign on Monitor Cords

In February 2011, CPSC issued an industry-wide warning to consumer over baby monitor cords. There have been eight reports of strangulation involving baby monitor cords since 2002. 

More information about the recall is available on the CPSC's website.

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