Hollander Home Fashions Recalls "Mothers Helper" Because Of Alleged Suffocation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Hollander Home Fashions, Newark, NJ, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is voluntarily recalling approximately 467,000 infant cushions, called "Mothers Helper," because of an alleged suffocation hazard to young infants (under 6 months of age) who are left to sleep on the product. CPSC has received 9 reports of deaths involving infants 3 months of age or younger found face down after being left to sleep on the Mothers Helper. The Commission has received 10 other reports of infant deaths on similar infant cushions made by other manufacturers.

Mothers Helper was sold nationwide from 1986 through January 1990. Most of the cushions were sold in Wal-Mart stores in 1988 and 1989 for approximately $8.00 each. In 1988 this product was sold at Jamesway stores in the eastern U.S.

The Mothers Helper is a quilted, fabric covered, polystyrene pellet-filled cushion intended for use with infants. The manufacturer's name, along with information concerning fiber content, appears on a paper tag attached to the product. The product also bears another tag that includes a warning never to leave the child unattended.

Hollander Home Fashions and the CPSC staff urge consumers to stop using these products immediately. Consumers who have this product may return the paper tag with the manufacturer's name, along with a 6" x 6" piece of fabric cut from the cover, to the following address to receive a free infant quilt.

Cushion/Quilt Exchange
Hollander Home Fashions Corporation
350 Central Avenue Newark, NJ 07103

Or, return the product directly to the place of purchase for a refund.

If you are unsure whether your infant cushion is a Mothers Helper brand, or if you need more information about how to obtain the free quilt or refund, call Hollander's toll free number at 1- 800-233-7666 for assistance.