Media Release:

Fake ERGO baby carriers pose serious safety risk

An illegal trade in potentially dangerous copies of a popular baby product has been discovered in Australia. Over the past few months, counterfeit versions of the immensely popular ERGObaby carrier have been offered for sale on online auction sites.

The Australian and New Zealand distributor of the product, Babes in Arms, has been campaigning to raise awareness of the fakes and to stop the products reaching unsuspecting consumers.

Babes in Arms Director, Anita Lincolne-Lomax, says that trusting parents are being deceived into buying a substandard product that poses a serious safety risk.

'Safety is a paramount consideration for parents when they're buying baby products. These copies are very convincing, and even the most discerning buyer could be fooled', says Anita.

'The prices being asked for the counterfeit ERGObaby carriers are not that much cheaper than the genuine product. Clever fakes may save a few dollars initially but the potential cost in terms of safety is incalculable.'

Authentic ERGObaby carriers recently exploded onto the scene as a phenomenally successful 'must-have' item for parents.

The ergonomically designed carriers are made from high quality, certified materials produced in independently inspected factories that adhere to responsible work practices. The ERGObaby has attracted a host of international product awards and health endorsements and is the only baby carrier to be listed as one of the 'Top 20 baby products over the last 20 years' by US Parenting magazine.

The counterfeit ERGObaby carriers are:

• made with inferior material and parts - particularly the buckles
• not product tested for safety standards
• not covered by any product insurance
• not covered by product warranty
• not likely to comply with US lead-free criteria.

'The people responsible for making the counterfeit ERGObaby carriers are preying on parents who want to nurture and care for their children and who are trying to save money by buying discounted or second hand goods through auction sites', says Anita.

'They have no concern for the safety of the end user or for the fact that their fake product poses a serious threat.'

At this time of year, baby carriers are being bought in huge numbers as Christmas presents or to use when travelling or holidaying with a baby.

'It's distressing that people are, in good faith, buying what they think is a wonderful and safe product, but are being ripped of by these terrible copies.'

The counterfeit product is exempt from any manufacturer's warranty policy and has questionable safety, comfort and reliability.

Anita says that her company is doing everything it can to try and stop the fakes reaching consumers.

'We've posted warnings on our website and have contacted all of our stockists to alert them of the situation, asking them to place warnings in their stores and online.'

Product manufacturer ERGObaby USA is attempting to stop the counterfeits at the manufacturing source and legal advice is being sought in an attempt to put a permanent stop to the trade. Both ERGObaby USA and Babes in Arms are also in daily contact with online auction sites to have the fake listings removed.

'We have had clients come to us after buying a fake who express such regret that they have wasted their money and saying that they wish they'd just gone to an authorised stockist', says Anita.

'The only real protection for consumers at the moment is to make sure they are purchasing an authentic, quality product that meets safety standards and is covered by warranty and product insurance.

'Unfortunately, unless you buy from an authorised distributor or stockist you have no way of really knowing if the product you are buying is what you expect it to be.

'We strongly suggest that people only purchase ERGObaby products through authorised ERGObaby stores and distributors and not through any auction sites.'

Unlike many other carriers on the market, ERGObaby carriers can be worn from birth to preschool (up to 18kgs) on the front, back and hip. Development of the product followed extensive research to ensure the ERGObaby provided a physiologically correct sitting position for baby's hip, pelvis and spine growth. This helps to eliminate compression of the spine when hanging by the crotch, which is the position required by most other designs.

For local authorised ERGObaby stockists in Australia and NZ, go to www.babesinarms.com.au or call 1300 725 276.

Mum Zone Release Date: 1st December 2009

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