5,000 Infant Bath Seats Recalled For 'Drowning Risk'

A company is recalling about 5,000 units of infant bath seats because they pose a "drowning hazard" to babies.

According to the recall notice posted on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, the BATTOP foldable infant bath seats do not meet the federal safety standards for such products, which includes the stability requirements. As such, the product may tip over while being used, therefore, putting the babies at risk of drowning.

Infant bath seats are typically used in sinks, bathtubs or other similar enclosures to help provide support while bathing an infant, the CPSC noted. The purpose of the product, the agency explained, is to prevent "death and injuries, particularly drowning and near-drowning."

The requirements for infant bath seats include having a crotch restraint so children won't slide off of the seat, making sure that it is not painted on using paint with more than 0.009% lead and being tested for stability on both slip-resistant and smooth surfaces to make sure that it won't tip over.

Full Refund

So far, there have been no reports of injuries related to the recall, but those who have the product are being advised to stop using it. They may also contact the company to find out how to return it and get a full refund.

The products affected by the recall are made of plastic and come with gray, blue or green restraint bars. They have the Model Number BB2206 on a sticker along with the warning to never leave children unattended.

They were sold exclusively at Amazon From July to October 2020. Images of the affected infant bath seats are available on the CPSC website.

Safety Tips For Bathing An Infant

There are several ways to keep bath time safe for infants, Fairview Health Services said. This includes never leaving a baby alone in the bath since even just an inch of water can be deadly for them. If it's really necessary to leave the bathroom or wherever it is that you're bathing the child, it's best to just take the infant with you.

It's also important to test the water temperature first to make sure that it's not too hot, and to keep the infant dry as soon as the bath is over so they won't catch a chill. Make sure to only clean the parts of the baby that you can see, Fairview Health Services said, noting that you shouldn't poke babies' noses and ears with cotton swabs.