Skull fractures prompt recall of 2M infant seats

More than 2 million infant bathing seats are being recalled after reports of four infants sustaining skull fractures in falls when the frame came unhinged.

In the recall notice, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the manufacturer Summer Infant Inc. of Woonsocket, R.I., said four children between 2 weeks and 2 months old received skull fractures, including one that required intensive care for bleeding on the brain. The fifth child received a bump to the head requiring emergency room treatment.

The notice identifies the bathing seat as the Mother's Touch / Deluxe Baby Bather sold at mass merchandise stores nationwide and online from September 2004 through November 2011. The bathers were manufactured in China.

The notice said falls can occur when the bather is lifted and/or carried with an infant in it. The folding wire frame can suddenly disengage from the side hinge, dropping the baby.

Consumers are advised to stop using the bathing seat and contact Summer Infant for a free repair kit, either by visiting the firm's website at www.summerinfant.com/batherrepairkit or calling 800-426-8627.

Visit www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12262.html for further information.