Fisher-Price Portable Play Yard Recall: Reports of Rails Collapsing
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a Fisher-Price Rainforest Portable Play Yard recall for about 200,000 “pack n play”-like products manufactured by Simplicity, Inc., which was liquidated last year after safety problems with many of their products.
The play yard recall was announced on January 15, 2009, after it was discovered that one or more of the rails could unexpectedly collapse, posing a potential fall hazard or risk of entrapment for children.
The portable play pens contain a bassinet, changing table and mobile features like wheels at one end, with model numbers 5310 RNF, 5310RNFC and 5310RNFW on a sticker under the product. They were sold throughout the United States since January 2007 for about $100, containing the Fisher-Price logo and Rainforest themed artwork.
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Learn MoreSimplicity, Inc., which manufactured the pac-n-play type pens, ceased all operations and had all assets sold at a public auction last year following a September 2007 recall of about 1 million defective baby cribs which injured or killed several babies.
All of Simplicity’s assets were purchased by SFCA, Inc., and the U.S. CPSC indicates that neither company has responded to their request that these products be recalled nor have they been responsive to consumer complaints involving problems with the Fisher-Price Portable Play Yards.
About 1,350 reports of problems with the Fisher-Price Rainforest Play Pens have been received involving one or more of the side rails collapsing. Several children have suffered bumps, bruises, cuts, concussions and broken bones.
In August 2008, months after Simplicity ceased operations, the U.S. CPSC issued a warning directly to parents about reports of problems with Simplicity bassinets after learning of at least two infant deaths caused by design defects which created a gap between the bassinett’s metal bars.
At that time, SFCA, Inc., failed to cooperate with the CPSC, but a number of large retailers voluntarily agreed to accept returns of the recalled bassinets, some of which were sold with the Graco label and Disney’s Winnie the Pooh characters.
For the Rainforest Portable Play Yards, Fisher-Price has agreed to replace any of the play pens that contain their logo, even though they did not manufacture or distribute the products.
Consumers have been urged to immediately stop using the portable play pens and to contact Fisher-Price at (800) 432-5437 or at www.service.mattel.com.
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34 Comments
cearaOctober 10, 2012 at 7:16 pm
I was given this pack and play by my sister in law about 8 months ago, and it was practically brand new. She had only used it a few times and we needed one... We had some issues with the sides putting it together, but I assumed all pack and plays were that way, since I struggle to put a few of them together...but today, go figure, after doing research for a gf of mine, bc I was going to give HER m[Show More]I was given this pack and play by my sister in law about 8 months ago, and it was practically brand new. She had only used it a few times and we needed one... We had some issues with the sides putting it together, but I assumed all pack and plays were that way, since I struggle to put a few of them together...but today, go figure, after doing research for a gf of mine, bc I was going to give HER my pack and play for her NEWBORN... I put my 10 month old son in it...and it collapsed (I watched the whole thing collapse with him inside it while I was making him a bottle from the kitchen) ...He started crying and it not only scared him, but he has a mark on his head from it. Im PISSED. All I know is Im scared to put my son back in it, but that was what he sleeps in. SOMEONE HELP?
DONNAJuly 1, 2012 at 6:03 am
I pruchased a Pac N Play 2 weeks ago. I Knew nothing about a recall. The first time I set it up everything worked like it was supposed to. I was happy to have my grandaughter stay the night with me. The second time I set it up one side would not lock into place. I tired over and over. My daughter tried, no luck. Then we were watching the evening news. We saw the clip about Pac N Plays were dangero[Show More]I pruchased a Pac N Play 2 weeks ago. I Knew nothing about a recall. The first time I set it up everything worked like it was supposed to. I was happy to have my grandaughter stay the night with me. The second time I set it up one side would not lock into place. I tired over and over. My daughter tried, no luck. Then we were watching the evening news. We saw the clip about Pac N Plays were dangerous. So now I must get something for my grandaught that she can sleep saftly and I can sleep.
mirandaApril 20, 2012 at 9:26 pm
I just bought one from a second hand store, not knowing there was a recall. Just call or email fisher price. They emailed me a printable label, your supposed to cut the 4 sides out of the pen & mail them prepaid back & you'll receive a refund check for $100. Hths.
VictoriaFebruary 6, 2012 at 10:14 pm
I purchased this Pac N Play two years ago for my grandson. I used it for about a year, and put it away. I now have a new grand-daughter, and when I set it up to use with her, my new daughter in law said not to use it for the new baby because it had been recalled. Now what do I do with this? It is still like new, sitting in it's bag, and now I am out the money and my investment? Now I have to go bu[Show More]I purchased this Pac N Play two years ago for my grandson. I used it for about a year, and put it away. I now have a new grand-daughter, and when I set it up to use with her, my new daughter in law said not to use it for the new baby because it had been recalled. Now what do I do with this? It is still like new, sitting in it's bag, and now I am out the money and my investment? Now I have to go buy another one for my new grand-daughter. Do I take it back to Babies R us where I purchased it? Ugh! I have always loved Fisher Price products, but will not trust this with my new grandbaby....and having another grandbaby next fall......what do I do? Frustrated!
SaraMarch 26, 2011 at 6:27 am
I received this as a shower gift and fortunately never had it collapse, but want a refund because of the danger that it posed for both of my children. I submitted my info several months ago(i think it was october 2010) and never received the envelope to mail it back! I'm going to pursue this now!
KathleenNovember 21, 2010 at 1:05 pm
this was a shower gift for my twins in April 2007, we never had a problem with it. I was researching in order to sell, but wow I had no idea there were so many problems with this, we loved it. Is it too late to get the refund from it? I will never sell or give away this pack & play.
cindyNovember 2, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Two years ago I call for the recall on my Playyard since then I have call more than once and I never got the mony back for the recall every time I call they ask for the same information over and over and I think it is about time I get a response. What can I do to get my money back.
ShellyAugust 29, 2010 at 3:50 am
Oddly enough I've had this pack n play since 08 when my daughter was born - I've only found out about this recall while searching online to find another mobile that came with it. I guess I'll be sending back the pnp and getting another one now. Kinda makes me sad since we actually have never had a problem with ours and had no idea there was one. Guess we were lucky. We had twins this time arou[Show More]Oddly enough I've had this pack n play since 08 when my daughter was born - I've only found out about this recall while searching online to find another mobile that came with it. I guess I'll be sending back the pnp and getting another one now. Kinda makes me sad since we actually have never had a problem with ours and had no idea there was one. Guess we were lucky. We had twins this time around and they both love the mobile. If anyone has the mobile and interested in selling it, we are looking for a second one. We use it on our crib and the pack n play, so even though we won't have the pnp, we will stil be able to use it (unless they require it to be sent back).
EmilyAugust 16, 2010 at 10:42 pm
I got ours in 08 when I was pregnant with our first baby, but I miscarried him and so it never got used. But I didnt want take it back at the time because I was only 21 and planned of course to have more kids in the future and so when I got pregnant in January 09' we of course planned on using it. When he was born in October of 09' we used it religiously...and everyday if I even bumped it as I was[Show More]I got ours in 08 when I was pregnant with our first baby, but I miscarried him and so it never got used. But I didnt want take it back at the time because I was only 21 and planned of course to have more kids in the future and so when I got pregnant in January 09' we of course planned on using it. When he was born in October of 09' we used it religiously...and everyday if I even bumped it as I was getting him in or out it would collapse call it sleep deprivation or what have you but I never thought any thing of it and had never heard of the re-call. So we continued to use this product....and continued to have the arm fall daily! Any way when someone told me the baby's crib had been re-called I decided that maybe the playpen was too, so I researched and sure enough they both were. So 2 weeks ago I called and they said they would mail me a package to mail the sides back in with and yeah it has yet to be here!! And I read it takes 12 weeks to get?!? My son is 10 months old and we are sleeping on the floor with him because we have nowhere to put him! And the crib company is jacking me around too!!
JessJune 30, 2010 at 7:50 pm
For those of you saying you will still use it, that is not cool. This isn't one of those crazy recalls where a foam nose might pop off and your kid could possibly choke. This one is serious. And you can't really test the arms. I found that out myself. It's not about how hard you press on them...I'm really not sure what the deal is. But it will just randomly fall. Out of nowhere. And of course, it'[Show More]For those of you saying you will still use it, that is not cool. This isn't one of those crazy recalls where a foam nose might pop off and your kid could possibly choke. This one is serious. And you can't really test the arms. I found that out myself. It's not about how hard you press on them...I'm really not sure what the deal is. But it will just randomly fall. Out of nowhere. And of course, it's gonna be when you are busy and the kid is hanging on it at the same time. Cut it up, get your $100 and move on.
ElizabethApril 8, 2010 at 4:01 pm
I just called the Kolecraft number and they are sending me a recall repair kit. However, I still do not feel safe with putting my daughter in this. I only use it really as a time out area and when I am cooking I put her in it so that she doesn't get hurt by the stove however I am starting to think that letting her run around while I cook is safer then putting her in something that is made in Chi[Show More]I just called the Kolecraft number and they are sending me a recall repair kit. However, I still do not feel safe with putting my daughter in this. I only use it really as a time out area and when I am cooking I put her in it so that she doesn't get hurt by the stove however I am starting to think that letting her run around while I cook is safer then putting her in something that is made in China and the rails collapes. I have noticed that this has been happening now for a few weeks and at first I thought that she was able to do the button on it but after seeing it happen while we were watching tv thank God she was sitting on the couch with me I knew there was something wrong.
KathleenApril 2, 2010 at 1:15 pm
I am upset that I went out of my way to go out and make sure that I had every piece of the Rainforest collection and now whenever they finally decide to send me the envelope to mail the sides in, the largest piece of the Rainforest collection...won't be the Rainforest collection since it is a discontinued design. Very disappointing!!
MelissaDecember 8, 2009 at 9:26 pm
I had spent my babyshower money on this pack and play back in 2008. I didnt really have any problems with it at first. i had it up for a good while but my child never really seemed to wanna be in it very often. but whemn i did have him in it i noticed the one end wouldnt stay up, it kept falling down. i just go tfrustrated i took it down and put it away. well now that he is 19 months old and star[Show More]I had spent my babyshower money on this pack and play back in 2008. I didnt really have any problems with it at first. i had it up for a good while but my child never really seemed to wanna be in it very often. but whemn i did have him in it i noticed the one end wouldnt stay up, it kept falling down. i just go tfrustrated i took it down and put it away. well now that he is 19 months old and starting to hit the terrible 2 stage i got it back out. i put it up and it was ok for the first 2 minutes. when i turned around to get his blanket and pillow I heard a thud, I turned back around and the side had collapsed and he fell. now I get online to look up a number to see about gettin it fixed and i see that it has been recalled.......go figure..... now I'm out my money and a pack and play.
TracyDecember 1, 2009 at 4:12 pm
My daughter has been peeling and eating the monkey decals on the inside of the play yard. She can not be left alone in her play yard.
DulceOctober 10, 2009 at 2:55 am
yes i recieved the check for $106.99 about 3 weeks ago, i sent in all four sides of the play yard, i got the label in my email - first it went to spam and it was deleted but i called fisher price and they sent me a new label but you have to check your spam folder.
LeeAnnOctober 6, 2009 at 9:08 pm
I purchased this item september of 2008. One day I walked into my daughters room to see one side collapsed on her!!!! So I looked around and found that there was a recall on it. TAKE IT TO BABIES R US THEY GIVE YOU A 135 DOLLAR IN STORE CREDIT I PAID $50 MORE DOLLARS ALONG WITH MY IN STORE CREDIT AND BOUGHT A NICE CHERRY WOOD CRIB!!!!!
leanneSeptember 19, 2009 at 4:55 pm
I have purchased this item as well and like most of the comments here, I have faced the same problem.. the rails are collapsing and its really dangerous! I am planning to send the parts that they have asked from the RECALL website (www.service-mattel.com) but I dont totally understand what are the exact parts to be sent. PLEASE HELP!!! What are these four parts? 1. 2. 3. 4. And has anyone receiv[Show More]I have purchased this item as well and like most of the comments here, I have faced the same problem.. the rails are collapsing and its really dangerous! I am planning to send the parts that they have asked from the RECALL website (www.service-mattel.com) but I dont totally understand what are the exact parts to be sent. PLEASE HELP!!! What are these four parts? 1. 2. 3. 4. And has anyone received the check?
KathyAugust 16, 2009 at 10:03 am
I'm also wondering has anyone actually recieved a check yet?? I have a 6month old and am scared to put him in this thing!
Nekro_GAugust 11, 2009 at 12:16 am
Has anyone actually recieved a check yet? just curious were waiting on our label.. We Have an 8 month old daughter & ours collapsed on one side a bunch of times.... im very upset and hope there is a class action suit.... our childs lives were put in danger and thats cold....
sarahAugust 10, 2009 at 9:14 pm
We received the rain forest pack n play in summer of 2008 as a gift after the birth of our son. The rails started collapsing a few months later. We used it to store his clothes and toys because it didn't seem safe for him to sleep in. I recently tried to fix the rails to no avail. I found this recall story after searching for other parents that may have experienced similar problems with this pl[Show More]We received the rain forest pack n play in summer of 2008 as a gift after the birth of our son. The rails started collapsing a few months later. We used it to store his clothes and toys because it didn't seem safe for him to sleep in. I recently tried to fix the rails to no avail. I found this recall story after searching for other parents that may have experienced similar problems with this playpen. I too intend to remove the side panels and wait on a refund. After wrestling with this thing for months, its a relief to know its not a complete loss.
Bob & InnaAugust 8, 2009 at 3:35 am
I have experienced all the above symtoms. We got lucky, when ours had the side collapse, our 1 yesr old slipped out of the playyard. Luckily she was not hurt and she was sitting next to the play yard when we found her. It all happened in the space of a minute. We were at a friends house at an outdoor cookout and she was in the grass courtyard. The grass had been treated with an anti mosquito spr[Show More]I have experienced all the above symtoms. We got lucky, when ours had the side collapse, our 1 yesr old slipped out of the playyard. Luckily she was not hurt and she was sitting next to the play yard when we found her. It all happened in the space of a minute. We were at a friends house at an outdoor cookout and she was in the grass courtyard. The grass had been treated with an anti mosquito spray. She was sitting in the grass on a blanket that the covered the grass ith. She was within an arms length of the grass. As we all know babies want to put evertything in thier mouths, so we got lucky that we saw her within seconds of her falling/climbing out of the play yard. It's a shame we have trusted our toys and products to the Chinese.We waste so much money on stuff that lasts a year and has to be replaced constantly.
tanishaJune 24, 2009 at 12:21 am
i have removed all the sides from my play yard and mailed them in for a refund only i have not gotten any news back from them yet but hopefully soon so that i can buy another one for outside use this summer
kimApril 21, 2009 at 9:26 pm
My granddaughters use this and i'm very upset to think that at any time they may be harmed or killed with this product. They also have the other things that went with the rainforest set, what will my daughter do with those now the things won't match.
SheaneanApril 6, 2009 at 7:58 pm
My Mother-in-law purchaced this playard for my Grandson for Christmas. The first time we set it up at our house, it started caving. We thought we had made a mistake when we put it together, so we fixed it and went on. The bottom of ours actually gave way first. It had come unlocked and was folding itself back up. After securing it, it happened again. Then, after seeing that it was on recall, I set[Show More]My Mother-in-law purchaced this playard for my Grandson for Christmas. The first time we set it up at our house, it started caving. We thought we had made a mistake when we put it together, so we fixed it and went on. The bottom of ours actually gave way first. It had come unlocked and was folding itself back up. After securing it, it happened again. Then, after seeing that it was on recall, I set it up and tested it myself. I rattled the sides, much like a toddler would do, and guess what...the top rail collapsed and a washer fell out of it from somewhere...?.... I'm not happy about having to cut it up and send it back for a refund that may take 3 months to get, but...what else can I do? The store (Babies-R-Us) refuses to take it back. I was told that if you have the reciept (which WE don't) and the yard was more than $100, send it with the panels and they will reimburse the full amount of the original cost. I will not buy anything by Simplicity again. It has taught me a lesson....not even big, popular names are always safe. Why would a big name like Fisher Price trust their name to another company ..in China?? Money. They really should have tested the design before mass marketing it to make sure it was worthy of the Fisher Price name, Or, they should have manufactured them themselves!
KatherineMarch 26, 2009 at 5:51 pm
I am happy for a refund. I will use it to buy my daughter a big girl bed!
sarahMarch 20, 2009 at 3:15 am
i to have this product and have never had a problem with it we have been using it for 20 months now. i agree with what someone else said i don't have 12 weeks to wait for a check to replace it. i'm a stay at home mom so a $100 is a lot of money for us.
JenFebruary 7, 2009 at 11:33 pm
I have two of these pack and plays. I bought one for my daughter to use for naptime at her child care location and one for use at my home or when we travel. The pack and plays were purchased within days of one another at the same retail store. The one at the child care location has NEVER collapsed. The one I use at home has collapsed numerous, however my daughter has never been injured. We as[Show More]I have two of these pack and plays. I bought one for my daughter to use for naptime at her child care location and one for use at my home or when we travel. The pack and plays were purchased within days of one another at the same retail store. The one at the child care location has NEVER collapsed. The one I use at home has collapsed numerous, however my daughter has never been injured. We assumed we just had a faulty play yard and intended to purchase another. We will now go through the process of returning it to Fisher Price and will purchase another product to use in the meantime. I, like everyone else am upset with the faulty craftsmanship, but I think people need to keep in mind that Fisher Price does not manufacture this product. The product was manufactured by Simplicity (which has since been purchased by another company, which has not even responded to the customer complaints and certainly is not offering a refund, partial or otherwise). Despite this, Fisher Price is offering to refund a large portion of the purchase price if the item is shipped to them. I understand those who say that they use their play yard daily, we do as well. If you are concerned for your child's safety and plan not to use this pack and play because of the safety issues, I assume that you will do without one or purchase another brand. If so, why not cut up the Fisher Price model and send it back. The refund will take time, but ultimately, if you intended to purchase another brand immediately to replace the defective one, why not take the refund even if it comes later?
AshleyFebruary 1, 2009 at 12:44 am
I have a 7 month old with GER (infant heartburn) and he has been sleeping in this playpen since he was born. I prop it up slightly with a book on one end. This is what the pediatrician told me to do as her son also has GER. I've never once had any problems with any of the rails collapsing. I will stop using it for sleeping in since he can now situp and the bottom is for playing but I don't plan on[Show More]I have a 7 month old with GER (infant heartburn) and he has been sleeping in this playpen since he was born. I prop it up slightly with a book on one end. This is what the pediatrician told me to do as her son also has GER. I've never once had any problems with any of the rails collapsing. I will stop using it for sleeping in since he can now situp and the bottom is for playing but I don't plan on returning it as long as I don't notice any problems. I will test the rails myself and see if they collapse when I push down on them hard. His crib is also made by simplicity.
DesireeJanuary 30, 2009 at 12:06 am
I am so angry...its a peice of crap the rails keep falling...i would put my newborn in there to sleep and just like that at the drop of a dime it would collaspe.It was a gift so i didnt say anything but now i see that its a problem every where! IT ISN'T SAFE!! AT ALL.... VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!
CarlyJanuary 27, 2009 at 5:02 pm
I purchased this item at the end of 2007. Our newborn slept in it from the night he came home till 3 months old. We moved him to his crib when the arms started collapsing. I didnt bother taking it back because i thought it was user error. We use this on a daily basis and i cant wait 12 weeks to get a check. Plus we spent more then 100 on it. This is ridiculous. There is going to be a lawsuit.
StephanieJanuary 24, 2009 at 9:33 pm
I bought one of these in July 2008 from Toys R Us and have had trouble with it since the beginning. I tried repeatedly to contact someone for technical support at the number that was sent with the unit. I was never able to get through. The rails on two sides of the pack and play collapse at the slightest touch - very dangerous!! I stopped using mine before the recall but in my opinion the tech[Show More]I bought one of these in July 2008 from Toys R Us and have had trouble with it since the beginning. I tried repeatedly to contact someone for technical support at the number that was sent with the unit. I was never able to get through. The rails on two sides of the pack and play collapse at the slightest touch - very dangerous!! I stopped using mine before the recall but in my opinion the technical support number should have had a warning message so that those who called about the problems would have known to stop using them right away months ago!!!!! And it's true, it's not worth risking injury to your child!!!!!!
HopeJanuary 22, 2009 at 11:26 pm
i called and they want you to cut up your play yard on the 3 sides with the mesh and the brown back panle and hey will send you a check in 12 weeks !!!! i use mine on a daily bases i cant go that long with out one
SusanJanuary 21, 2009 at 11:01 pm
I purchased for my granddaughter who was born August 18, 2008. I paid a little more than 100 dollars for it including tax, but willl have to take the 100 refund, plus all the trouble of cutting it up, packaging the remnants and trip to the post office to mail it off. I'm old enough and old fashioned enough to say I will never buy a Fisher Price product again. We need to hold these companies [Show More]I purchased for my granddaughter who was born August 18, 2008. I paid a little more than 100 dollars for it including tax, but willl have to take the 100 refund, plus all the trouble of cutting it up, packaging the remnants and trip to the post office to mail it off. I'm old enough and old fashioned enough to say I will never buy a Fisher Price product again. We need to hold these companies accountable and stand up for once.
erica and williamJanuary 19, 2009 at 5:47 am
My wife and I had our first child on 8/12/09. At the bridal shower our mother in law bought us the fisher price rainforest play yard. It failed allmost immeatley after assembling it. So we went to wal-mart and got a replacement play yard. Three weeks ago the arms collasped on that unit as well. Do not use this play yard it is not safe dont trust your kids with this inferrior play pen it's not[Show More]My wife and I had our first child on 8/12/09. At the bridal shower our mother in law bought us the fisher price rainforest play yard. It failed allmost immeatley after assembling it. So we went to wal-mart and got a replacement play yard. Three weeks ago the arms collasped on that unit as well. Do not use this play yard it is not safe dont trust your kids with this inferrior play pen it's not worth your childs life.