Otteroo flotation rings - CPSC Warning

Stop Using Otteroo LUMI and MINI Infant Flotation Rings 

Drowning Hazard

Current models LUMI and MINI

Otteroo LUMI

Otteroo MINI

Discontinued models Version 1 and Version 2

Otteroo “Version 1” – Sold from 2014 to 2015

Otteroo “Version 2” – Sold from 2015 to 2018

There is a warning to stop using these floatation devices from Otteroo, that are pictured above. 

Why have these flotation rings been given this warning?

CPSC ( U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) has evaluated the Otteroo infant flotation rings and found that they can deflate both during storage or while in use. If they deflate, this can cause the baby's head to slide out of the product into the water, which can lead to serious injury or death.

What are the reported injuries to date?

CPSC states "One infant has died by drowning and one infant was seriously injured after slipping through an Otteroo infant flotation ring." 

The death happened in 2020 in the State of Maine the child was six-months old. 

The serious injury also was in 2020 in State of New York and the child was three-months old.

Additionally, CPSC is aware of 68 incidents where infants slipped through the head opening of the flotation ring and required immediate rescue by a caregiver.

What is the company doing?

These Otteroo infant flotation rings have been sold since January 2014 for between $24 to $40. To date, Otteroo has refused to agree to CPSC’s request for an acceptable recall.

Important to note 

Under section 6(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act, the CPSC is required to include with this press release any comments from the manufacturer or a summary thereof.  The company objects to this press release.  As summarized, the firm states,

"Otteroo neck floats come with thorough safety instructions and warnings which, if followed, will ensure safe use."

The firm states, "That these warnings make it clear that neck floats are meant to be used under close and constant adult supervision."

 The firm states, That like all inflatables, Otteroo neck floats are subject to damage, including holes which will result in deflation."

Otteroo states, "That it instructs parents to check for air leaks before each use because deflation can pose a drowning hazard if the adult is not within arm’s reach of the baby at all times."

The firm states that, "While it is deeply saddened by the two events mentioned in the press release, it appears that in both incidents, the infants were left alone in the bath for an extended period of time."

The firm states that, "Furthermore, there are inconsistencies and limited evidence concerning whether Otteroo neck floats were directly responsible."

Where are these devices being sold?

The Otteroo infant flotation rings are currently sold exclusively on www.otteroo.com. 

Previously they were also sold on Zulily.com and Amazon.com.

What are these products?

Both the MINI and LUMI are clear, inflatable rings designed to fit around the neck of an infant. Both of these clear flotation devices has the word “otteroo” is printed on the top of the rings. Also, these rings have an illustrated white otter with an inflatable ring around its neck printed on them. 

The earlier models (Version 1 and Version two) also are inflatable rings that fit around the neck of a baby, they also have the word “otteroo” and an illustrated white otter. These earlier versions are constructed of both clear and blue plastic materials.

CPSC Recommendations

Consumers should not to buy the Otteroo infant flotation rings. 

If you already own one of these rings, or purchased one, do not use it due to the drowning hazard and dispose of the product immediately. 

Additional recommendations

CPSC is urging consumers NOT to resell or donate the Otteroo infant flotation rings so other infants are not put in danger by the hazard.

How to report incidents to CPSC

Any incidents with the Otteroo infant flotation rings and any dangerous product or a product-related injury can be reported to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

My thoughts

It's hard to imagine a more difficult position for a company to be in, they have sold these devices for years and do not feel that they are at fault for any injuries. At the same time, parents trust that items being sold are safe for their families to use, especially for new babies.

I wish that these types of warnings were actual recalls - it helps to keep things clear for everyone how much of a risk there is. It is confusing to see warnings only.

Jacqui

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