Mattresses sold with Cosco model "M" tubular metal cribs

CPSC Recall #99-063 — February 16, 1999

Recall Summary

Recall Number99-063
Recall DateFebruary 16, 1999
Remedy Type
Units AffectedAbout 62,000

Where It Was Sold

The mattresses were sold with Cosco model "M" tubular metal cribs
manufactured from July 1994 through September 1997.

Product

Mattresses sold with Cosco model "M" tubular metal cribs

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Cosco Inc., of Columbus, Ind., is recalling about 62,000 mattresses sold with tubular metal cribs. When a baby stands up in the crib, the mattress can compress and be pushed between the bars on the crib's platform. The baby can slip between the bars on the crib's platform and become entrapped. Cosco has received 12 complaints of mattresses compressing and entrapping babies. An 11-month old baby boy died after becoming entrapped. Cosco is offering consumers a $25 check for consumers to purchase a new mattress on their own. The mattresses were sold with Cosco model "M" tubular metal cribs, manufactured from July 1994 through September 1997. The "M" is the third character in the model number. The model number and manufacturing date are stamped on a label on the bottom of the crib's end panel. The cribs come in a variety of colors, including red, white, mixed primary and mixed pastels. "Cosco" is written on the crib's label and on the mattress' tag. The date of delivery also is written on the mattress' tag. Mass merchandise and juvenile products stores nationwide sold these cribs and mattresses for up to $150. Consumers should immediately stop using the crib or place a board, measuring 51-5/8 inches long by 27-1/4 inches wide, between the crib's mattress and platform. Consumers should contact Cosco at (800) 221-6736 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST Monday through Friday or at www.coscoinc.com to participate in this recall. Cosco will help consumers identify whether their cribs are involved in this recall. Once they get the new mattress, they should destroy the old mattress by cutting it into at least three pieces. Cosco model "M" cribs manufactured after September 1997 have a different mattress and model "T" cribs are sold without mattresses. Neither of these cribs are involved in this recall.

Hazard

When a baby stands up in the crib, the mattress can compress and be pushed between the bars on the crib's platform. The baby can slip between the bars on the crib's platform and become entrapped.

Incidents & Injuries

Cosco has received 12 complaints of mattresses compressing and entrapping babies. An 11-month old baby boy died after becoming entrapped.

Remedy Instructions

Cosco is offering consumers a $25 check for consumers to purchase a new mattress on their own. Consumers should contact Cosco at (800) 221-6736 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST Monday through Friday or at www.coscoinc.com to participate in this recall. Cosco will help consumers identify whether their cribs are involved in this recall. Once they get the new mattress, they should destroy the old mattress by cutting it into at least three pieces.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a remedy at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (refund, replacement, or repair) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.