IKEA recalls 58,00 play tents for safety hazard

What kid doesn’t love a play tent?  Remember those pop-up tents with rip-stop nylon and flexible rods that pop out of the package so aggressively they practically decapitate anyone standing too close? Dramatic play with an extra dab of drama. Tents can provide an exciting space for a creative child to conjure up many an enchanted adventure.

But the enchantment of IKEA’s BUSA style children’s folding tent has lost it’s luster. Ikea North America Service has just announced a recall of almost 58,000 multi-colored, cube-shaped playtents that were manufactured in Vietnam, exclusively for the well-known furniture establishment. Sold in IKEA stores across the USA and Canada, the tents have been found to have a potential laceration and puncture hazard. 

Three consumer reports cite that a steel rod from the tent’s frame broke, sending sharp ends of steel through the thin synthetic fabric during play. One child suffered an injury. Sold briefly from August through September 2011 at a cost of about $8.00 each, the quick recall is meant to address the safety concerns before any more harm comes to consumers.

Photo: CPSC

Here’s what to look for:

• Cloth label sewn into an interior tent seam
• Model #90192009, BUSA and IKEA are printed on the label
• Tent dimensions are : L 28.25 inch x W 28.25 inch X H 28.25

To be safe, stop using the tents and bring them to an IKEA store for a complete refund. IKEA can also be reached by toll-free phone at (888) 966-4532, or at their website here.

Canadian customers can view the recall information at Health Canada here. Health Canada's press release is available at here.