Toys “R” Us, Inc. ‘Great Trade-In’ Event January 30th, 2012

Media Contacts:
Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Jennifer Albano                                    Katie Reczek
(973) 617-5632                                     (973) 617-4381
Jennifer.Albano@toysrus.com         Katie.Reczek@toysrus.com

TOYS“R”US, INC. URGES PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS TO HELP REMOVE UNSAFE ITEMS FROM THE MARKETPLACE DURING UPCOMING ‘GREAT TRADE-IN’ EVENT

Since its Inception, the ‘Great Trade-In’ Event Has Successfully Removed Approximately 600,000 Products from Homes, Garages and Attics

Study by Safety Advocacy Group Kids In Danger Finds Many Recalled Products Remain in Circulation and Continue to Pose Harm to Infants and Children

 

WAYNE, NJ (January 25, 2012) – Toys“R”Us, Inc. today issued a new call to action for customers to rid their homes of potentially unsafe old and second-hand baby products and exchange them for savings on a new item during the “Great Trade-In” event.  This national safety program, first introduced in August 2009, draws attention to certain used baby products that can carry potential hazards, but are still in circulation, making them poor candidates to be handed down or resold.  In fact, according to product safety advocacy organization Kids In Danger, recalled products that have not yet been removed from homes and other facilities have continued to cause harm to infants and children.

In 2011, Kids In Danger conducted an analysis of product safety issues reported at SaferProducts.gov, an online database where consumers can share concerns about product safety with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The analysis found that one in seven of the reports and injuries included in the database regarding children or children’s products involved products that had been recalled, with most of the incidents occurring after the item was recalled.

“The ‘Great Trade-In’ event was conceived to raise awareness of the dangers surrounding used and second-hand products that are still in circulation, and we’re proud of the impact the program has made since its inception,” said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “Toys“R”Us is committed to ensuring the safety of children, and we continue to stay at the forefront of emerging safety concerns, while offering parents and caregivers the safest products available.”

Since the first “Great Trade-In” event, approximately 600,000 used and potentially unsafe baby products have been removed from circulation and turned in at “R”Us^® stores nationwide. Some traded-in items were missing parts or were damaged, while others that were decades old showed obvious signs of wear and tear and would be considered non-compliant by today’s more stringent product safety standards.

The company’s sixth “Great Trade-In” event begins Friday, January 27 and continues through Monday, February 20 in Babies“R”Us^® and Toys“R”Us^® locations nationwide.  During this time, stores will accept any used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards, high chairs, kids’ beds, swings, walkers, bouncers and entertainers in exchange for a 25% savings on the purchase of a new baby item, in any of these product categories, from select manufacturers.  Through this program, Toys“R”Us, Inc. continues to raise awareness among parents about ways to be proactive where children’s safety is concerned.

The CPSC advocates not purchasing used items that have a history of safety problems, including cribs, play yards and bassinets.  Items in these specific categories may have been recalled or affected by recent enhancements to federal or voluntary standards and regulations for safety testing that render older models unsafe or non-compliant with current standards.

Brands participating in the “Great Trade-In” event include Babi Italia^®, Babies“R”Us, Baby Cache^®, Baby Einstein^™, Baby Trend^®, Bergamo^®, Bright Starts^™, Britax^®, Carter’s^®, Chicco^®, Combi^®, Contours by Kolcraft^®, Delta^™, Europa Baby^®, Evenflo^®, Graco^®, Jeep^®, Lamaze^®, Little Tikes^®, Maxi-Cosi^®, Safety 1^st®, S1 by Safety 1^st®, Signature Series by Graco^®, Sorelle^™, Step2^® and Summer Infant^®.  Customers can save 25% on a new purchase, within any of the specified product categories, from any of the aforementioned manufacturers, in Babies“R”Us and Toys“R”Us stores nationwide on the day they trade in their used item.

Customers may exchange any number of used items, from any manufacturer, in the specified product categories.  Day care centers or other organizations who wish to exchange items in bulk are encouraged to contact their local Babies“R”Us or Toys“R”Us store prior to returning their used items to ensure adequate availability of new merchandise.

Additional Safety Resources for Parents and Caregivers

In addition to the “Great Trade-In” event, Toys“R”Us, Inc. offers the following resources to help parents and caregivers keep their children safe:

• Toysrus.com/Safety, the company’s dedicated Safety website, features information on the company’s industry-leading safety standards for products sold through its stores and websites, seasonal tips for preventing accidental injury and product recall information.
• Recall notifications sent via e-mail by signing up through Toysrus.com/Safety, which approximately 280,000 customers have done since the feature was made available.
• Current recall information is posted on easily-visible Safety boards at each store location.
• Tools and resources for parents to keep track of the products in use in their homes with a Product Record List and Eight Steps to Keep Kids Safe checklist is available online at Toysrus.com/Safety and in-stores upon request. These tools are designed to make relevant product information readily available in the event of a recall so parents and caregivers can act quickly to remove unsafe products from use.

About Toys“R”Us, Inc.

Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 879 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and in more than 600 international stores and over 150 licensed stores in 35 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys“R”Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys“R”Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys“R”Us, Babies“R”Us and FAO Schwarz on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus, Facebook.com/Babiesrus and Facebook.com/FAO and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrus and Twitter.com/Babiesrus.

Contact your Congressman January 10th, 2012

Please visit http://www.cjsids.org/component/content/article/145.html to learn more about The Stillbirth and SUID Prevention, Education Awareness Act (S1862/HR3418) and notify for you Congressman!

IKEA Recalls to Repair High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard January 9th, 2012

IKEA Recalls to Repair High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: ANTILOP High Chairs

Units: About 169,000 (133,000 in the U.S. and 36,000 in Canada)

Importer: IKEA North America Services LLC, of Conshohocken, Pa.

Hazard: The high chair’s restraint buckle can open unexpectedly, posing a fall hazard to the child.

Incidents/Injuries: IKEA has received eight reports worldwide of restraint buckles that opened unexpectedly, including three reports of children who received minor injuries after falling from the high chair.

Description: This recall involves ANTILOP high chairs sold in red, blue or white. The plastic high chair has detachable silver-colored metal legs. High chairs included in the recall have a manufacture date between 0607 and 0911 (YYMM format) from supplier number 17389. The production date and supplier number are molded into the underside of the seat. “ANTILOP,” “IKEA” and the model number are printed on a label affixed to the underside of the seat. Model numbers included in the recall are:

ANTILOP high chair blue — Model # 701.467.92
ANTILOP high chair red — Model # 501.467.93
ANTILOP high chair white — Model # 300.697.24

Sold exclusively at: IKEA stores nationwide from August 2006 through January 2010 for about $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the high chairs and contact IKEA to obtain a free replacement seat restraint.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact IKEA toll-free at (866) 966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at www.ikea-usa.com

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1488

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12079.html

Bugaboo Bee Strollers Recalled by Bugaboo Americas Due to Fall Hazard January 3rd, 2012

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.gov
Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2011
Release #12-066

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 460-2922
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983

Bugaboo Bee Strollers Recalled by Bugaboo Americas Due to Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Bugaboo Bee Strollers
Units: About 7,000 in the United States and 260 in Canada
Importer: Bugaboo Americas, of El Segundo, Calif.

Hazard: The front swivel wheels can lock while the stroller is in motion, causing the stroller to tip and posing a fall hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Four incidents have been reported where the stroller’s swivel wheels locked and the stroller tipped over. In two of these incidents, a baby and a toddler suffered minor injuries.

Description: The recalled strollers are made for newborns and toddlers up to 37 pounds. They are sold in two frame colors: silver and all black. The stroller’s seat comes in black or denim colors and canopy colors include yellow, black, khaki, blue, pink and red, plus special collections colors such as tangerine, soft pink, light green, dark purple, denim and the Missoni print collection. Production dates from January 2011 through September 2011, which are printed with the month abbreviated and year, i.e “Jan. 2011″, the “Bugaboo Bee” name and company address are printed on the date code label located on the stroller frame under the seat unit. “Bugaboo Bee” is also printed on the side of the seat backrest.

Sold by: Toys R Us, Buy Buy Baby and other baby product stores nationwide, online at Bugaboo.com and other online retailers between February 2011 and September 2011 for about $650.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Bugaboo or the retailer where the stroller was purchased to receive free replacement swivel wheels.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Bugaboo at serviceus@bugaboo.com or at (800) 460-2922 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at http://www.bugaboo.com/non-swiveling-wheels

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1486

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12066.html

Happy Holidays! December 13th, 2011

Happy Holidays from First Candle! As we embrace this season and upcoming year we want to say thank you for your support. We will continue to make every effort to achieve our goals in research, education, advocacy and bereavement services. We hope that you take this opportunity to give to First Candle this holiday season by way of tax-deductible donation, through the Tree of Hope Memorial, or as a gift.

• Tax-deductible donation: Donate $25 or more to First Candle and receive a free holiday ornament.
• National Tree of Hope Memorial: Purchase one of our Tree of Hope Memorial items.
• Give a Gift: Gift a donation and we will send a greeting card on your behalf as an acknowledgement.

Senator Lautenberg, Congressman Pallone Call for Action to Eliminate Sudden Infant Death, Stillbirth November 30th, 2011

Senator Lautenberg, Congressman Pallone Call for Action to Eliminate Sudden Infant Death, Stillbirth

New Brunswick, NJ –Senator Frank Lautenberg and Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. Monday stood with advocates, doctors and parents who have been affected by either a sudden infant death or stillbirth to call for action on legislation that would have a significant impact finding the causes, raising awareness about and preventing deaths that leave so many families with more questions than answers.

“There is no greater tragedy than when a parent loses a child – but when that child is an infant, the pain is unbearable,” said Senator Lautenberg, “This bill will improve the way we collect data about these deaths so that researchers have the information they need, and it will provide families with the information and support they deserve.  It’s time to finally unravel the mysteries behind these deaths.”

Every year, there are more than 25,000 stillbirths in the United States. Many of these deaths are the result of birth defects, infections, umbilical cord problems, and chronic conditions of the mother. However, there is no known cause for as many as half of all stillbirths, leaving many parents without explanations for their loss.

“No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child, especially without knowing why that child was taken from them so soon,” said Pallone. “Our legislation works for a better chance at life for our nation’s children and works to answer the questions parents face after they lose a child unexpectedly.”

There are more than 4,600 sudden unexpected infant deaths each year and another 200 children between the ages 1 and 4 die without any obvious cause. Additional tragedies could be prevented if there were a better understanding of the deaths.

At the event, which took place at UMDNJ – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Pallone and Lautenberg stood with parents who have experienced a loss due to a sudden unexplained infant death as well as leaders in the medical profession from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and the SIDS Center of New Jersey who are on the forefront of preventing these deaths in children.

Lautenberg and Pallone Monday introduced legislation that will contribute significantly to better understanding the causes of these conditions. The Stillbirth and SUID Prevention, Education, and Awareness Act would:

• Expand current data collection activities to identify the causes of stillbirth and ways to prevent it in the future;
• Create a national public awareness and education campaign to educate women about the risk factors for stillbirth, educate women about the importance of prenatal care, and educate parents and caregivers about known SUID risk factors;
• Expand support services, such as grief counseling, for families who have experienced a stillbirth or SUID loss;
• Encourage states and local entities to complete scene investigations and autopsies to help determine causes of SUIDs;
• Expand child death review programs to review the circumstances surrounding infant and child deaths;
• Establish a national database to track SUID deaths and identify risk factors.

Please learn more about this important bill at:

To Hold or Not To Hold: Creating Guidelines for Management of Unexplained Child Death November 30th, 2011

Study Title: To Hold or Not To Hold: Creating Guidelines for Management of Unexplained Child Death
Approved by the Institutional Review Board of Hackensack University Medical Center- November 2011.
___________________________________________________________

Dear Parent, Grandparent, Step-parent or Guardian,

You are being invited to participate in this descriptive research survey that will examine your personal experience with professionals and the timeline and frequency of events that occurred after the death of your child. The purpose of this survey is to collect information regarding the current standard of care received from professionals after the sudden and unexpected death of a child. Your participation will involve completing this survey which will take approximately 30 minutes.

The benefits of participating in this research study include contributing to the current body of knowledge regarding the standard of care newly bereaved parents receive from professionals. This information will be used to inform guidelines for professionals when working with families after the sudden and unexpected death of a child. Please be advised that a risk of participation may include discomfort or negative emotions. Some of the questions request specific information surrounding your child’s death. You may stop the survey anytime. If you feel you need additional support after completing this survey you may contact SUDC program at 1-800-620-SUDC, please note this is not a hotline or monitored 24 hours. For immediate assistance please contact the National Crisis Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 which is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, you can go to your local emergency room, or dial your local emergency department (9-1-1). You may also find a therapist in your area at www.psychologytoday.com or www.helpstartshere.org/find-a-social-worker.

The survey questions will not ask for, or collect, any identifying information or be linked to you in any way. There will be no compensation for your participation in this study. You have the right to skip any question you do not wish to answer and you may stop the survey at anytime.

By clicking the link below I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information above and I am agreeing to participate in this study.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ToHoldorNotToHoldFamilySurvey

Sincerely,
Laura Crandall
Assistant Executive Director for Advocacy
Program Director and Co-Founder SUDC program
The CJ Foundation
1-800-620-SUDC

Becky Rudd PhD, LMFT, LMHC, NCC 1(509) 879-4860

Lisa Marain, MSW, LCSW
Support Service Coordinator, SUDC Program
Senior Social Worker at The Joseph M, Sanzari Children’s Hospital
Hackensack University Medical Center
1-800-620-SUDC

Advocacy Alert November 14th, 2011

AAP Task Force on SIDS and Sleep-Related Infant Deaths Newest Policy Statement October 18th, 2011

The American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on SIDS and Sleep-Related Infant Deaths released an updated policy statement on October 18, 2011.

• Read the media release here:  http://www.healthychildren.org/English/News/pages/AAP-Expands-Guidelines-for-Infant-Sleep-Safety-and-SIDS-Risk-Reduction.aspx
• The policy statement is available here: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/doi/10.1542/peds.2011-2284
• The technical report is available here: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/doi/10.1542/peds.2011-2285

Jogging Strollers Recalled by B.O.B. Trailers Due to Choking Hazard October 12th, 2011

NEWS from CPSC and HC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
www.cpsc.gov

Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2011
Release #12-006

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (855) 242-2245
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983

Jogging Strollers Recalled by B.O.B. Trailers Due to Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: B.O.B.(r) single and double strollers
Units: About 411,700 in the United States and 27,000 in Canada (357,000 units were recalled in February 2011 due to strangulation hazard posed by canopy drawstring)

Importer: B.O.B. Trailers Inc., of Boise, Idaho
Hazard: The stroller canopy’s embroidered logo’s backing patch can detach, posing a choking hazard to babies and young children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received six reports of children mouthing the detached patch. Gagging and choking were reported in two incidents. The backing was removed from the children’s mouth without injury. In each of the reported incidents, the children were seated in an infant car seat attached to the stroller.

Description: This recall involves all B.O.B. strollers manufactured between November 1998 and November 2010. Strollers manufactured after October 2006 have a white label affixed to the back of the stroller’s leg with the manufacturing date. Strollers with no manufacturing date listed were produced prior to October 2006 and are included in this recall. The strollers were sold in single seat and double-seat models. The BOB(r), Ironman(r) or Stroller Strides(r) brand name is embroidered on the canopy of the strollers.

Sold at: REI, Babies R’ Us and other children’s product and sporting goods stores nationwide and Amazon.com between November 1998 and October 2011 for between $280 and $600.

Manufactured in: Taiwan and China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers until they remove the embroidery backing patch from the interior of the canopy’s logo. Consumers should contact B.O.B. Trailers for instructions on removing the backing.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact B.O.B. Trailers toll-free at (855) 242-2245 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.bobnotices.com

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1411

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12006.html