Latest Updates
CPSC announced neck openings were too large for infants 0-6 months, allowing heads to slip into and be covered by sleep bags, posing suffocation risk. [1] No incidents or injuries were reported. [1]
Oversized Neck Openings
Neck openings exceeded safe sizing for 0-6 month infants. Excessive opening circumference allows infant heads to slip through armholes or necklines into sleep bag interiors.
Heads Slip Into Sleep Bags
Infants’ heads can enter oversized openings, pulling fabric over faces. Once inside sleep bags, infants cannot remove fabric obstructing airways.
Suffocation Hazard
Fabric covering faces blocks noses and mouths, preventing breathing. Young infants lack strength and coordination to remove fabric from airways, leading to suffocation.
Ten Brand Names Recalled
Brands include Dylan & Abby, First Wish, First Wish Organic, Harry & Me, Little Red Caboose, Piper & Posie, Sam & Jo, Sam & Jo Organic, Shabby Chic, and Willow Blossom. Brand names and sizes appear on labels at back of necks.
38 Style Numbers
Recall covers 38 style numbers printed on inside side seam labels behind care labels. Harry & Me brand includes style number CL01102.
Variety of Designs
Sleep bags sold in various colors and designs including animals, dinosaur bones, splatter paint, circus, construction, cars, florals, clouds, robots, stars, dino dudes, monsters, and firetrucks. Front zippers run up middle or to side.
Sold April 2018 Through February 2021
Sleep bags sold at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores nationwide and online at tjmaxx.com, marshalls.com, and sierra.com for approximately $20. Three-year sales period distributed defective sleep bags across United States.
Manufactured in China and India
TJX Companies Inc. of Framingham, Massachusetts imported sleep bags manufactured in China and India. International manufacturing complicated quality control oversight of neck opening sizing.
Full Refund or Store Gift Card
TJX offers consumers choice of full refund or store gift card. Different contact information provided for online versus in-store purchases.
Design Defect in Sizing
Sleep bags with neck openings too large for stated age range are defectively designed. Infant sleep products must prevent fabric from covering faces during normal use.
Violation of Infant Sleep Standards
Oversized neck openings violate safe sleep product design principles. Infant sleep bags must fit snugly at neck to prevent head entrapment or fabric coverage.
Failure to Test for Proper Fit
TJX failed to verify neck openings matched 0-6 month infant sizing before sale. Reasonable testing requires measuring neck circumferences against infant growth standards.
Manufacturing Defect in Pattern
Consistent oversizing across multiple brands and style numbers indicates systematic pattern or cutting errors. Manufacturing defects demonstrate inadequate quality assurance processes.
Infant Suffocation Deaths
Suffocation from fabric covering airways causes death within minutes. Infants 0-6 months cannot remove obstructions independently, making oversized openings particularly dangerous.
Positional Asphyxiation Risk
Infants rolling or shifting positions can pull loose fabric over faces. Sleep bags with excessive material create entrapment and covering hazards during normal infant movement.
Breach of Implied Warranty
TJX breached implied warranties by selling sleep bags unfit for safe infant sleep. Products allowing suffocation fail fundamental safety requirements for infant sleepwear.
Negligent Quality Control
Selling sleep bags without verifying proper sizing constitutes negligence. Infant product importers must inspect and test products for safety before distribution.
Failure to Warn
TJX failed to warn consumers that neck openings were oversized for 0-6 month infants. Adequate warnings must disclose suffocation hazards from improper sizing.
Delayed Recall After Years of Sales
Selling oversized sleep bags from April 2018 through February 2021 before May 2021 recall exposed thousands of infants to suffocation hazards. Three-year delay demonstrates inadequate safety monitoring.
Contact an Attorney
If your infant suffered injuries or near-suffocation from Harry & Me or other recalled sleep bags with oversized neck openings, contact a product liability attorney. Preserve the sleep bag with brand and style number labels, purchase receipts from T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, or Sierra, photographs showing oversized neck opening, medical records if infant experienced breathing difficulties or suffocation events, and refund or gift card documentation from TJX.
References
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/TJX-Recalls-Infant-Sleep-Bags-Due-to-Suffocation-Risk-Sold-at-T-J-Maxx-Marshalls-and-Sierra