Child's Entrapment Death Prompts Big Lots Recall of Metal Futon Bunk Beds

Recall Date
2011-06-16
Manufacturer
Big Lots, of Columbus, Ohio
Units Affected
About 30,000

Products Involved

Metal Futon Bunk Beds

Hazard

Children behind the futon or in the ladder area of the bunk bed can get entrapped when the futon and its metal frame are lowered from the seated to the flat position. Also, the space between the last rung on the bunk bed's ladder and the futon mattress is too small, which can allow a child's body to pass through, but not the head, posing a head and neck entrapment hazard.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately stop using these bunk beds and contact Big Lots for a free repair kit that contains new ladders and other parts that consumers can install at home.

Reported Injuries

A three-year old Burlington, Iowa boy who died when he became entrapped at the head and neck in the recalled bunk bed in March of 2010. The weight of the futon's metal frame prevented the child from breathing and escaping. CPR was administered, but the child died at the hospital due to compression asphyxiation.

Sold At

Exclusively at Big Lots stores nationwide from January 2009 through April 2010 for about $200.

Manufactured In

China

Full Recall Description

The recall involves metal futon bunk beds with model number BFB1008 located on a label on the upper bunk support rail. The metal futon bunk beds have an upper bunk designed to hold a twin mattress. The bottom bunks have a convertible futon bed.

Data source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) via SaferProducts.gov.

For the most current recall information, check directly with CPSC or the manufacturer.

Last verified: 2026-03-28