Drop Side Crib Recall: LaJobi Bonavita and Babi Italia Cribs
Nearly 5,000 drop side cribs manufactured by LaJobi have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after repeated reports of the drop sides falling off and slats breaking. This could cause an infant to become entrapped, strangled or fall from the crib.
About 2,900 LaJobi Babi Italia “Pinehurst” and Bonavita “Hudson” cribs were recalled because of defective drops sides that can pop out of the tracks and detach from the cribs, creating a hazardous gap between the drop side and the crib mattress. Another 2,000 LaJobi Bonavita “Cabana” drop side cribs were recalled because the wooden slats can detach or break, creating a gap.
LaJobi has received reports of at least 16 incidents where the Bonavita “Cabana” crib slats failed and another 33 incidents where the Babi Italia “Pinehurst” or Bonavita “Hudson” drop side detached. At least two children became trapped due to the defects and a third fell from their crib.
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Learn MoreThe baby crib recalls are likely to add fuel to a spreading move against the drop side crib design, which features one side that lowers to allow the parent easier access to the child.
Since 2007, there have been at least 23 major drop side crib recalls involving millions of cribs that contained different defects associated with the lowering side, where dangerous gaps were created that allow children to become trapped. At least five infant deaths in the United States have been associated with drop side cribs that were later recalled.
In April, Toys “R Us announced that they are phasing out drop side crib designs and several major crib manufacturers agreed in March to support a proposed ban on new drop side cribs.
The baby cribs are often made with inexpensive, less durable parts, and the drop mechanisms have been prone to fail, particularly when the crib is disassembled and reassembled.
According to the U.S. CPSC, the recalled Pinehurst and Hudson cribs were sold between December 2006 and December 2007. The Babi Italia Pinehurst models were sold exclusively at Babies R Us and the Bonavita Hudson were sold at Baby Basics, Beautiful Beginnings, Buy Buy Baby and other children product stores. Both models retailed for about $300.
The Bonavta Cabana cribs were sold between January 2006 and May 2009 for about $450 at USA Baby, Beautiful Beginnings, Buy Buy Baby and other specialty stores.
Parents and caregivers have been urged to immediately stop using the recalled cribs and to contact LaJobi for replacement side rails or to arrange repairs. LaJobi can be reached at (866) 688-9009.
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13 Comments
BrandiOctober 10, 2010 at 9:10 pm
We purchased a Baby Italia Pinehurst crib in 2008. It was manufactured in 11/07, and the PO 3632 was not part of the recall. However, we had several issues with the drop down side, and we chose not to move it up/down. I believe there is an issue with it, and Baby Italia should provide the fix kit to secure the side in place to all who want it. I have contacted them and made this request. I sugg[Show More]We purchased a Baby Italia Pinehurst crib in 2008. It was manufactured in 11/07, and the PO 3632 was not part of the recall. However, we had several issues with the drop down side, and we chose not to move it up/down. I believe there is an issue with it, and Baby Italia should provide the fix kit to secure the side in place to all who want it. I have contacted them and made this request. I suggest others do it too.
RachelJune 24, 2010 at 3:31 pm
I have a Babi Italia crib (don't remember the name) that my husband and I bought in the Spring of 2003. The dropside rail and the toddler bed converstion rail both have a difficult time staying on track. Often, I just left it and picked up child. It was just easier than dealing with the track everytime! It never splintered or broke, but was incoonvient. I'm 7 months pregnant right now and will be[Show More]I have a Babi Italia crib (don't remember the name) that my husband and I bought in the Spring of 2003. The dropside rail and the toddler bed converstion rail both have a difficult time staying on track. Often, I just left it and picked up child. It was just easier than dealing with the track everytime! It never splintered or broke, but was incoonvient. I'm 7 months pregnant right now and will be putting this same crib back up in the coming months. If was notice any more serious defect I guess we'll need to stop using it, we just can't financially afford to buy something else new right now. Considering I spent $1300 on the crib and dresser the first time! I guess you don't always get what you pay for.
AngeJune 4, 2010 at 5:59 pm
I have a Bonavita Monroe dropside crib. I used it fro my first son who is now 4, and i am now using it for my new baby. I have had no problems with my dropside failing, but from personal experiance, 'moving parts' will not hold up forever. I wouldn't trust any crib that has been disassembled and reassembled moe than a couple times, and if i were to have more children after this one, I would defina[Show More]I have a Bonavita Monroe dropside crib. I used it fro my first son who is now 4, and i am now using it for my new baby. I have had no problems with my dropside failing, but from personal experiance, 'moving parts' will not hold up forever. I wouldn't trust any crib that has been disassembled and reassembled moe than a couple times, and if i were to have more children after this one, I would definately buy a new crib... a 5 year old crib is my limit!
LauraApril 15, 2010 at 3:36 am
I have used a La Jobi Bonavita crib for both of my children, and the drop side has never given me any problems. I was surprised to learn that so many Bonavita cribs had been recalled, since I have been so pleased with the sturdiness of the one I own.
DanielleMarch 11, 2010 at 12:07 am
I purchased the babi italia crib Carmilla natural from babies r us in 2000 and eventually took it down because my son no longer needed it. I had a baby in september of 09 and put the crib back together and now the drop rail is not working right it is falling down and the spring pin is not working, the rail keeps going off the track! We have tried to oil the spring pin thinking that was the probl[Show More]I purchased the babi italia crib Carmilla natural from babies r us in 2000 and eventually took it down because my son no longer needed it. I had a baby in september of 09 and put the crib back together and now the drop rail is not working right it is falling down and the spring pin is not working, the rail keeps going off the track! We have tried to oil the spring pin thinking that was the problem due to the crib not being used for 7 yrs or more but now i am convinced it is truly broke and a huge safety issue. These cribs are not cheap and they are NOT SAFE, how do i handle this issue, is there someone i can call and will they handle this issue?
MicheleJanuary 27, 2010 at 8:17 pm
I have a Babi Italia crib that I recently purchaced. I was not aware of the recall, but I have been having problems with the drop side popping out of the tracks and recently the pull out storage space at the bottom fell out. I tightened everything again, but I will be calling the company to complain.
JaymeNovember 25, 2009 at 1:08 am
I have the Babi Italia scandi crib and I also had the drop side break and trap my baby. Fortunatly I was just out side her bedoom door and she was big enough to not get hurt. It just scared me half to death ! They sent me new drop sides, but after reading that it happened to someone twice I will be buying a new crib !
jamieNovember 17, 2009 at 12:45 am
I also have the babi italia scandi crib and the same thing happened to us...twice! we have already had one dropside end sent to us, but it just happened again!! this is ridiculous!
mariaOctober 14, 2009 at 5:15 am
I receive the LaJobi Babi Italia scandi crib in dec 2008. About 1 year later, the dropside also got detached and the wood splintered around the track. I talked to a rep at LaJobi waiting to see what happen because the parts are not made anymore..
ChrisAugust 27, 2009 at 2:51 am
I have a Lajobi Bonavita Josephine style crib, the drop side has a broken slat so there is space for entrapment and no way to put the rail back on. I have contacted Lajobi numerous times, at one point they were sending us a new rail when it did not arrive we called again just to be told our rep no longer worked there and no parts are available
KarenAugust 11, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I bought the LaJobi Babi Italia scandi crib in Sept 2008. About 1 year later, the dropside also got detached and the wood splintered around the track. I talked to a rep at LaJobi and they are sending me a new dropside and end board (as it got all scraped up as well). They seemed very nice and responsive on the phone. I have a tracking number for the fedex. I will update my comment once I rece[Show More]I bought the LaJobi Babi Italia scandi crib in Sept 2008. About 1 year later, the dropside also got detached and the wood splintered around the track. I talked to a rep at LaJobi and they are sending me a new dropside and end board (as it got all scraped up as well). They seemed very nice and responsive on the phone. I have a tracking number for the fedex. I will update my comment once I receive the replacement parts. Mandee - you may want to try and talk to Marianne who has been extremely responsive so far.
MandeeJune 25, 2009 at 1:36 am
I have had a problem with an older Lajobi Molly crib recalled in 2001 that I recently found out was recalled. I have contacted the company, they are apparently supposed to replace the panels but the woman I am dealing with through Lajobi is telling me to remove the labels on the crib and take photo's of it. This seems a little weird, then the crib is unidentifyable and she is not telling me the fu[Show More]I have had a problem with an older Lajobi Molly crib recalled in 2001 that I recently found out was recalled. I have contacted the company, they are apparently supposed to replace the panels but the woman I am dealing with through Lajobi is telling me to remove the labels on the crib and take photo's of it. This seems a little weird, then the crib is unidentifyable and she is not telling me the future steps in the recall process. I am weary to remove the label. The company just announced another huge recall so I am nervous maybe they are going brush me offbe going bankrupt or something and they are may. Any suggestions???
LauraJune 24, 2009 at 5:57 pm
I have a LaJobi crib that is not on the recall list but had the same thing happen. The drop rail screws pulled out of the wood and made a big hole in the wood. The track would not go up and down and made a gap between the matress and crib. It is an "Ashleigh" 4 in 1 convertible dropside that is Graco and was bought online through WalMart. I notified Lajobi via e-mail and phone and have had no reso[Show More]I have a LaJobi crib that is not on the recall list but had the same thing happen. The drop rail screws pulled out of the wood and made a big hole in the wood. The track would not go up and down and made a gap between the matress and crib. It is an "Ashleigh" 4 in 1 convertible dropside that is Graco and was bought online through WalMart. I notified Lajobi via e-mail and phone and have had no resolution yet.