Skip Hop Lawsuit Investigation: Is the Playview Retractable Mesh Gate Defective?

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org would like to speak with parents and caregivers who’ve purchased Skip Hop’s Playview Retractable Mesh Gate and had it open unexpectedly.

They’re investigating whether a defect is causing the baby gate to unlatch and retract when it shouldn’t.

Specifically, parents have reported that all it takes is a simple lean, push or kick for the gate to open, with two users complaining on Skip Hop’s website that their child actually fell down the stairs after opening the gate.

Now, attorneys are looking to speak to parents and caregivers who are ready to take action against the manufacturer. It’s possible that a class action lawsuit could be filed, but first, attorneys need to speak with consumers who’ve had problems with the baby gate.  

Parents Complain Online About Baby Gate, Push for a Recall

Below is a sampling of complaints from parents and caregivers who have posted online about Skip Hop’s Playview Retractable Mesh Gate, some of whom have argued that the product should be recalled [sic throughout, emphasis ours]:  

I [thought] this gate was great for 3 month[s] until my now 10 month old discovered that pushing the bottom of the gate opens it and was caught as he starting falling down a flight of steps. After doing some research on reviews I have seen others write the same. This gate is not safe at all. A hard push by a baby or simple kick to the bottom pole of the gate will open it up. I believe that SkipHop and Carters are waiting for someone to fall down steps and die before they recall the gate.”
— JonahD, New York, SkipHop.com

Unfortunately, I saw the good rating and didn’t read the reviews before purchasing and installing this product. My daughter (9 mos) pushed open the gate due to the design flaw others have mentioned (bottom of gate does not secure and comes out easily if pushed at an angle). She fell down my hardwood stairs. This product needs to have a description for best intended use (hallway, between rooms…) and a danger notice not to use it at the top of stairs or it should be discontinued.”
— apetiteyogi, New Hampshire, SkipHop.com

My 7 month old pushed out the bottom corner and fell from top of the stairs all the way to the bottom! This product need[s] to be recalled!!!!!!!”
— Ting, California, SkipHop.com

As another reviewer noted, don’t trust this gate. My baby also fell. He at 11 months figured out how to loosen it and unlatch it from the bottom corner which made the top unlatch and down he went. He is just fine but it sort of defeats the purpose of a gate and an expensive one at that.”
— jessicamm, Target.com

Baby touches it and it rolls back! Had it for 24 hours and absolutely regretted installing it. My daughter crawled to it, placed her hand on [mesh] and it opened and scared her. She is 8 months so she doesn’t have some crazy strength. It is absolutely POINTLESS.”
—  Ula, Amazon.com

How Could a Lawsuit Help?

A class action lawsuit has the potential to help consumers get back some of the money they spent, force the manufacturer to recall the product and/or compel Skip Hop to provide a free fix.

Attorneys believe consumers never would have bought the baby gate had they known the product potentially suffers from a dangerous defect. 

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