Bumbo baby seat being branded as unsafe for children *PIOG*
SALT LAKE CITY — The hugely popular Bumbo Baby Seat is once again in danger of facing a recall by a coalition of consumer groups.
Four million Bumbo seats have been sold across the country since they were created in 2001 — and the chairs have been linked to 33 skull fractures.
The child leans one way or the other or bounces around too much, and all of a sudden the child is head first on the floor.
The Bumbo seat functions differently than a car seat because it allows the child to sit upright, rather than in a laying position. And because it's not classified as a car seat, infant carrier or baby bath seat, the Bumbo isn't covered by federal or industry standards.
Most of the reported accidents occurred when parents placed the Bumbo seat on a raised surface, like a table, where the manufacturer warns they shouldn't be used. However, there have also been injuries while the seat was being used correctly on the floor.
"The child leans one way or the other or bounces around too much, and all of a sudden the child is head first on the floor," said Jan Hummel, the Safe Kids Adams County Coordinator.
Consumer groups want the Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall the seat and require the manufacturer to make it safer.
But Bumbo International contends that the seat is safe when used as intended.
ok, so my thing is this. I used one with dd#2 who isnow 20 months old and never had it sitting on anything but the floor and occassionally the couch (with me right next to it). I think it is safe, the problm is user error. I mean seriously, why on earth would you put it on a table with child in it and walk away? Do people really think there is no chance of it topling over causing a fall if they have it anywhere other than the floor? When dd#2 started showing she could move around in it (i.e., lean enough for it to look like it would tip), I stopped using it just so there wouldn't be a chance of anything happening. Most things being deemed unsafe these days I feel are due more to user error and people not using them correctly or using their own common sense. JMO
Totally agree. I think bumbo needs to save their own butt by putting disclaimers on the product- "floor use only" and "under supervision".
Quoting Robbiesmommy99:ok, so my thing is this. I used one with dd#2 who isnow 20 months old and never had it sitting on anything but the floor and occassionally the couch (with me right next to it). I think it is safe, the problm is user error. I mean seriously, why on earth would you put it on a table with child in it and walk away? Do people really think there is no chance of it topling over causing a fall if they have it anywhere other than the floor? When dd#2 started showing she could move around in it (i.e., lean enough for it to look like it would tip), I stopped using it just so there wouldn't be a chance of anything happening. Most things being deemed unsafe these days I feel are due more to user error and people not using them correctly or using their own common sense. JMO
Come on people... it is a product that is really only able to be used for a very few months. If you are putting a ten month old in it, OF COURSE it will fall over, because they flail. Now, if you are putting your four to seven month old in it, then it should be fine... IF USED correctly and not on a table or couch or tub!
That sucks that some babies got hurt, but 33/4,000,000 ain't bad. :)
I totally agree. I was given one as a gift for my second son......I always stayed with him. Totally user error.....it is just a seat not a babysitter!
Quoting Robbiesmommy99:
ok, so my thing is this. I used one with dd#2 who isnow 20 months old and never had it sitting on anything but the floor and occassionally the couch (with me right next to it). I think it is safe, the problm is user error. I mean seriously, why on earth would you put it on a table with child in it and walk away? Do people really think there is no chance of it topling over causing a fall if they have it anywhere other than the floor? When dd#2 started showing she could move around in it (i.e., lean enough for it to look like it would tip), I stopped using it just so there wouldn't be a chance of anything happening. Most things being deemed unsafe these days I feel are due more to user error and people not using them correctly or using their own common sense. JMO
Like so many baby gear items, it is all about using the item properly.
Trying to find a replacement for my old caffeine habit?
- peant06070912
on Feb. 16, 2012 at 10:42 AM