Bunk Beds Recalled after Toddler's Death

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission  has announced the recall of  about 30,000 metal futon bunk beds sold by Big Lots stores.

A three-year old was killed after his head and neck became stuck between the futon and the metal frame when the futon was lowered to make a bed.

The weight of the futon’s metal frame prevented the child from breathing and escaping and the child died due to compression asphyxiation.

The bunk beds have an additional hazard. The space between the last rung on the bunk bed’s ladder and the futon mattress is too small, which can allow a child’s body to pass through, but not the head, posing a head and neck entrapment hazard.

The recalled metal futon bunk beds were sold exclusively by Big Lots stores nationwide from January 2009 through April 2010 for about $200. They were sold unassembled, and were manufactured in China.

Consumers should immediately stop using these bunk beds and contact Big Lots for a free repair kit that contains new ladders and other parts that consumers can install at home.

For additional information, contact Big Lots toll-free at (866) 244-5687 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, e-mail the firm at talk2us@biglots.com or visit the firm’s website www.biglots.com