Consumers try to be vigilant, keeping an eye on the news for product recalls and important safety information. But while current recalls are top-of-mind, many products for which warnings were issued in the past may still pose a threat when purchased second hand. For this reason, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and crib manufacturer LaJobi, Inc., are reissuing warnings about a 2001 voluntary recall of LaJobi’s “Molly” and “Betsy” cribs, which pose a danger of entrapment and strangulation.

The recall was first announced in December 2001, and affected about 400 units. According to the CPSC, the cribs have cut-outs in the end panels that can allow young children to get their heads entrapped, which can pose a strangulation hazard to infants and toddlers. The CPSC is aware of the death of a 1-year-old girl whose head and neck became entrapped in the headboard cut-out of the “Betsy” style crib in 2003.

The end panels on the “Molly” style cribs are made of solid wood with openings on both sides. The end panels on the “Betsy” style cribs are constructed with wood slats. The model numbers are printed inside the headboard at the bottom. Affected crib models are:

Molly
0101327 02 (Natural)
0101327 11 (Antique Green)
0101327 12 (Antique White)

Betsy
0101257 02 (Natural)
0101257 11 (Antique Green)
0101257 12 (Antique White)

The cribs, which were manufactured in Italy, were sold at specialty stores nationwide from May 2000 through September 2001 for about $700 for the Molly model and $650 for the Betsy. The cribs have not been available at retail since 2001, but the re-issuance of the recall alert is being undertaken to alert consumers who may still have the cribs in their possession and especially to alert shoppers who may find the cribs at thrift stores or similar second-hand stores, or purchase a crib directly from an individual.

For more information, contact LaJobi at 800-266-2848 or visit the company’s web site at www.LaJobi.com.