Do You Own These Products?
Feb 26 '00 (Updated Sep 21 '00)
Product recalls are not always well publicized. In my reading around here on Epinions, I have seen many reviews of recalled products. Oft times, these products have been purchased used, or given as gifts. I would like to take some time to let parents know about some of these recalls (listed on the CPSC's and SafetyAlert's websites), so we can all know whether or not our children's toys and care items are safe.
UPDATE
Playskool Klackaroo
Playskool is voluntarily recalling approximately 550,000 Klackaroo toys. The brightly colored end knobs can come loose, allowing small children access to the small geometric shapes which can pose a choking hazard.
From the CPSC website: Playskool's Klackeroo is a brightly colored toy with orange plastic rods and small geometric shapes that move through a center purple ball. Solid-colored knobs with animal faces or the sun and moon imprinted on them cap both ends of each orange rod. When shaken, the rods move through the ball and the geometric shapes slide along each rod, making a "clacking" sound. The knobs are green, yellow, blue and red. The Playskool logo is imprinted on one end knob and "MADE IN CHINA" is imprinted on the center ball.
Toy and mass merchandise stores, including Toys "R" Us and Wal- Mart, sold these toys from October 1997 through September 2000 for about $8.
Parents/caregivers are advised to immediately take the toy from children and contact Playskool anytime at (888) 671- 9764 to receive a free, redesigned replacement toy.
Fisher Price Big Action Construction Set
The Fisher Price Big Action Construction Set has been recalled due to strangulation hazard from a 25 inch strap attached to the toy. The toy is a large plastic construction scene that features a tall, rotating crane that sits atop the toy. The crane has a bucket that is attached by the 25 inch strap in question. From the Fisher Price site:The recalled Big Action Construction toys are model number 72028. The model number is on the underside of the toy. "Fisher-Price" is written on the crane. The toy has two construction vehicles and a number of boulders. Only models with a 25-inch strap attached to the crane are being recalled.
Parents are advised to cut the strap from the toy immediately and throw it away. Fisher Price is offering a fix in the form of a new crane boom and bucket with a 12 inch strap. Consumers can call 1-888-821-0077 anytime to order this free repair kit.
Fisher-Price Hop Skip baby jumper seats
Fisher Price is recalling over 882,000 door mounted baby jumper seats due to faulty springs, which can snap while the seat is in use, causing dangerous falls from doorway to floor. Fisher Price has received 80 reports of breaking springs, resulting in 20 infant injuries. From the Safety Alerts site:
Only model numbers 9144 and 9146 are being recalled. The model number is molded into the underside of the plastic tray attached to the soft seat. The jumper is red and blue, or all blue, with a bright yellow propeller decoration on the front of the seat. "Fisher-Price" is written on the front of the tray. Fisher-Price will help consumers determine if they have a recalled jumper.
The Hop, Skip, Jumpers were sold by mass merchandise, juvenile products and discount stores from January 1987 through January 1994 for about $25.
Consumers are advised to stop using the jumper immediately and contact Fisher Price (888-821-0077 anytime) for a free repair kit.
Child Guidance Wiggle Waggle Caterpillar
Child Guidance is recalling nearly one million Wiggle Waggle Caterpillars due to the risk of choking on the small balls attached to the top of this toy. The CPSC has received three reports of infants choking on these parts--one case proved fatal. From the Safety Alerts site: The Wiggle Waggle CaterpillarTM is a pull toy that plays four songs and various sounds. It has five ball shapes raised from its body on the end of tightly wound coil wire springs. The two smaller ball shapes on the caterpillar's head resemble antennas. The toy is about 10 inches long, and is green with yellow oval wheels that cause it to wobble when it moves. The segments of the caterpillar's body have lights that flash to the music and sounds. "Child GuidanceTM" and "MADE IN CHINA" are imprinted on the bottom of the toy. "Ages 12 months & up" is written on the packaging.
Toy and discount department stores nationwide sold the caterpillar toys from May 1998 through June 2000 for about $13.
Consumers are advised to take the toys from children immediately and return them to Child Guidance for a new toy of equal value. Child Guidance will pay the postage due. For further information, consumers can call Child Guidance at 877-586-1006 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.
Dollar Tree baby doll feeding set
Dollar Tree Stores is recalling over 700,000 infant feeding "playsets." The bib in this set has small snaps that can come loose and pose a choking hazard. From the Safety Alerts site:
The recalled doll feeding set consists of a bib with pink and blue baby cupids, a plastic baby food jar with pink top and a label reading "Love My Baby Baby Food", baby bottle, two-handle pink cup, and a small blue container. Writing on the packaging reads "Love My Baby Doll Care Feeding Set." On the back right-hand corner of the package is SKU number 563239. The set was sold in a box labeled for children ages 4 years and over.
Parents are advised to take the toy away from children immediately and return it to the point of purchase for a refund. For further information, consumers can call Dollar Tree Stores at 1-800-876-8077 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.
The First Years Elmo Nitelight
The First Years Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 123,000 Elmo Nitelights. The faceplate on these night lights can be broken off, exposing wiring and posing shock and electrocution hazards.
This night light depicts Elmo, hanging on a green lamp post, on a blue background. The moon and stars light up when the light is plugged in.
From the CPSC site: "Consumers should immediately remove the "Elmo Nitelights" from their sockets and throw them away. If wires are exposed, turn off the power before removing. Consumers should contact The First Years to receive a free replacement nightlight at (800) 533-6708 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers also can write to The First Years, One Kiddie Drive, Avon, MA, 02322-1171."
VTech Industries Little Smart Soft Songs Baby Phone
These infant/toddler "cordless phones" have a ball-shaped antenna which may pose a choking hazard, should it detach. This phone toy has a mirror, four colored "talking" buttons, a ringing, light-up phone button, and a red on/off button. It is yellow with a padded blue border and a yellow, ball-shaped antenna.
From the CPSC's site: "Consumers should immediately take these toy phones away from children. For more information, contact VTech at (800) 521-2010 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CT Monday through Friday FOR A REPLACEMENT PHONE or visit their web site at www.vtechkids.com/html2/recall.html."
Graco "Tot Wheels Entertainer" Walker
Graco has received 27 reports of these walkers collapsing unexpectedly while in use. Injuries ranging from bruises and cuts to fractures have been reported. From the CPSC recall announcement: "The recalled Tot Wheels® Entertainer® Activity Center infant walkers, with "bouncing action" and five-position height adjustment, have model numbers 4032LN or 4032BLA, located underneath the front of the walker's tray. The walker has a removable, green play tray with 12 activities, including a steering wheel, ball spinner and flashing lights. The multicolor walker has an animal-print fabric seat. "Graco Lights & Sounds" is written on a label on the walker tray. "Tot Wheels® Entertainer® Activity Center with Bounce" is written on a label on the walker's base."
Since other Graco walkers look similar, be sure to check the serial number on the underside of the tray. If you own one of these walkers, stop using it immediately, and contact Graco at (800) 345-4109 for a free repair kit, including a new tray.
Playtex Products Inc. "Cherubs" and Soft Comfort latex pacifiers
Playtex is recalling 1.8 million of its Classic Patterns pacifiers. The latex nipples are aging faster than expected, causing them to crack and break off, posing a choking hazard.
From the CPSC website: "Only Classic Patterns 'Cherubs' and Soft Comfort latex pacifiers are being recalled. The Classic Patterns pacifiers have the word 'Cherubs' embossed in bold block letters on the colored knob of the pacifier shield. The Soft Comfort pacifiers have a soft, butterfly- shaped shield, available with or without a swivel handle. The word 'Playtex' is embossed on the pacifier's swivel handle. The pacifiers come in a variety of colors and designs. They were packaged individually or in sets of two. Consumers should stop using the recalled pacifiers immediately and return them directly to Playtex for a free replacement pacifier or a $3 coupon toward the purchase of another Playtex infant feeding or soothing product. Consumers should send the pacifiers to Playtex Pacifiers, Playtex Products Inc., 20 Troy Road, Whippany, NJ 07981. Playtex will reimburse consumers for postage. For more information, call Playtex toll-free at (800) 522-8230 or visit their web site at www.playtexbaby.com/recall.htm."
Federated Department Stores (Bloomingdale's, Burdines, Goldsmith's, Lazarus, Macy's, Rich's, and The Bon Marché)Children's robes
100% cotten terrycloth robes sold as childrens' sleepwear are being recalled because they fail to meet federal safety standards for flame retardant/resistent quality. These robes were sold under the names Aegean, Baby Monarch, B kids, Charter Club, Club Room, and Jr. By Monarch. The robes are a wrap style with waist belt, two front patch pockets and a hood. They were sold in infant sizes 12 months to 14 and in children's sizes small, medium, large and extra large. The brand name, fabric content and size are on sewn-in labels.
Parents are advised to return these robes to the point of purchase immediately for a refund.
Graco Children's Products Inc. Infant Swings
Graco has recalled approximately 7 million wind up and battery powered infant swings after 6 children died as a result of strangulation, and many more were injured falling from the swing. The six deaths occurred when infants slid down in the swing and became entangled in the restraint straps. There have also been 181 reports of children falling from the swing, in some cases causing bone fractures and concussions. Graco advises parents to stop using the swing immediately, and is offering a free fix. Parents should visit www.gracobaby.com for more information concerning this recall.
Little Ones Wooden Accent Lamps
Kmart Corp., of Troy Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 280,000 children's decorative lamps. The lamps can short circuit posing a fire hazard. These lamps come in six different styles: an airplane lamp, alphabet letters (ABC) lamp, numbers (123) lamp, baseball with bat lamp, train lamp and sailboat lamp. The lamps are approximately 15 inches high with wood bases. A price label on the bottom of the base reads, "Made in China for Kmart Corporation." "Little Ones fun accent lamps for kids" is written on a paper insert packaged on the lampshade. Consumers should immediately unplug the lamps and stop using them. Lamps should be returned to Kmart for a refund. For further information, contact Kmart at (800) 63KMART anytime.
Fisher Price 3-in-1 Cradle Swing
The 3-in-1 Cradle Swing has a detachable seat that can be used as a carrier. When used as a carrier, the locks for the handle can unexpectedly release, causing the seat to flip forward. When this happens, infants can fall to the ground and suffer serious injuries. Affected model numbers are 79321 and 79322. The model number is on the underside of the motor housing and on the bottom of the seat. "Fisher-Price" is on the front of the motor's housing and on the bottom of the seat. Only swings with detachable carriers are included in this recall. Consumers should stop using the swing's seat as a carrier immediately. Fisher-Price will provide a free repair kit that will lock the carrier's handle in place. Repair kits are available only through Fisher Price. Consumers can continue to use the seat as a cradle swing. For more information, consumers can call Fisher Price anytime Monday through Friday at 1-800-505-0600, or visit Fisher Price's webpage at http://www.fisher-price.com/us/help/cradle.asp
Fisher Price Bounce 'n Play Activity Dome
The Bounce 'n Play Activity Dome is a portable play and nap space for indoor and outdoor use. The product resembles a pop up tent. It features a zippered canopy attached to a raised metal frame that suspends the play and nap surface so that it can bounce. The nylon bands that hold the surface level can detach allowing the surface to tilt. This can cause an infant to slide down against one end and be trapped in a position in which it is difficult to breathe, posing a suffocation hazard. To determine if the Bounce 'n Play Activity Dome is part of the recall, check the notice tag on the bottom of the product. Model number 79534 is on the left side of the tag and a 6-character code is on the bottom of the tag. All codes that end with number 8 are included in the recall. All codes that end with number 9 and begin with numbers 001 through 286 are included in the recall. Consumers should stop using the Bounce 'n Play Activity Dome immediately. Fisher-Price will provide a free repair kit that will strengthen the support for the play and nap surface to keep it level. Consumers should call Fisher-Price at 1-800-505-0600 anytime Monday through Friday. The free repair kits are available only through Fisher-Price. Consumers also can visit the Fisher-Price website at http://www.fisher-price.com/us/help/cradle.asp#BounceNPlay for Activity Domes for more information.
InStep and Healthrider Jogging Strollers
This recall was announced March 20, 2000. The stroller's brakes can fail, causing the stroller to unexpectedly roll away resulting in injury to a child. Recalled models were manufactured from December 1998 through July 1999. Affected model numbers are: ZS100, ZD200, ZS100WS, ZD200WS, ZS100HR, ZD200HR, PR100 or PR200. The manufacturing date, written as T "month" R "year" I, is located on a sticker on the lower cross tube (for example T01R99I is January 1999). "InSTEP" and the model number also are on the sticker.
Cosco Touriva Convertible Carseat
The NHTSA announced a recall of the Touriva Convertible Carseat on February 9, 2000. The reason for the recall is a faulty buckle.
Affected are:
Model 02-084
Model 02-094
Model 02-096
Model 02404
Model 02-821
Cosco will send a free repair kit, consisting of a new buckle, and detailed installation instructions. They can be reached at 1-800-221-6736.
Kelty Backpacks
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml00/00037.html
The Kelty Expedition, Trek, Country, Elite, Town, and Explorer were recalled on December 22, 1999. The seat adjustment strap can slip out of the buckle, causing a carried baby to slip down, and possibly fall out of the carrier. Kelty is offering a free repair kit, which can be obtained by calling (800) 423-2320, or visiting Kelty's website at www.kelty.com
Kolcraft Infant Car Seats/Carriers
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml00/00034.html
The Kolcraft Infant Car Seat/Carrier's handle can slip from the intended position, causing the seat to tip suddenly, causing a child to fall from the carrier. Kolcraft is offering a free repair kit. It can be obtained by calling
Kelly Dwyer at (312) 240-2634.
Cosco Infant Car Seat/Carrier
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml99/99138.html
The Cosco Infant Car Seat/Carrier (Arriva and Turnabout) was recalled on July 8, 1999. The handle locks on the seat/carrier can release unexpectedly, causing the seat to flip, possibly ejecting the baby. Some of these seats/carriers were sold as part of a carseat/carrier/stroller combination. Please visit the above website for information on model numbers. Cosco is offering a free repair kit, and can be contacted by calling (800) 221-6736, or by visiting their website at
http://www.coscoinc.com/customerserv/customer.html
A second Turnabout recall was announced on February 9, 2000, affecting models 02-758 TCD and 02-758 BBP. The incorrect pad was included with the seat, making the buckle inaccessible, or difficult to access. A free fix is being offered in the form of the correct pad, and installation instructions. Cosco can be contacted at the number above.
Britax Freeway Carseat
Britax Freeway Model 101 has been recalled for faulty buckles. The buckles fail to meet safety standards in that they can too easily be undone, making it possible for children to free themselves from the seat. These seats were produced between June 1996 and April 1997. Britax is offering a fix in the form of a replacement buckle and installation instructions. Britax can be contacted at (800)-683-2045.
Century Products
Affected models: 4525, 4535, 4560, 4565, 4575, 4590 infant car seats and 11-570, 11-597, 11-600, and 11-650 4-in-1 car seat stroller systems.
These models were produced from September 1995 to May 1996. These models have faulty buckles which can release upon impact. Century is providing a free fix in the form of a replacement buckle kit and installation instructions. Century can be reached at (800)-762-7463.
Century has also recalled the Smartmove and 4750 models. These were produced between November 1995 and February 1996. The buckle is faulty, and may release spontaneously. A fix is being offered in the form of a retrofit kit and installation/replacement instructions. Century can be contacted at the number above.
A third Century product, the 2000STE, is also under recall. The red release button can rotate upward in a crash, causing the buckle to release the shoulder harness. Affected models were produced between December 1991 and April 1992. Century is offering a free retrofit kit, and can be reached at the above number.
Chrysler Corp
1998 Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager, Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans equipped with integral child seats are under recall for faulty child restraint systems. The shoulder harness restraint webbing was incorrectly installed in some vehicles, leaving children vulnerable in the case of accidents. These vehicles should be taken to the dealer, where the restraint system will be inspected and, if necessary, repaired.
Generation 2 Worldwide Cribs
These cribs (model number 67-8100) have been recalled due to faulty slats, which can come loose, leaving a gap large enough for infants to catch their heads/necks. This poses a hazard for strangulation. The affected model was produced between March 4, 1997 and March 10, 1998. Generation 2 Worldwide is offering replacement endboards, along with the tool needed to make the repair, and detailed instructions. Parents are instructed to destroy the old endboards. Generation 2 Worldwide can be contacted at (800) 736-1140, Extension 224.
Century Fold-N-Go Care Centers
This product has been recalled because the fabric in the play yard can be loose, creating a pocket near the floorboard that can cause suffocation. The affected models are the 10-750 and 10-760, which were manufactured before September 1998. Consumers are advised to call Century at (800) 583-4092 for a free repair kit with installation instructions
First Alert True Fit Safety Gates
First Alert has recalled this gate (model CSSG1) because small pieces can break off, posing a choking hazard, and possibly rendering the gate insecure. This gate was initially recalled in September 1997, and repair kits were issued. The recent recall includes ALL of this model number, including the already repaired gates. Consumers should call BRK (the manufacturer of the First Alert True Fit Safety Gate) toll-free at (888) 777-5599 to obtain a refund.
Graco Activity Trays and Bath Sets
Graco and Children On The Go brand Stroller Snack and Activity Trays, Bathtime Activity Trays, and Bathtime Toy Netting products have been recalled because the suction cups used to attach them have been cited in choking incidents. These items were sold at numerous outlets, including Sears and Toys R Us between January 1998 until August 1999. Graco is offering a repair kit, and can be contacted at (800) 446-1366.
Ohio Art, Little Tykes, Today's Kids and Fisher-Price Toy Basketball Sets
These basketball sets were recalled in December, 1998, due to the risk of strangulation from the basket netting. Affected models are those on which the netting slides, or can be removed from the basket. Consumers are advised to check the netting on their models, and, if the netting can be unhooked, or has knots that slide, consumers should throw away faulty netting, and call the manufacturer for a replacement.
Playwell Toy Xylophone Mallets
This product is under recall because the mallet that comes with the xylophone can become lodged in a child's throat, posing a risk of choking in children under 3 years old. This product was sold both individually, and as part of the Little Ones Infant Musical Gift Set. three piece or five piece. Target and other retail stores sold the individual xylophones from February 1996 to April 1998. Kmart stores nationwide sold the three-piece musical set from May 1996 to April 1998. Right Start Stores nationwide sold the five-piece musical gift set from November 1997 to August 1998. Parents are advised to dispose of the mallet immediately, and to call Playwell toll-free at (877) PLAY-WELL for a replacement mallet.
Evenflo/Hufco-Delaware Soft Infant Carrier, AKA Snugli Infant Carrier
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml99/99128.html
Evenflo/Hufco-Delaware Soft Infant Carrier (Snugli) was recalled on June 24, 1999. The leg openings are too large, and infants (especially infants under the age of 2 months) can slip through the opening, falling to the ground. Model numbers (the model number can be found on the tag inside the carrier) beginning with 075 and 080 are involved in the recall. Evenflo is replacing these carriers--call (800) 398-8636 for information on how to exchange this carrier for a newer model with smaller leg openings.
Manhattan Group LLC Pull Toys
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml00/00063a.html
The Manhattan Group LLC is recalling the Enchanted Garden Inchworm (item #EG150), the Merry Meadows Cow (item #FS150), and the Sunny Safari Blue Elephant (item #SS150), as the wheels and wheel pegs present a choking hazard. Consumers are advised to return this product to the point of purchase for a refund or exchange for a different toy. Manhattan Group LLC can be contacted at (800) 541-1345.
Thornwood Furniture Toy Chests
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml00/00061a.html
Thornwood Furniture Manufacturers is recalling its oak toy chests, model number 841LQ or 1814LQ (number is located on back panel). The lids to these chests can drop on a child's head or neck, causing serious injury. Consumers are advised to contact the retailer where purchased for information on free replacement. Thornwood Furniture can be contacted at (877) 351-0067, or through their website, at www.thornwood.com.
Burger King Pokeman Balls
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml00/00058.html
Burger King is recalling this toy because it poses a suffocation risk to children under the age of three. Parents are urged to destroy the ball portion of the toy, or return both halves and clip to their nearest Burger King, where they will receive a free order of small fries. The small Pokeman toy that comes in this ball is safe, and can be kept.
K2 Corp. 'Flight ALX' Inline Skates
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml00/00057.html
On January 24, 2000, K2 announced a recall of its Flight ALX Inline Skates. The plastic brake mount can crack, causing falls and injuries. Look for model number S00161 or S00162 on the skate's tongue. K2 is offering free replacement skates. They can be contacted at (800) 426-1617, or at their website at http://www.K2skates.com/flight_recall.htm.
W.C. Redmon 'Cuddle Me Close' Bedside Cradle
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml99/99020a.html
On November 12, 1998, W.C. Redmon announced the recall of its Cuddle Me Close Bedside Cradles. The legs on this cradle can become loose, causing the cradle to tip. Consumers should call Redmon collect at (765) 473-6683 for free replacement legs.
This is only a small portion of the recalls currently in effect. Over 900 items were recalled just last year. PLEASE take some time to visit the CPSC's site (http://www.governmentguide.com/govsite/aol/http://www.cpsc.gov) and SafetyAlert's site (www.safetyalerts.com)! Bookmark them, and make a habit of dropping in periodically to see what's new. Don't forget to fill out and return product registration slips--this way, the manufacturer can contact you directly in the case of a recall.
Be safe.
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