There was a significant increase in the number of children’s products recalled due to defects in design and construction that placed the health and safety of children at risk in 2016. These recalls included furniture, toys, safety products, and others that have caused considerable injuries and wrongful deaths. Parents and caregivers should take note of these recalls and take preventative steps to protect their children from becoming the next statistic.
Nationwide, there were 76 recalls that encompassed 66.8 million individual units of children’s products. This was a 13% increase over the number of recalls and products affected in 2015.
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Cheap and Dangerous Design
IKEA’s popularity for cheap products comes with a heavy price. In 2016, there were four recalls covering over 29 million units. The most significant of these recalls involved dressers which could topple and crush small children. It also included safety gates, toys, and costumes that could entangle, strangle, and suffocate children. In total, the IKEA products that were recalled have caused 49 injuries and seven deaths to children.
Deadly Bacteria and Mold
Tommee Tippee was the second largest recall in 2016. The sippy cups have a dangerous design flaw that makes complete cleaning nearly impossible and allows bacteria and mold to flourish. The company recalled 2.25 million sippy cups over this flaw, but not before it caused 68 severe gastrointestinal problems and infections.
Bumpy Rides
Pacific Cycle recalled 346,600 swivel strollers after they caused 215 injuries. The flawed design and construction of the stroller make it possible for the front wheel to loosen and detach. This creates a considerable risk of accidents that can turn a walk in the park into a trip to the emergency room.
There is a trend even more alarming than the number of recalls and defective children’s products affected. The number of complaints and reports required before a recall is issued is also rising. In 2015, it took an average of 12 reports before a company took voluntary action. In 2014, it took 5. However, in 2016, it took an average of 64 reports. This means that companies are continuing to negligently manufacture, market, and sell dangerous products long after design flaws and manufacturing defects become apparent. Following an injury or wrongful death, a product liability lawyer can help individuals pursue product liability claims against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers that sell dangerous children’s products.