There has been a massive recall of bassinets by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the wake of the strangulation death of a six-month-old baby last month in that country. This occurred when the small child became entrapped between the bassinet's metal bars.

Jamaica's Consumer Affairs Commission has backed the CPSC order, urging local consumers to share this safety warning with day-care centres, consignment stores, family and friends to ensure that no child is placed to sleep in a convertible bassinet covered by this warning.

Winnie the Pooh

Consumers are urged to check their bassinets to ensure they are not using one of the recalled Simplicity models, including those with the Graco logo or Winnie the Pooh motif licensed by Disney Consumer Products.

The Simplicity bassinets with the Graco logo were sold between 2001 and 2004. The Simplicity bassinets with the Winnie the Pooh motif were sold from 2002-2008.

The CAC is asking all consumers to report any sighting of bassinets of similar construction for sale that bear or do not bear the recall brands listed.

The Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets contain metal bars that are covered by an adjustable fabric flap, which is attached by Velcro.

The fabric is folded down when the bassinet is converted into a bedside co-sleeping position. If the Velcro is not properly resecured when the flap is adjusted, an infant can slip through the opening and become entrapped in the metal bars and suffocate.

The warning does not cover bassinets produced in recent months that have fabric permanently attached over the lower bar.