Big Lots Futon Bunk Bed Recall Issued After Child’s Death

The death of a 3 year-old child from Iowa has led to the recall of about 30,000 Big Lots metal futon bunk beds. 

The Big Lots bunk bed recall was announced on June 16 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after determining that the futon bed has several design defects that may pose a serious hazard for young children.

According to the CPSC, in March 2010 a boy’s head and neck became entrapped in the metal frame of the bed as it was lowered from the seated position to the flat position. The heavy metal frame prevented the boy from being able to breath or free himself. The boy died at a hospital of compression asphyxiation despite attempts to save his life through CPR.

In addition to the risk of children getting trapped when the futon bed is lowered, the CPSC has determined that there is a dangerous space between the last rung on the bunk bed ladder and the futon matress. The space is large enough for a child’s body to pass through, but not large enough for their head, creating an additional head and neck entrapment risk.

The recall affects about 30,000 Big Lots metal futon bunk beds. The beds have a bottom bunk with a convertible futon bed and a top bunk sized for a twin mattress. All of the affected beds have a model number of BFB1008, which is located on a label on the upper bunk support rail. The beds were sold unassembled.

The recalled bunk beds were sold exclusively at Big Lots from January 2009 through April 2010 for about $200 and were made in China.

The CPSC recommends that consumers immediately stop using the bunk beds affected by the recall and contact Big Lots for a free repair kit, which includes parts that allows the consumer to repair the bed at home. Consumers with questions an call Big Lots at 1-866,5687 or visit the website at www.biglots.com.