Un-fucking believable Bumbo

Has this ever happened before? Has there ever in the history of recalls been a recall on a product that functions perfectly when used according to the manufacturers instructions? What dim-witted dip-shit thinks that gravity ceases to exist when they put their darling in a Bumbo seat? For those that keep an eye on their child while sitting on a raised surface - kudos. But to those whose famous last words were, “I just turned my head for a second”. I offer thee a swift kick in the pants.

They’re recalling the Bumbo because it’s dangerous when misused, no shit. Tons of things are dangerous when misused. Cat’s don’t come out well when you dry them in the dryer - even if you set it to “fluff”. And haircuts just aren’t the same with a lawn mower - if you don’t believe me go ahead and try it.

Serious Head Injuries Prompt Recall of Bumbo Baby Sitter Seats - New Warnings and Instructions to Be Provided To Consumers

Please go and get your new warning stickers lest your child receive a head injury from properly sitting in a chair.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Yes, you must stop using this chair because without the new warning stickers that are being issued that chair is a hazard to the human race and maybe even the whole planet. It could go off at any moment.

Name of Product: Bumbo “Baby Sitter” Seats

Units: About 1 million

Manufacturer: Bumbo International, of South Africa

Hazard: If the seat is placed on a table, countertop, chair, or other elevated surface, young children can arch their backs, flip out of the Bumbo seat, and fall onto the floor, posing a risk of serious head injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC has received 28 reports of young children falling out of the Bumbo Baby Sitter seat, including three skull fractures, which occurred when children fell out of chairs that had been placed on tables.

Description: The bottom of the children’s seat is round and flat with a diameter of about 15 inches. It is constructed of a single piece of molded foam and comes in yellow, blue, purple, pink, aqua, and lime green. The seat has leg holes and seat back that wraps completely around the child. On the front of the seat in raised lettering is the word “Bumbo” with the image of an elephant on top. The bottom of the seat has the following words: “Manufactured by Bumbo South Africa Material: Polyurethane World Patent No. PCT: ZA/1999/00030.” The back of the seat contains the following “WARNING” – “Never use on a raised surface. Never use as a car seat or bath seat. Designed for floor level use only. Never leave your baby unattended as the seat is not designed to be totally restrictive and may not prevent release of your baby in the event of vigorous movement.”

Did you notice that? In the description it says there is a warning on the back of the chair already…is it not big enough? Do they really think that if they make the letters bolder or something *that* will force people to read it? Actually I think it’s the wording. No one lacking in common fucking sense understands what a “raised surface” is, and I think all warnings should being with, “Don’t be a fucking dolt!”

Sold by: Target, Wal-Mart, Sears, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, USA Babies and various other toy and children’s stores nationwide, and various online sellers, from August 2003 through October 2007 for about $40.

Manufactured in: South Africa

Remedy: Consumers should never use the infant seat on a table, countertop, chair, or other elevated surface. Consumers can contact Bumbo to obtain new warning label stickers and instructions, free of charge. The new warning label will state: “WARNING – Prevent Falls; Never use on any elevated surface.” Consumers should use the Bumbo seat at ground level, but should never leave a child unattended.

Consumer Contact: Contact Bumbo International at (877) 932-8626 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.bumbosafety.com

That is a stupid remedy. First of all the original warning was much more descriptive and therefore better in my opinion, with exception to the “raised surface” bit. If they just used, “Never use as a car seat or bath seat. Designed for floor level use only.” from the original warning that would make perfect sense. But changing raised surface to elevated surface - dumb.

Other blogger posts about the Bumbo recall.

My past post on a diaper pin warning.