Consumer Reports calls for Cosco baby jumper recall

Cosco Jump, Spin & Play Activity Centers for babies pose a risk due to straps that can break or become displaced, according to Consumer Reports, which has called for a recall of the products.

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Independent watchdog Consumer Reports is advocating for the recall of a baby jumper manufactured by a subsidiary of Columbus-based Dorel Juvenile Group Inc., due to multiple complaints that children could potentially be injured due to support straps breaking.

Consumer Reports said the Cosco Jump, Spin & Play Activity Centers sold at Walmart, Coscokids.com, Ebay.com and other retailers pose dangers to children and should be removed from the market.

“Because of the risk to babies’ safety posed by this activity center, Consumer Reports’ safety experts are recommending that parents stop using it and that the product be recalled,” Consumer Reports said in a statement.

Consumer Reports said Dorel declined to comment. The Republic also reached out to Dorel for comment.

According to Consumer Reports, complaints about the product were posted online in the product descriptions at walmart.com, coscokids.com, and elsewhere. Complaints included “parents and caregivers who say the support straps of the bouncing play center either tore or became unhooked while their babies were in it,” Consumer Reports said.

“Some cases were close calls, where babies suddenly dangled sideways out of the partially connected seat but were unhurt. In other cases, babies fell to the floor. Many injuries are mentioned; fortunately, none appeared to be life-threatening. Such posts appeared as early as January 2021,” according to Consumer Reports.

“The manufacturer describes the product as ‘the perfect place to keep your baby entertained’ and says it’s appropriate for little ones up to 25 pounds or 30 inches tall,” CR said. “… But over 30 reviews say one or more of these straps suddenly tore in two, causing the seat to dangle sideways or fall. About 20 other reviews mention one or more of the straps coming completely unhooked from the frame structure.”

As of Thursday evening, 39 consumers had reviewed the product on the coscokids.com website. Of those, 32 gave the product just the lowest rating — one star out of a possible five — with the majority claiming straps breaking or other claimed defects.