"How ya like me now, CPSC?" Beco Butterfly carrier, retro-fitted and ready to roll.
Our 7 Days of Baby Carriers series from earlier this year prompted a bunch of comments from you, in particular a heated debate over whether the ERGO (our pick) offered more bang for the buck than the equally popular and high-end Beco carrier. Well, the jury's still out, opinion-wise, but in checking the weekly barrage of baby-product recalls from the CPSC, we stumbled across a recent tidbit that at least makes us feel OK that we picked the ERGO when we did. In late April, Beco issued a voluntary recall of its Butterfly infant carriers (models purchased between January and Feb. 28, 2008), but the good news is that it's not only begun issuing retro-fit kits to correct the issue; it's also devoted many of its recent blog posts to keeping customers informed. (If only bigger companies exercised such care.)
If you haven't already gotten word from your retailer, here's the deal: According to the recall, the buckles on the Butterfly's shoulder straps can unexpectedly release tension, causing the straps to slip through and posing a fall hazard to babies. No injuries have been reported so far (and in all, we're talking around 2,000 total units shipped), but Beco received eight reports of the straps slipping through and has decided to pull the item.
As always, you can stay up to date on the complete list of CSPC infant/child recalls here, and the complete (and even scarier) list of toy recalls here. And if you purchased a Beco Butterfly during the months in question but haven't yet been tipped to this recall or received a retro-fit kit, you can contact Beco toll-free at 888-943-8232 weekdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST, or visit the company's website at becobabycarrier.com.
