Watch CBS News

Bumbo Baby Seat Recalled After Reports Of Skull Fractures

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - About four million Bumbo Baby Seats are being recalled after nearly two dozen reports of skull fractures.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Bumbo issued the voluntarily recall saying babies can maneuver out of or fall from the seat, posing a risk of serious injuries.

About one million of the molded foam seats were recalled in October 2007 for additional warning labels against placing the Bumbo seats on raised surfaces, such as tables or kitchen counters.

Since the first recall, CPSC and Bumbo International of South Africa have learned of at least 50 incidents in which babies fell from Bumbo seats while they were being used on raised surfaces, 19 of which  included reports of skull fractures.

CPSC says another 34 babies fell from the seats while they were being used on the floor or at an unknown elevation. Two of these incidents involved reports of skull fractures, while others reported bumps, bruises and other minor injuries.

In all, there were 21 reports of skull fractures to infants.

The Bumbo floor seats were sold at Babies R Us, Target, Walmart and other retailers nationwide from August 2003 through August 2012 for between $30 and $50.

The bottom of the Bumbo seat is round and flat. It is constructed of a single piece of molded foam and comes in various colors. The seat has leg holes and the seat back wraps completely around the
child. On the front of the seat in raised lettering is the word "Bumbo" with the image of an elephant on top. The bottom of the seat has the following words: "Manufactured by Bumbo South Africa Material: Polyurethane World Patent No. PCT: ZA/1999/00030."

Consumers should immediately stop using the product until they order and install a free repair kit, which includes: a restraint belt, installation instructions, safe use instructions and a new warning sticker. The belt should always be used when a child is placed in the seat. Even with the belt, the seat should never be used on any raised surface.

Consumers should also immediately stop using Bumbo seat covers that interfere with the installation and use of the belt.

A repair kit can be ordered by visiting www.recall.bumbousa.com or calling 866-898-4999.

TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.