CPSC issues new safety alert about baby monitor cords

(WXYZ) - The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has posted a new safety alert about baby monitors and the strangulation danger they pose to young children.

According the the CPSC, seven babies and toddlers have been strangled by baby monitor cords. Three others were seriously hurt.

The CPSC is now warning parents to position baby monitors at least three feet away from the edge of a crib or play pen and never put a monitor inside or on the edge of a crib or play pen.

"Children are curious," said Inez Tenenbaum, Chairman of the CPSC. "They'll reach out. If they can get it within their grasp, that cord ends up around their neck and strangling them."

Regulators have also issued new guidelines that recommend all baby safety monitors come with a warning label about the strangulation hazard.

An organization who supports baby monitor safety has set up a new website, babymonitorsafety.org , which is aimed at educating parents.

Users can also order a warning label for their baby monitor if it doesn't already come with one.