Hazardous Crib Decorations Recalled

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 7, 1980) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced that approximately 8,000 elastic crib decorations known as "Kickers" are being recalled voluntarily by their manufacturer. CPSC staff believes that the decorations may pose a strangulation hazard to infants.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with CPSC to prevent any potential strangulation, although no injuries have been reported to the Commission or the manufacturer. Each "Kicker" crib decoration, manufactured by Rainbow Artisans, Inc., of Livingston, New Jersey, consists of four or five soft-sculptured fabric designs strung on a white elastic cord. A plastic ring is attached to each end of the elastic cord so that the decoration may be stretched across a crib or baby carriage and tied to the sides with ribbons.

The crib decorations are manufactured in such a way that, if kicked or handled by an infant, the fabric designs may slide from one side of the elastic cord to the other. Such actions may expose enough elastic cord to present a potential strangulation hazard if parents place the product too close to the infant, according to CPSC staff.

The "Kickers" being recalled were manufactured from January, 1977, through January, 1980, and were sold nationwide for approximately $12 in retail and specialty stores.

Consumers who own this product may obtain a free repair kit by cutting the elastic cord, removing the fabric designs and mailing only the cord and plastic rings to: Rainbow Artisans, Inc., 19 Troy Drive, Livingston, New Jersey 07039.

The kit includes a new cotton cord, ribbon and instructions for restringing the designs.