Baby video monitor maker recalls batteries over burn hazard

Summer Infant has announced a large recall of the rechargeable batteries used in its handheld colour video monitors, after receiving several reports of the batteries overheating.

About 800,000 units are involved in the recall. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says the rechargeable battery in the monitor can overheat and rupture, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

Summer Infant says it has received 22 reports of overheated and ruptured batteries, including incidents of smoke and minor property damage.

The batteries were used in several Summer Infant video monitor models, including the Baby Touch and the Best View.

Consumers are being advised to remove the battery immediately and contact Summer Infant for a replacement. The monitor can still be used on AC power with the power cord.

The monitors were sold at several large retailers in Canada and the U.S., including Babies “R” Us, online retailers and independent juvenile specialty stores, from about February 2010 through December, 2012.

Approximately 58,800 summer Infant video monitors were recalled in February 2011, for a different electrical issue.