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New Safety Instructions for Combo Baby Tubs/Step Stools

Feb. 27, 2003

The First Years Inc. is providing a new instruction sheet for 120,000 "2-In-1 Fold-Away Tub and Step Stools." When used as a tub, babies' body parts can be pinched if the product's footrest is not fully extended so that it clicks into place firmly.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and The First Years have received 20 reports of babies being pinched while using these tubs, including one bruising of a baby boy's genitalia and 10 reports of abrasions to toes and feet. This recall to replace the stools' instructions is being conducted to prevent further incidents.

These "2-In-1 Fold-Away Tub and Step Stools," have model number 3141 written on the underside of the base. The product is a folding baby bathtub that can be used as a step stool for an older child. In the step stool position, the top of the turquoise lid has raised lettering stating "the first years" followed near the bottom of the lid with the two statements, "MAXIMUM LOAD/POIDS MAXIMUM: 200lbs/90kg" and "USE ONLY ON A LEVEL SURFACE. N'UTILISER QUE SUR UNE SURFACE PLANE." In the bathtub position, the seat back has a purple pad. The base and footrest are both white. Also, on the underside of the base is a tiny raised clock showing the year of manufacture of the product (i.e., "9?9") surrounded by the numbers of the clock. Only products bearing date codes 1999 and 2000 ("9?9" or "0?0") are included in this program.

Mass merchants nationwide sold these bathtub/stools between January 1999 and February 2002 for about $17.

Consumers should not use the bathtub until they receive revised instructions on the use of the tub to prevent the pinching hazard. Consumers should contact The First Years at (800) 533-6708 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive free revised instructions and a warning label to attach to the product. Consumers can also visit the firm's web site at www.thefirstyears.com

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