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WASHINGTON (AP) -- A baby products manufacturer is warning people who purchased 120,000 folding baby bathtubs not to use the tubs until they obtain new instructions for properly locking the products in place so that infants aren't hurt.
The First Years Inc., of Avon, Mass., has received 20 reports of babies' toes, feet and genitalia being pinched in the 2-In-1 Fold-Away Tub and Step Stool when the product's foot rest is not fully extended so it clicks into place, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.
The tubs, which can be used as a step stool for an older child, have model number 3141 on the underside of the base and date codes 1999 and 2000. The tubs were sold nationwide between January 1999 and February 2002.
The government and the company advised consumers not to use the bathtubs until they receive revised instructions. Consumers can contact The First Years at 1-800-533-6708 to receive the instructions and a warning label to attach to the tub.
In other action Thursday, the CPSC announced:
--Random House Inc., of New York City, is recalling about 360,000 children's board book sets because they have snaps that can detach and pose a choking hazard. There have been no reports of injury.
The book sets have children's characters on the front of the box, a colored plastic handle and plastic snaps. The book set titles are "Monsters to Go!" "Disney Princess -- Disney the Princess Collection 2," "Disney's Winnie the Pooh -- A Very Merry Christmas" and "Barbie -- My Barbie Fun Box."
Bookstores, discount department stores and online retailers sold the book sets nationwide from August 2002 to January 2003. Only books with plastic -- not metal -- snaps are being recalled. The government advised consumers to cut off the box lid and throw the box away.
Consumers can contact the company at 1-800-805-8534 for information on receiving a free replacement.
--The Betesh Group is recalling about 11,200 Busy Bug plush toys because the antennae can be chewed or pulled off, posing a choking hazard. The New York-based company has received two reports of children gagging on fabric antennae ends that separated from the toy.
The toys have two springy black antennae with orange round fabric ends, a blue face and a red musical nose that blinks when pressed. The UPC code 778267862920 is on the packaging. They were sold at discount department stores from August 2002 to January 2003.
For a refund, consumers can return the plush toys to the place of purchase or to the company by calling 1-866-473-0118.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
