Baby Bargains Book Blog

Thoughts on the Jardine recall: why so difficult?

As you have probably read in the comments section of our blog, the number of folks who are unhappy with how the massive Jardine/Babies R Us recall is going up faster than the price of gasoline.

So, a few thoughts and comments:

• One of the chief gripes is a lack of affordable cribs at BRU (Jardine is giving vouchers to affected consumers for $249, usable at BRU). Well, we visited our local BRU last night and can confirm that the pickings under $300 are slim to none. Sure, there is a Babi Italia crib (Pinehurst) for $300 and a smattering of Delta cribs under $300, but that is about it.

Memo to BRU: you knew this was coming down the pike for over a month---yet, you couldn't source a big supply of cribs for under $300? That makes it look like you are trying to profit from this recall, when the few choices on the floor are $350, $400 and more.

• As you can read from our blog's comments, Babies R Us seems to be changing the TERMS of the recall by the hour---while we are glad BRU is attempting to fix consumer gripes about this process, we can't help but feel the company is making this up as they go along. This is significantly damaging BRU's reputation among parents . . . and that will take a LONG time to fix. Example: what idiot at BRU decided you could NOT use the voucher to buy a crib online from BRU's own site?

• And let's talk about Jardine---why only a "voucher" for a replacement crib? Since these cribs are dangerous and unrepairable, shouldn't parents have the option of getting a CASH REFUND for their purchase? Then folks can go to any store to get a replacement crib, not just the slim pickings at BRU?

• And let's not forget the parent company of Jardine is . . . Dorel, which is a Canadian word that translates roughly to "massive safety recall." Dorel has managed to screw things up again---first in the 90's with massive crib recalls with their Cosco imprint. And then again in this decade. Sure, the name has changed (Jardine), but the executives at Dorel need to be hauled in front of a Congressional committee and made to account for their sorry safety history (thanks to the Chicago Tribune for their excellent investigation last year of Dorel's car seat troubles).

Well, that's our take. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts!

IKEA crib safety issue: mattress gap with Leksvik crib?

Reader Stacy S. wrote in with an issue with her IKEA crib:

I’m hoping you saw the message board thread on your boards starting last August entitled “IKEA crib has large gap around mattress.” We purchased the Leksvik crib because of the good price, the wood color, and the “A” for Ikea in your book.

We live 3 hours from an Ikea but made a special trip there based on your recommendations. We wouldn’t have even considered them if not for the A in safety/value.

Unfortunately, when I read this post, we already owned the crib and were not going to be making that drive again. We too have the gap. I am just writing in hopes that you’ll consider this safety issue in your next edition.

Stacy then sent in some pictures of the gap (see right). If you've noticed this problem, let us know! We have contacted the CPSC about this issue and await their investigation.

Rumble Tuff ends domestic production; move to imports

The choices for American made nursery furniture just narrowed---Rumble Tuff told dealers last month that they are ceasing domestic production of their nursery furniture and moving to an all-import line.

According to a company statement, Rumble Tuff blamed "fuel, insurance and employee costs" for the change. As a result, the company discontinued all their American-made furniture collections (such as the Shaker and Classic series); now only the imported Milcreek, Ashlyn and European lines will remain.

This basically leaves Stanley's Young America line as the only made in the USA nursery furniture---and Stanley only makes dressers in the USA (cribs are imported).

Reader: Pali new Asian-made collections not up to snuff, quality-wise

Reader Carl K writes in today to point out an error in our book: in the crib reviews, we said Pali's new Asian imported collections are made very similarly to their Italian/Canadian furniture (which are made of birch). Carl points out this isn't accurate:

I just wanted  to let you know that there's a bit of misinformation in you newest book in regards to Pali brand furniture.  You mentioned that they have begun producing certain of their pieces/collections in SE Asia, but you also stated that "They still maintain the brand's quality touches (birch wood construction, dovetail drawers,..." some of which is incorrect. 

I just called Pali to ask about their Wendy Collection which turns out to be made of Radiata Pine.  I also asked about the Tuscan Series which they say is made of Rubberwood.  Upon further questioning, the customer service rep explained that their Asian collections (the ones with names rather than numbers) are not made of the same hardwood birch as their other pieces.  Important to note being that these woods are softer.  Though radiata pine isn't as soft as other types, it is still only technically considered a medium hardwood. 

Secondly, while you're correct about the dovetail drawers, I discovered that not all of their drawers are made with the wonderfully quiet and smooth glide system.  Instead, some still use ball bearings which are both noisy and more loose.

Also, while Pali has always been known for the quality of their dropside cribs, their convertible cribs have exposed hardware which shows up as unsightly holes when converted into the full-sized beds.

I was about to buy a Wendy Collection 3-piece set that I found at a very good price.  I'm glad I did some more research first.  I really prefer those smooth glide drawers.  Besides, a convertible crib makes so much more sense to me.  Also, we move every 2 years or so and any type of pine, even a medium hardwood, will likely get ridiculously beat up in transit.

Of course, your book's already printed so there's not much you can do, but I thought you should know that some of Pali's furniture isn't truly living up to the quality of the company's original reputation.

Thanks Carl. Well, our initial report on Pali was what they told us they PLANNED for their import line. It appears the actual furniture is different than what they discussed. So we will go back and take a harder look at whether Pali is cheapening their quality for their imported line.

RIP: Fisher Price Infant to Toddler Stroller

One of our favorite Bugaboo knock-offs is now discontinued, unfortunately. Reader Erin D. writes in with her condolences:

After much reading and comparing we decided on the Fisher Price Infant-To-Toddler Stroller.  I have looked high and low for this stroller and finally called Fisher Price today.  They told me that they do not actually make the stroller, they license their name to Kuji Dreamer Design and they make the stroller.  I called Dreamer Design and they told me that they have discontinued the stroller (Fisher Price reps do not know this).   

Dreamer Design said that the stroller they have that is comaprable to the Fisher Price stroller is their Park Avenue Stroller but I read in your book that it is not the best one they offer.  

Our thoughts: Well, the Park Avenue is similar to the Infant to Toddler---but it is a tri-wheel model (the Fisher Price licensed stroller had two front wheels). Another major difference: the Park Avenue has inflated tires (like a jogger), which adds weight (see picture at right).

So the search for an affordable Bugaboo killer goes on! Feel free to chime in with your thoughts as to the best Bugaboo knock-off!

Recall: Stanley crib (2nd Nature Built to Grow)

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2008
Release #08-314

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 839-6822
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Stanley Furniture Recalls Cribs Due to Entrapment Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 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.

Name of Product: 2nd Nature Built to Grow Cribs

Units: About 1,200

Manufacturer: Stanley Furniture Company Inc., of Stanleytown, Va.

Hazard: The cribs could fail to meet a federal safety standard for crib dimensions. When the mattress support is in the middle setting, the space between the mattress and the crib could be too wide, posing an entrapment hazard to infants.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the full size 2nd Nature Built to Grow cribs, model number 353-14-220. Model and serial numbers are located on the headboard. The crib is natural maple in color. Only the following serial numbers are included in the recall: 353-14-220-L-01, 353-14-220-L-02, 353-14-220-L-03, 353-14-220-L-04, 353-14-220-L-05, 353-14-220-L-06, 353-14-220-L-07, 353-14-220-L-08, 353-14-220-L-101, and 353-14-220-L-103. The recall does not include cribs sold after December 2007.

Sold at: Department and furniture stores from March 2006 through December 2007 for about $1,100.

Manufactured in: Slovenia

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the crib in the middle mattress setting, and adjust it to the low or high setting. Contact Stanley Furniture to determine if the crib is subject to this recall, and if it is, to receive a free replacement crib headboard.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Stanley Furniture toll-free at (888) 839-6822 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.youngamerica.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08314.html

Jardine recall, Day 2: BRU update, post your experiences

Yes, it's Day 2 of the massive Jardine recall. Some updates:

• Babies R Us tells us they are returning Jardine cribs NOT affected by the recall back to the sales floor.

• Readers wonder if they can trust Jardine cribs that were not part of the recall. Well, we can understand your concern. But we will trust that the company and the CPSC has investigated ALL Jardine cribs and determined just the models recalled have the slat problem. That said, if you can't sleep at night worrying about this, then we can understand if you want to get a different crib.

So what have been your experiences with the recall? What response have you received from Jardine's recall hotline or web site? Babies R Us? Post your experiences here.

RECALL: Jardine cribs; what to do if you need a crib tonight

It's official--yes, after 5 weeks, we now have official word: 350,000 Jardine cribs sold at Babies R Us have been recalled. 

Below is the official CPSC notice. Also: Jardine has set up a web site with recall info. Note that the Jardine web site is offering a voucher for a full credit toward the purchase of another crib at BRU. You can fill out an online form or call Jardine at 800-646-4106.

What if you need a crib tonight? For financially-strapped parents in need of a crib or play yard while they await a check from Jardine for a brand new crib, call the Cribs For Kids Hotline (888-721-CRIBS). This non-profit organization provides safe sleep recommendations, as well as low-cost (or no cost) Graco Pack N Plays, depending on financial need. 

Also: remember that newborn infants can sleep in a bassinet instead of crib. And older kids can sleep temporarily in a playpen like the Graco Pack N Play. As always, make sure the playpen hasn't been recalled and observe all weight limits (playpens with bassinet features, for example, are limited to babies less than 15 pounds when using the bassinet). 

-----

 
  

NEWS FROM THE CPSC

Public  Affairs                                                                                       Washington, D.C. 20207

For Immediate Release                                 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 646-4106

June 24, 2008                                                 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

Release #08-312                                            CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

 

Jardine Cribs Sold by Babies“R”Us Recalled Due to Entrapment and Strangulation Hazard

                   

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 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. (To access color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.)

 

Name of product: Jardine Cribs 

Units: About 320,000

Manufacturer: Jardine Enterprises, of Taipei, Taiwan

Hazard: The wooden crib slats and spindles can break, creating a gap, which can pose an entrapment and strangulation hazard to infants.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been 42 incidents of crib slats and spindles breaking. Four children became entrapped in the space created by a broken slat or spindle.  Two of the children had abrasions and bruising.

Description: Jardine wooden cribs in various styles and finishes, as listed below, are included in this recall. 

See the model listing here.

The model number is printed on the inside of the bottom rail of the headboard or footboard.

Sold at: KidsWorld, Geoffrey Stores, Toys“R”Us, and Babies“R”Us stores nationwide, and at babiesrus.com, from January 2002 through May 2008 for between $150 and $300, with one model, 0309K00 Mahogany Positano Lifetime Crib, which sold for $450 

Manufactured in: China and Vietnam

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and contact Jardine to receive a full credit toward the purchase of a new crib.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Jardine at (800) 646-4106 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET Saturday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.jardinecribrecall.com.

 

  

 

 

Readers still frustrated with Jardine / BRU crib situation

We continue to get emails like this one this morning from a reader on the Jardine crib "situation":

Bought a jardine crib from BRU at beginning of may and never heard anything about this til today when i happened to google it - just called my local BRU and they said to bring back the crib and and they would give me a full refund on it and any matching furniture pieces. what a hassle and why wasn't i notified? grrrrrrr due in a month and now have to find a new crib?!?!?!

As you remember, this blog was the first to report about the mysterious disappearance of Jardine cribs at Babies R Us for "safety inspections."

That was back on May 21. Hmmm. It is now a month later and nothing but silence from Babies R Us and Jardine. So we have fired off another email to Babies R Us asking for an update today. Stay tuned!

Oh Canada: Morigeau, Shermag file for bankruptcy

Battered by Asian imports, a surging Canadian dollar and slumping US economy, two major Canadian juvenile furniture makers have filed for bankruptcy protection in the past month. Morigeau and Shermag, both based in Quebec, are major players in the nursery furniture market here in the U.S.

The latest casualty is Morigeau, which specializes in high-end furniture and has been one of the top-rated companies in our book for several years. Founded in 1945, Morigeau entered the U.S. market in 1983 and slowly built itself into one of the market's premium brands.

Morigeau's sales manager, Ian Sacks, tells BABY BARGAINS the company plans to continue normal operations as it reorganizes under bankruptcy protection. Sacks did say that shipments were halted last week before the filing Friday, but the company hopes to start shipping again shortly. We hope to blog more details on the Morigeau bankruptcy shortly.

Morigeau's key pitch was style and quality---all furniture is made in Canada. That decision clearly came back to haunt the company, as imported goods from China undercut Morigeau's prices by a huge margin. A surging Canadian dollar also made production in Canada much more expensive, further eroding margins. Sacks refused to say how far sales have fallen, but he pointed out the entire industry is in a slump.

The story is much the same at Shermag, which is a maker of glider rockers and nursery furniture (sold under its own name and Chanderic, it's upper-end division) that filed for bankruptcy protection May 6 in Canada. Shermag has seen its sales plunge 40% in the past year. Shermag has over C$30 million in debt and has been closing plants in Canada and moving production to Asia during the past  year.