About 282,000 Adventure Playsets are being recalled in the U.S. and Canada. The plastic coated lumber on the horizontal ladder (monkey bar/swing beam) can weaken over time due to rotting of the whitewood (spruce, pine and fir species), resulting in a fall hazard.

Adventure Playsets has received more than 1,400 reports of rotting ladders involving 16 injuries that resulted in nine emergency room visits. The injuries include two arm fractures, lacerations, scrapes, and bruises to children younger than 8 years old. Most of the reported injuries occurred when the swing came out of the monkey bar/ swing beam that had rotted.

This recall involves wooden play sets with swings, slides and ladders. Each set has an overhead monkey bar ladder that acts as both the monkey bar and swing beam, and an end ladder coated with cranberry or green plastic. The instruction manual has the name ‘Adventure Playsets’ and one of the following model numbers printed on the cover.

The Bellevue,Tacoma and Durango swing sets were previously recalled due to detaching frames and a fall hazard.

The playsets, made in the U.S., were sold at Walmart, Toys R Us, Academy Sports, Menards, and Mill stores nationwide, and online at Walmart.com, ToyRUs.com, Willygoat.com and through the DMSI catalog from January 2004 through December 2007 for between $300 and $600.

Consumers should immediately stop using the swing sets and contact Adventure Playsets to receive a replacement kit.

For more information, contact Adventure Playsets toll-free at (877) 840-9068 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.adventureplaysets.com. Consumers can also email the firm at custservice@adventureplaysets.com

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

VIA CONSUMERAFFAIRS

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Burley Design LLC, today announced a voluntary recall of about 2,700 d’lite ST and Solo ST child trailers.

The axle assembly’s internal sleeve can loosen, causing one wheel to separate from the trailer. This poses a risk of injury to the child occupant or bike rider.

The recalled products are two-wheeled child trailers designed to carry one or two children behind a bicycle. Only the 2009 d’lite ST and 2009 Solo ST trailers with serial numbers that begin with D939 or D948 are included in the recall. The serial number is located in the rear cargo area behind the seat on the lower left rear frame tube. The trailers have “d’lite ST” or “solo ST” screen printed on the cover.

Consumers should stop using the trailer immediately and contact Burley to receive a free repair kit or to locate a retailer to assist with the free repair.

For additional information, contact Burley at (800) 311-5294 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.burley.com/STProductRecall.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with The Dorel Juvenile Group, today announced a voluntary recall of about 31,500 (100,000 units were previously recalled in February 2009)Safety 1st SmartLight Stair Gates because the hinges that hold the stair gate in place can break, posing a fall hazard to children if the gate is placed at the top of the stairs.

The recall involves the Safety 1st SmartLight Stair Gate with model number 42111, which is printed on a sticker under the handle panel. The gates, which were manufactured before December 20, 2008, are white metal with a gray handle and a motion sensor nightlight that illuminates on approach. The manufacture date is located below the gate’s handle as a date wheel imprinted in the plastic; an arrow indicates the month, and the year is stamped inside the circle. The manufacture date is also printed on a sticker inside the battery door.

Consumers should stop using the recalled gate and contact the company to obtain a free repair kit.

Consumers can call Dorel Juvenile Group toll-free at (866) 690-2540 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET; complete an online order form on the Dorel Juvenile Group Web site at www.djgusa.com/safety_notice/ to obtain their free repair kit; email the company at Smartlightgate@djgusa.com, or send a fax to (800) 207-8182. Consumers should not return the stair gates to retail stores.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Little Tykes, today announced a voluntary recall of about 1,950 Little Tikes Clubhouse Swing Set because the recalled swing sets did not come with assembly directions for the swing seat harness. The swing seat harness assembly needs to be completed by the consumer. The swing seats can detach if the harness is not assembled properly, which could result in fall and injury during use.

The Little Tikes Clubhouse Swing Set is a plastic molded product that features a climbing wall, rope ladder, slide and two swings with blue and yellow seats. Only the blue seat model is being recalled. The model numbers are 400V and 612398.

Consumers should stop using recalled swing sets immediately until they have obtained and carefully read the assembly instructions for the swing seat harness. Instructions can be obtained by accessing the Little Tikes Web site or by calling the firm’s hotline.

For additional information, contact Little Tikes toll free at (800) 321-0183 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. ET Saturday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.littletikes.com

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Bugaboo Design & Sales, today announced the voluntary recall of about 22,500 Bugaboo Bee Strollers because one or both sides of the brakes can fail, causing a stroller to unexpectedly roll away on an incline. This can pose a risk of injury to the child occupant.

Bugaboo has received 121 reports of the stroller’s brakes failing. No injuries have been reported.

Bugaboo Bee strollers have item code 580210 on a label on the back of the seat and item code 50100 on a label on the plastic support under the seat. The strollers were sold in blue, dark khaki, pink, red, yellow, and black. “bugaboo® bee” is printed on the left side of the seat.

Consumers should stop using the strollers immediately and contact Bugaboo to receive a free repair kit. To order the bracket kit, go to www.bugaboo.com and fill in the special order form or contact Bugaboo customer service at (800) 460-2922 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with various retailers, today announced a voluntary recall of about 25,000 Travel Tender Play Yards because one or more rails can collapse unexpectedly, posing a fall or entrapment hazard to young children.

CPSC is aware of at least five reports of one or more rails collapsing. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled play yards are portable and were sold with a bassinet, changing table and mobile features. The play yards bear the “Simplicity” logo. The model numbers are 5500DRM, 5500WDS, 5500FEL, 5501FEL, 5502MON, 5520PRO, 5550HAN, 5700MAN, and 5750MIR. The model number is located on a sticker on one of the legs underneath the play yard.

Consumers should immediately stop using the play yards and return them to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement product. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the following retailers:

• Burlington Coat Factory, of Burlington, N.J. Call toll-free at (888) 223-2628 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
• Babies R Us, of Wayne, N.J. Call (800) 869-7787 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday ET or visit the firm’s Web site at www.babiesrus.com
• Target, of Minneapolis, Minn. Call (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.target.com
• Kohl’s Department Stores, of Menomonee Falls, Wis. Call toll-free at (866) 887-8884 between 7a.m. and 3 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.kohls.com

* Simplicity, Inc. and SFCA, Inc., of Reading, Pa. appear to no longer conduct day to day operations*

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with The Disney Store, today announced the voluntary recall of about 20,000 Playhouse Disney Handy Manny Toy Tool Sets because the tools contain eyes that can separate, posing a choking hazard to young children.

The firm has received three reports of detached eyes, including two reports of children who started to choke on the pieces. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled Playhouse Disney Handy Manny Tool Set is a plastic, eight-piece toy set that includes a tool box, hammer, saw, pliers, wrench, tape measure and two screwdrivers. The name Handy Manny is embossed on one side of the tool box. The UPC (#405144100614 or #422147400633) can be located on the product?s packaging.

Parents and caregivers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and return it to any Disney Store for a full refund.

For additional information, contact the Disney Store toll-free at (866) 902-2798 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm?s Web site at www.DisneyStore.com

“CPSC, CBP and industry activity has been with one goal in mind, to keep the toys our children play with the safest in the world” said Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “Vigorous inspection of toys, testing and law enforcement have made toys the safest this season.”

For 2007, the Commission has reports of 18 toy-related deaths and CPSC staff estimates that there were about 170,100 hospital emergency-room treated toy-related injuries to children under 15. Most of the deaths were associated with airway obstruction from small toys, drowning, or motor vehicle accidents during play. Most of the injuries were lacerations, contusion and abrasions; the head and face was the area most frequently affected.

The top 5 toy hazards:

• Scooters and other Riding Toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn at all times and be sized to fit.
• Small Balls and other Toys with Small Parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
• Balloons – Children under eight yrs. can choke or suffocate on un-inflated or broken balloons. Keep un-inflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once.
• Magnets – For children under age six, avoid building or play sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
• Chargers and Adapters – Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

Once the gifts are open:

• Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play things.
• Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.
• Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any device to prevent overcharging.

With the increased popularity of second-hand stores and on-line vendors, gift-givers should be especially vigilant to prevent the sale or purchase of hazardous products that have been recalled, banned or do not meet current safety standards. Before placing products in the second-hand market, check its recall status at www.cpsc.gov. Buyers should make sure their gifts do not include any of the recalled toys or children’s products on CPSC’s web site.

CPSC reports that the most serious Halloween-related injuries involve burns from flammable costumes and decorations, including ignition from open flames, such as candles and Jack O’Lanterns. Other incidents have involved lacerations from carving pumpkins and trips/falls while walking, particularly after dark.

“Our major concern is still the use of home-made costumes that are not flame resistant,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “Parents making their children’s costumes should use inherently flame-resistant fabrics, such as nylon and polyester. Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground to guard against trips and falls.”

CPSC helps keep children safe by enforcing the Flammable Fabrics Act and by recalling products at Halloween and throughout the year that can cause injury.

Follow these safety tips to ensure this year’s holiday is a safe one:

Costumes

• When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label “Flame Resistant.” Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
• Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists.
• For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light-colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.
• Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.
• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea.
• Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children’s eyes and obstructing vision.
• If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision.
• Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible materials.
• Supervise pumpkin carvings to avoid lacerations.

Treats

• Warn children not to eat any treats until an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering.
• Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or-treaters under three years of age. Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use and present a choking hazard.

Decorations

• Keep candles and Jack O’ Lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
• Indoors, keep candles and Jack O’ Lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other combustibles that could catch fire. Do not leave burning candles unattended.
• Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters.
• Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.
• Don’t overload extension cords.

CPSC is aware of the death of a 5-month-old child on August 31, 2008 in Brooklyn, N.Y. The child became entrapped between the mattress and the drop side rail of the convertible crib and suffocated.

This recall involves the Playkids U.S.A. convertible crib/playpen/bassinet/bed with model number PLK-909. “Playkids U.S.A.” can be found on the packaging and on a label sewn into the side of the crib. The model number can be found on the packaging. The convertible cribs have a drop side rail, a stationary side rail, a canopy assembly, and a bassinet. The sides of the convertible crib, the mattress support, the bassinet, the canopy and the bedskirt are covered in fabric and mesh. The fabric and the mesh come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Consumers should stop using the recalled convertible cribs immediately and contact Playkids USA collect at (718) 797-0302 (9 – 5, M – F) to receive a full refund.