Latest Updates
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]
Sam & Jo and Sam & Jo Organic Styles
The Sam & Jo brand includes 6 recalled style numbers: CL00871, CL00890, CL00903, CL00906, CL00983, and CL00984. The Sam & Jo Organic brand includes 1 style number: CL01066.
Multi-Brand Recall Affecting 38 Styles
The comprehensive recall encompasses 38 total style numbers across Dylan & Abby, First Wish, First Wish Organic, Harry & Me, Little Red Caboose, Piper & Posie, Sam & Jo, Sam & Jo Organic, Shabby Chic, and Willow Blossom brands. All products share the identical manufacturing defect in neck opening dimensions.
Labeling and Identification
Brand names and sizes appear on two separate labels sewn at the backs of the necks. Style numbers are printed on labels located on the inside side seams behind the care labels.
Front Zipper Designs
The recalled bags zip up the middle or to the side of the front panels. Zipper placement varies by design but all affected units share the oversized neck opening defect.
Pattern and Design Variations
The bags were manufactured in numerous patterns including animals, dinosaur bones, splatter paint, circus themes, construction vehicles, cars, florals, clouds, robots, stars, dino dudes, monsters, and firetrucks. Design variety masked the underlying consistent sizing defect across all styles.
Distributed Through Major Retailers
Products reached consumers through T.J. Maxx and Marshalls physical stores nationwide plus online sales via tjmaxx.com, marshalls.com, and sierra.com. The multi-channel distribution spread defective inventory widely between April 2018 and February 2021.
International Manufacturing Sources
Production occurred in both China and India facilities. Geographic separation of manufacturing operations did not prevent the systematic sizing error affecting all brands and styles.
Airway Obstruction Mechanism
When infants slip downward through improperly sized openings, fabric envelops their faces blocking nasal and oral airways. The soft material conforms to facial contours preventing air passage.
Infant Immobility Risk Factor
Infants aged 0-6 months cannot physically remove fabric covering their faces due to limited motor control and strength. Developmental immaturity creates complete dependence on proper product sizing for airway safety.
Dimensional Quality Control Failure
TJX failed to implement measurement protocols verifying neck opening circumferences matched infant anthropometric data for the 0-6 month age range. Systematic lack of dimensional inspection allowed defective units across all 38 styles to reach consumers.
Pattern Grading Error
Manufacturing patterns for the neck openings were improperly graded for the smallest size category. The sizing miscalculation affected production across both manufacturing countries and all brand variations.
Refund or Store Credit Options
Consumers receive either full monetary refunds or TJX store gift cards. Online purchasers contact ecommercecustomerservice@tjx.com or 833-888-0776 while in-store buyers contact customerservice@tjx.com or 800-926-6299.
Multi-Brand Production Oversight
TJX’s simultaneous production of 10 different brand names with 38 style variations demonstrates inadequate centralized quality control. Proper oversight requires consistent dimensional verification regardless of branding or design aesthetics.
Implied Warranty Violations
Selling sleep bags with neck openings exceeding safe infant dimensions breaches merchantability warranties. Products marketed for specific age ranges must conform to safety requirements for those developmental stages.
Contact an Attorney
If your infant experienced breathing difficulties or near-asphyxiation in Sam & Jo or other recalled sleep bags, contact a product liability attorney. Preserve the product with intact labels and all documentation.
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