In 1998, just a few months apart, two little boys died when the same model of a Playskool Travel-Lite portable crib collapsed and strangled them. Although they lived many miles apart and did not know each other, they share a tragic legacy: They are both victims of a recalled product.
At least 19 children have died in collapsed portable cribs or play yards with rotating top-rail hinges.
So far, the Travel-Lite has claimed six lives—one death for every 2,000 units sold.
To access a streaming video demonstration of the product, click on the image at left and scroll to the the bottom of the report.
A recall or a corrective action had been issued for other portable cribs and play yards for various reasons such as risk of serious injury or death if mis-assembled; choking or entanglement hazards; head entrapment or suffocation; and risk of injury from tipping when legs on the product become loose and separate.
19 Deaths—The Horrific Legacy of the Playskool Travel-Lite Portable Crib
Playskool Travel-Lite
Arnold, 1991
Elissa, 1992
Elizabeth, 1993
William, 1995
Daniel, 1998
William, 1998
Baby Trend
Zachary, 1993
Jordon, 1994
Troy, 1996
Dominick 1999
Riley, 2000
Ethan, 2001
Century
Nicholas, 1996
14 mo old girl, 2005
Euan, 2007
Evenflo
Tyler, 1994
Ashton, 1995
Jared, 1997
2 year old boy, 2003
Danny’s Story
On May 12, 1998, 16-month-old Daniel Keysar was strangled to death at his licensed childcare facility when a Playskool Travel-Lite portable crib collapsed, trapping his neck in the “V” of its folded rails.
Aiden’s Story
Aiden suffocated on the crib bumper pad in his crib. He was six months old. "My beloved grandson was literally the light of my life."
Ellie’s Story
Ellie died when the changing table attachment on a play yard came down on the back of her neck as she stood up. She was thirteen months old.
Liam’s Story
Liam died when he was entrapped by the defective drop-side of his crib. He was nine months old.
Jared’s Story
Jared was strangled when the top rails of his portable crib collapsed. He was eight months old.
Riley’s Story
Riley was strangled when the side rail of her portable crib collapsed around her neck. She was 10 months old.
Ethan’s Story
Ethan died just months after Riley when he was strangled in the same type portable crib. He was eight months old.