Gerry Baby Monitors Recalled

Nearly a million baby monitors by Gerry Baby Products Co. have been recalled as a fire hazard. The company will replace owners’ defective units.

The danger is caused by miswiring in Gerry’s Deluxe Baby Monitor Model 602 produced between June 1988 and May 1990. The monitors are easily identified by their gray and blue plastic cover (new models are white), as well as a date code.

One fatality was reported to the government agency, along with two other fires and 13 related complaints. Gerry stated that only an accident in the past summer- not the fatality - was determined to have been caused by its monitor.

Misuse of the device is also a cause of accidents, according to John Grosh, Gerry’s engineering quality manager. No monitor should be put in a crib among bedding because lack of ventilation can cause overheating, moisture can cause it to fail or an infant can strangle in the wires.

The monitors, which cost between $20 and $30 each, were sold at juvenile product and baby supply and department stores nationwide. Consumers who own Model 602 monitors should call the Thornton, Colo., company at (800) 672-6289 for instructions on how to get replacements.