Build-a-Bear swim accessory presents strangulation hazard

We have often discussed foreseeable use on this blog site.  A child’s play patterns are actually quite predictable most of the time.  At different points in their cognitive and physical development, youngsters are likely to use their toys in a completely different manner than that for which the toy was designed.

This is not product misuse - it is developmental play.  A plastic bucket becomes a hat, a broom becomes a horse, and an inner tube becomes a sun visor or necklace. Smart consumers of children’s product are aware that any product they plan to purchase for their child should be weighed against the child’s current and future play patterns. 

Last week (11/16/11), Build-A-Bear Workshop® announced a recall of 20,820 Fruit Tutu Teddy Bear Swimwear Sets with Inflatable Inner Tube. The majority of those sets were sold in the USA, but 1,100 sets were sold in Canada as well.  Sales in Build-a-Bear Retail stores and online website from April through August 2011 are involved in this safety alert.

The problem:  The inner tube can be pulled over a child’s head, but it is then very difficult to remove.  This causes panic in the young child, as well as the potential of a strangulation hazard.  One incident has been reported, with no injuries.

The inflatable inner tube in this set, covered in a pink and yellow floral print, is 9” in diameter and has the model number 017220 printed on a sticker found on the retail hang tag.

To prevent this potential safety hazard from occurring, consumers are being asked to return the inner tube portion only to their local Build-a Bear store for a $5 in-store coupon.   If a store is not conveniently located, call Build-a-Bear at 1-866-236-5683, or visit their website at www.buildabear.com.

  

Health Canada Recall here.    

CPSC recall here.