- http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-03-15/health/ct-met-bumbo-safety-20120315_1_skull-fractures-bumbo-international-safety-warning
- http://www.chicagotribune.com/julie
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
15-Mar-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
In 2007, the Bumbo baby set was voluntarily recalled after a wave of reported skull fractures in babies between 3 months and 10 months old. But the company made no changes beyond a new warning label on the front. Since the recall at least 22 infant skull fractures linked to the Bumbo were reported and many of those occurred when the chair was used as instructed — on the floor. The product was inherently dangerous.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
I read every Bumbo-related lawsuit I could find and used a private database maintained by a lawyer along data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. I also considered data supplied by Bumbo.
Explain types of human sources used.
I interviewed more than a dozen parents and caregivers who had placed their children in the Bumbo — both as directed and on a high surface. Interviews also included consumer advocacy groups, federal officials Bumbo officials, medical experts,attorneys and manufacturers of similar products.
Results:
On August 15, Bumbo began offering parents safety harnesses for the 4 million seats it has sold. It was the company’s second recall since 2007.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
The lawsuits were the key to finding the people to talk about their experiences; It was critical that I found a child who had suffered a skull fracture even when the parents/caregivers used the product correctly (on the floor). But I also needed the data and the info from the CPSC was limited. I was able to access a database maintained by an attorney and backtracked to ensure the accuracy. Also, one of my key sources was reluctant to talk on the record due to her settlement with the company, but when I kept digging, I found the terms of the settlement. I ended up using info she provided but agreed not to quote her. She led me to her caregiver, who was not bound by the terms of the agreement and explained what happened when she put the baby in the Bumbo. My advice is that even when people can’t talk, remember they can often help you find another good source who can.