Bumbo International recalls infant seats due to fall hazard

Aug. 15, 2012—Bumbo International recalled its Bumbo Baby Seats, because infants can maneuver out of or fall from the seat, which would pose a risk of serious injuries.

The bottom of the recalled seat is flat and round, and has a diameter of 15 inches. The seat is constructed out of a single piece of molded foam and was sold in various colors. “Manufactured by Bumbo South Africa Material: Polyurethane World Patent No. PCT: ZA/1999/00030” is printed on the bottom of the seat.

The recalled seats were sold at Sears, Target, Toys R Us, USA Babies, Walmart and various other toy and children’s stores nationwide, and by various online retailers, from August 2003 through August 2012. Bumbo International received at least 50 reports of incidents in which infants fell from a Bumbo seat while it was being used on a raised surface. Nineteen of those incidents included reports of skull fractures. Bumbo International also received 34 reports of infants who fell out of or maneuvered out of a Bumbo seat that was used on the floor or at an unknown elevation, which resulted in an injury. Two of these incidents involved skull fractures, while others involved bumps, bruises and other minor injuries.

Consumers should stop using the product until they order and install a free repair kit, which includes a restraint belt and warning label, 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 never should be used on any raised surface. Consumers also should stop using Bumbo seat covers that interfere with the installation and use of the belt. A video that demonstrates proper installation of the restraint belt and proper use of the Bumbo seat are available at recall.bumbousa.com.

For more information, call Bumbo International at 866/898-4999 Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. or Friday 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CT, or go to recall.bumbousa.com.