WASHINGTON, D.C. – A significant safety recall has been announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Angelcare Monitors Inc.® This recall addresses a serious strangulation risk associated with Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitors that utilize sensor pads. Approximately 600,000 units are affected, and the company is providing free cord covers to remedy the hazard.
The danger stems from the sensor pad cord, designed to be placed under a crib mattress to monitor a baby’s movements. Tragically, if a child is able to pull this cord into the crib, it can become wrapped around their neck, posing a severe strangulation threat.
This recall is a direct result of reported incidents, including two heartbreaking infant fatalities. In November 2011, a 13-month-old girl in San Diego, California, tragically died, and in August 2004, an 8-month-old girl in Salem, Oregon, suffered the same fate. In both cases, the sensor pad cord was pulled into the crib by the infant and became the cause of strangulation. Adding to the concern, there have been two further reports of infants becoming entangled in Angelcare monitor cords, although these thankfully did not result in death. In these latter incidents, it remained unclear whether the sensor pad cord or the main monitor cord was involved.
The recall specifically targets Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitors – the models that incorporate a sensor pad placed beneath the mattress to detect baby movement. These monitors have a permanently attached electrical cord, roughly 11 feet in length, connecting the sensor pad to the nursery monitor unit. The hazard arises when this cord becomes accessible to a baby within the crib. The baby can pull the cord into the crib, and tragically, it can wrap around their neck. This recall includes all versions of Angelcare sensor monitors that were sold without rigid cord covers as a remedy. The affected model numbers are AC1100, AC201, AC300, AC401, AC601, and 49255. You can find the model number on the back of the nursery monitor unit. These monitors were manufactured between 1999 and 2013.
To address this critical safety issue, Angelcare is providing consumers with a free repair kit. This kit contains rigid protective cord covers. These covers are designed to encase the sensor pad cords, significantly reducing the risk of strangulation. The repair kit also includes a new, permanent electric cord warning label clearly highlighting the strangulation risk. Revised instructions are also provided to guide users on safe setup and cord management.
These recalled baby monitors were widely available for purchase at major retailers and online platforms. They were sold at Babies R Us/Toys R Us, Burlington Coat Factory, Meijer, Sears, Walmart, Amazon.com, Target.com, Overstock.com, and approximately 70 smaller specialty baby stores. The sales period spanned from October 1999 through September 2013, with prices ranging from approximately $100 to $300.
Immediate Action for Consumers:
If you own an Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor with a sensor pad, it is crucial to take immediate steps to ensure your child’s safety. First and foremost, ensure that all cords are completely out of reach of your child. Do not allow any part of the cord to be accessible from inside the crib.
Secondly, contact Angelcare as soon as possible to order your free repair kit. You can reach Angelcare toll-free at (855) 355-2643, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.angelcarebaby.com to order the kit online and find further information about the recall.
CPSC’s Broader Safety Campaign:
The CPSC has been actively working to raise awareness about the dangers of baby monitor cords across all brands. In February 2011, they issued a safety alert highlighting seven reported strangulations involving baby monitor cords since 2002. Sadly, this number has now increased to eight, with two of these tragedies involving Angelcare monitors with sensor cords. The CPSC provides extensive resources on crib safety, including their Crib Information Center available at www.cpsc.gov/cribs. Parents and caregivers are strongly encouraged to visit this resource for comprehensive information on baby monitor cord safety and creating a safe sleep environment for their infants. Remember, keeping cords out of reach is paramount to preventing these tragic accidents.
