Recall: Battat Recall of Beanbag Cushions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 13, 2001 Release # 01-171

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

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.