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CPSC announced the size of the neck opening is too large for infants 0 to 6 months, which can allow an infant’s head to slip into and be covered by the sleep bag, posing a risk of suffocation. [1] No incidents or injuries have been reported. [1]
Oversized Neck Openings
The neck openings exceed safe dimensions for 0-6 month infants. The excessive circumference allows infant heads to slip through the openings into the interior of the sleep bags.
Heads Slip Into Sleep Bags
Infants’ heads can enter the oversized openings, pulling the fabric over their faces. Once inside the bags, infants cannot remove the fabric obstructing their airways.
Little Red Caboose Style Numbers
The Little Red Caboose brand includes 9 recalled style numbers: CL00756, CL00882, CL00899, CL00904, CL00905, CL00921, CL00924, CL00986, and CL00987. The style numbers appear on labels located on the inside side seams behind the care labels.
Ten Brand Names Recalled
The recall includes Dylan & Abby, First Wish, First Wish Organic, Harry & Me, Little Red Caboose, Piper & Posie, Sam & Jo, Sam & Jo Organic, Shabby Chic, and Willow Blossom. The brand names and sizes are printed on two separate labels at the backs of the necks.
Variety of Designs
The sleep bags were sold in various colors and designs including animals, dinosaur bones, splatter paint, circus designs, construction, cars, florals, clouds, robots, stars, dino dudes, monsters, and firetrucks. The bags zip up the middle or to the side of the front.
Sold April 2018 Through February 2021
The sleep bags sold at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores nationwide and online at tjmaxx.com, marshalls.com, and sierra.com for approximately $20. The three-year sales period distributed defective sleep bags across the United States.
Full Refund or Store Gift Card
TJX offers consumers a choice of a full refund or a store gift card. Different contact information is provided for online purchases versus in-store purchases.
Design Defect in Sizing
The sleep bags with neck openings too large for the stated age range are defectively designed. Infant sleep products must prevent fabric from covering faces during normal use.
Suffocation From Fabric Coverage
The fabric covering faces blocks noses and mouths, preventing breathing. Young infants lack the strength and coordination to remove fabric from their airways, leading to suffocation.
Failure to Test for Proper Fit
TJX failed to verify the neck openings matched 0-6 month infant sizing before sale. Reasonable testing requires measuring neck circumferences against infant growth standards.
Breach of Implied Warranty
TJX breached implied warranties by selling sleep bags unfit for safe infant sleep. The 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.
Contact an Attorney
If your infant suffered injuries or near-suffocation from Little Red Caboose 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 the oversized neck opening, medical records if the 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