Lakeshore Learning Materials Baby Dolls Pose Choking Hazard

So many details go into designing and developing a safe and durable product for young children. Lakeshore Learning Materials has always been devoted to the process of developing child-safe toys and learning materials. However, even the most carefully designed product can fail if the oversight of materials and factory quality assurance steps is not regularly monitored. Last week, Lakeshore recalled about 4300 Feels Real Baby Dolls across the United States and Canada, after reports of a choking hazard were identified to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

CPSC is working with Lakeshore who is voluntarily recalling these dolls when it was discovered that the fingers and toes could detach from the doll during use, creating a potential choking hazard to youngsters. No injuries have been noted, but baby dolls are developmentally appropriate for children under 3 years of age who are likely to chew and mouth dolls regularly.  If small parts release unexpectantly, this does present a significant safety concern.

The baby dolls were produced in China, far from Lakeshore’s Carson, California headquarters. The cause of this defect was determined to be a "production error."  It is not unlikely for issues of this kind that a manufacturer’s consistent choice of raw material purity, quality, or curing time during production be questioned. Continued vigilance and quality assurance checks are required at the factory level and upon receipt of  incoming shipments at the importer.

The fourteen-inch, PVC plastic Feels Real Baby Dolls can be identified from the photo provided by CPSC below,as well as the product markings.  The legs, head and arms on the babies are moveable, and they come in four different ethnic models: Asian, Black, Caucasian and Hispanic. The dolls’ diapers are decorated with colored hearts, stars and swirls. 

Look for a couple of different labels sewn into the diaper at the back. One large label carries the "Lakeshore" name, and the smaller label indicates the batch number  550200. The dolls affected by this recall were sold online at the company website (www.lakeshorelearning.com) or through their mail order catalog between May 2011 and January 18, 2012.

Replacement dolls are being offered, so remove the dolls from child access and contact Lakeshore via phone at (800) 428-4414.  Consumers can contact the company on their website as well, using this link.

Safety Recall Issued on Tumblekins Toy Playsets

Well-known New Jersey toy distributor, International Playthings (IP), has recalled about 31,000 Tumblekins vehicles and playsets.  It was discovered that the toys can break into small parts with sharp points which can cause a choking and laceration hazard for young children.  Only one consumer has reported a problem, but to prevent any potential harm to children, IP is conducting this voluntary recall in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

The toys are manufactured in China by Lishui Treetoys Trading Co. Ltd. and were sold in  children’s toy stores, mass merchandisers and other  retail stores across the United States and on assorted websites from March 2011 through December 2011.  

The Tumblekins are multi-colored wooden vehicles and play sets that measure from 6-12” in length and 4-9 1/2” in height. The words “Tumblekins” and “Made in China are printed on the toys, along with the UPC Codes 171111461502 or 346101461502. 

The product packaging carries the specific item number and product description.

Fire Station: Item #T05000
UPC 20373050006

Farm Playsey:  Item #T05001
UPC 20373050013

Police Car: Item# T05002
UPC 20373050020

Roadster: Item #T05003
UPC 20373050037

School Bus: Itwm #T05006
UPC 20373050068

Off-Roader:  Item #T05004
UPC 20373050044

Fire Truck: Item#T05005
UPC 23073050051

Customers who identify their Tumblekin as one of the above recalled products should make the toy(s) inaccessible to children and contact International Playthings immediately for further instructions or product replacement.

International Playthings via phone:  (800) 445-8347 

International Playthings via email: recall@intplay.com

Lead Violations on Two Playsets Force Health Canada Recall

A duo of products produced my Chinese manufacturer Ningbo Ftz Zhenbao International Trading Company are being recalled through a Health Canada Product Safety Alert.  During routine sapling and testing, Health Canada discovered that the surface coatings on these sets contain levels of lead above the allowable limits.

Lead is extremely toxic to young children if the lead paint is chewed, sucked, or ingested.  Exposure to high levels of lead can results in short-term illness including vomiting and diarrhea, as well as long-term condition such as serious brain injury, convulsions, coma, anemia, as well as damage to liver, kidneys, heart and the immune system. Serious cases of lead poisoning can lead to death.

The first product is The Pizza Playset, a set of plastic pizza slices, plastic kitchen tools and condiments.  The UPC barcode printed on the packaging is 094922130778.

The second product is The Fishing Game, a playset including one fishing pole and five plastic fish.  The UPC barcode printed on the packaging is 094922553980.

Consumers who have purchased either of these playsets are advised to stop using them immediately and discard them so they are inaccessible to children.

Slalom Glider Playground Slide Poses Fall Hazard for Young Children

It has been a mild winter in many states around the nation this year.  Playgrounds that once were covered in snow during these normally frosty months are open for business.  For those schools or other public facilities that purchased the Slalom Glider slide manufactured by Landscape Structures, this recent product safety recall will particularly important.

In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Landscape Structures is recalling about 900 of these slides because the product lacks the proper transition platform that is required at the top and sides of the slide.  Transition platform is needed to provide young children with the opportunity to switch from climbing, to sitting, to sliding actions. Developmentally, children need this space to transition betweens these different physical events. Without the platform, young children do not have the proper space to prepare for sliding.  The lack of transitional support on the Slalom Glider creates a potential fall hazard from between arched ladder and 6-foot high curved plastic chute. 

CPSC and Landscape Structures received sixteen reports of fall-related injuries to children less than 8 years old.  Injuries ranged from body bruises to fractured arms, legs and even a bruised spleen. 

The slides involved in the recall are designated with model numbers 156456 and 172627 and were sold from January 2006 and through December 2011 for about $2300 each. 

The Slalom Glider was made available in a variety of color combinations.

This product should be made inaccessible to children immediately. Customers who have not already been contacted by Landscape Structures can contact the company by phone at 888-438-6574, or via their website at www.playlsi.com.

Landscape Structures will provide instructions for roper removal of the Slalom and given the choice of receiving a full refund, credit toward a future purchase or replacing the slide with a different piece of playground equipment from the company.

Bumbleride Strollers recalled for fall hazard

In 2004, Bumbleride, Inc. was launched and a line of infant mobility products was born. Focused on ergonomic designs in strollers and on-the-go accessories for the active new family, Bumbleride has recently experienced a rather significant bump in the road.  In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 30,700 of their Indie and Indie Twin strollers are being recalled.

The company has received thirty-seven reports from consumers that the front wheel cracked or broke at the axle causing the stroller to tip over during use.  Minor injuries of the young passengers have been reported. Although these thirty-seven incidents represent only 0.1% of the strollers sold and in use, Bumbleride has worked with an independent engineering firm to increase the strength of the front wheel . The kit can be installed by customers.

The affected Bumbleride products were sold nationwide at retail and online baby stores from January 2009 through January 2012. Here’s what to look for:

• Indie Stroller Model numbers affected are I-107, I-110 and I-205
• Date of manufacture – on white sticker attached to side frame near the seat
• Sold in multiple colors

• Indie Twin Stroller Model numbers affected are IT-108, IT-111, and IT-305.
• Date of manufacture – on white sticker attached to underside of stroller handle
• Sold in multiple colors

Consumers who purchased the Indie or Indie Twin strollers with a manufacture date between January 2009 through August 2011 are asked to stop using the strollers and contact Bumbleride immediately for the retrofit kit and instructions for assembly.  They can be reached by phone at (800) 530-3930, or via email at support@bumbleride.com. Customers can also apply for the kit on line at this link.

For additional information and Health Canada alert, follow this link

Snaps on Weeplay Kids/Carter's infant garments pose choking hazard

Carter’s Watch the Wear and Sleep ‘n Play Garments have a problem.  Well, at least 128,000 of them do.  The manufacturer, Weeplay Kids LLC, has received thirty reports of the snaps pulling off the one-piece infant wear. If detached, the snap becomes a small part that poses a serious choking hazard to young children and particularly infants.  Although no injuries have been reported, Weeplay Kids is voluntarily recalling specific production runs of these products in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

As shown in the photos here, the recall covers sets sold in packs of two, three and five different pastel colored and printed design fabrics. The name Carter’s Watch the Wear appears on the front of the packaging and on the inner neckline of each piece.  The style number is printed on the back of the product packaging.

The following style numbers, made in Bangladesh, are involved in the recall:   

Watch the Wear Bodysuit

• N8963LB
• N8963LG
• N8963LN
• N8964B1
• N8964B2
• N8964G1
• N8964G2
• N8964LB
• N8964LG
• N8964LN
• N8964N1
• N8991LW

Five-pack Bodysuit

Watch the Wear Sleep ‘n Play

• N8965LB
• N8965LG
• N8965LN

The CPSC press release indicates that the following U.S. retail stores carried these sets from November 2010 and through August 2011.

• Big Lots
• Century 21
• Conway
• Cookies
• Cost Mart
• DD’s Discount
• Edison Childrenswear
• Gabriel Brothers
• Kiddy Time
• Kids Place
• Kidstown
• National Stores
• Pamida Stores
• Real Value
• Regine’s
• R.H. Reny
• Ross
• Shoppers World
• Valley Wholesale
• Variety Wholesalers
• Youngland 

Customers who identify their product as one involved in this recall should stop using the garment and contact Weeplay Kids directly for free replacements.

The company can be contacted by phone at (888) 226-2200 or by e-mail at info@weeplaykids.com

Time 4 Crafts Kids Apron recalled for violating phthalate limit

Item # 16625  UPC 062823166257

Health Canada, in cooperation with Ontario-based CTG Brands Incorporated, issued a recall announcement for 22, 400 vinyl Time 4 Crafts Kid's Aprons.  The child-sized apron is yellow with blue trim and fastens with cloth ties at the waist.

Health Canada has a product sampling and evaluation program to assure the ongoing safety of children’s products sold in the Canadian marketplace.  During one of these sampling, it was discovered that the apron contained the chemical plastic softener Di-Ethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP) at a level that exceeded Canadian restricted limits.

While no injuries or illness have been reported, studies suggest that some phthalates like DEHP may cause reproductive and developmental concerns in young children when products containing one or more specific phthalates (including DEHP) are sucked or chewed for extended lengths of time.

The aprons affected were sold across Canada from February 2008 through January 21012.

Remove the apron from children, dispose of it and contact CTG Brands Inc. at 1-905-761-3330.

Toys R Us® announces their 6th “Great Trade-In” Event

Giant toy retailer, ToysR Us®, Inc., is conducting the "Great Trade-In" event designed to raise awareness of the potential dangers of using recalled, old, or second-hand children’s and childcare products. 

In 2011, the children’s product safety advocates at Kids In Danger researched the product safety issues available to view at CPSC’s new pubic database, SaferProducts.gov.  Their review showed about 15% of the reports / injuries relating to children's products that had previously been recalled. 

Jerry Storch, Toys R Us® COE and Chairman, reiterated the company’s commitment to educating their customers and remaining on the cutting edge of child safety issues.  Approximately 600,000 used baby and children’s products have been discovered and removed from use since the first event in 2009. 

Trade-ins have been in various stages of disrepair from normal wear & tear to missing parts or obvious damage.  Some of those recovered products were involved in past recalls; others were simply out of compliance with today’s stricter standards.

The company's sixth "Great Trade-In" event starts on Friday, January 27 and continues through Monday, February 20.  The event is happening at all Babies R Us® and Toys R Us® locations across the United States. 

Products being accepted for trade-in include used travel systems, highchairs, car seats, infant swings, play yards, walkers, entertainers, cribs or kid’s beds, strollers, bassinets and infant bouncers.  Old products can be exchanged for a 25% savings on any new baby products from specific manufacturers.

Manufacturers taking part in the event include:

Babi Italia®                  

Babies"R"Us                 

Baby Cache®

Baby Einstein™              

Baby Trend®               

Bergamo®

Bright Starts™               

Britax®                       

Carter's®

Chicco®                       

Combi®

Contours by Kolcraft®

Delta™

Europa Baby®

Evenflo®

Graco®

Jeep®

Lamaze®

Little Tikes®

Maxi-Cosi®

Safety 1st®

S1 by Safety 1st®

Signature Series by Graco®

Sorelle™

Step2®

Summer Infant®

To be sure the local store has sufficient quantity of products on hand for the trade-ins, childcare centers or other similar organizations that would like to exchange items in larger quantities are asked to contact their local Babies R Us® and Toys R Us® store before returning their used items.

Lee Carter Company Infant Rattle poses choking hazard

Lee Carter Company, based in San Francisco, CA is having a bad week.  Earlier Safety Spot wrote about a recall of Lee Carter's set of 12 Mexican wrestling figures due to excessive lead in the paint.  In addition to that recall, the company just announced another recall for 25,000 Infant Rattles.

The handle of the rattle is small enough to fit into the back of the throat, creating a choking hazard for infants. The federal safety requirement for rattles (16 CFR 1510) restricts any part of a rattle from “entering and penetrating to the full depth of a cavity in a test fixture with dimensions shown in figure 1.”

The colorful woven-plastic rattle has a bell captured inside and measures 4-1/2” from end to end. The retail hangtag is printed with the words “Made in Mexico” and “Lee Carter Company.” Just as with the wrestling figures also recalled this week, the rattles were sold in Mexican craft stores across the USA.

The Rattles involved in this recall, sold for $4 each from February 2011 and through October 2011.  Consumers who have purchased these figures should scour the kids’ toy boxes and remove them immediately and return them to Lee Carter Co. for a refund replacement product credit.

The company can be contacted directly by collect call to (415) 824-2004 or via their website at http://www.leecartercompany.com.

Mexican wrestling action figures exceed allowable lead (Pb) limits

About 7,000 sets of Super Luchamania [Wrestling] Action Figures, produced in México and distributed throughout the United States by Lee Carter Co., of San Francisco, have been recalled due to excessive levels of lead in the paint.

Sold in packs of 12 for about $12-@14 a pack, these wrestling figures stand about 4” high and have the words “Super Luchamania” printed on the product packaging.

The product was sold at Mexican craft stores across the USA from June 2000 through October 2011.

Consumers who have purchased these figures should scour kids’ toy and sand boxes and remove the the figures immediately. Return them to Lee Carter Co. for a refund replacement product credit.

The company can be contacted directly by collect call to (415) 824-2004 or via their website at http://www.leecartercompany.com. 

Cadbury Egg Hunting Kit potentially harmful to more than just your diet.

There is something to be said for early shoppers.  You know, the people who started their Christmas shopping for 2012 on December 26, 2011.  Those early birds who got an early start on their Easter 2012 shopping will be interested in the latest Health Canada recall of 4,825 Cadbury Complete Egg Hunting Kits.

The set (shown here) contains a small white plush bunny, three 34g crème eggs, two bags of mini Cadbury eggs and twenty-seven small chocolate eggs.  While the candy eggs are dangerous to your Weight Watchers point total, it is the plush toy that poses the most harm for young children. 

UPC Code 6120022818

Best if Used Before Dates: 

2012AL 01 and 2012 JL 01

The hard plastic eyes and plastic whiskers can detach from the toy exposing a potential choking hazard for children.

The kit was imported by Ontario-based FX Copacking and Logistics, and distributed throughout Canada by Kraft Canada, Inc. The Egg Hunting Kits sold from December 2011 through January 2012 are affected.

Consumers who purchased one of these recalled sets should remove the bunny from children and destroy the product.  Contact Kraft Foods Canada at 1-800-394-6989 for more details.

Canadian "Dolly Daydreams" interrupted by nightmare

Little Janie puts baby to sleep and pretends she is dreaming of lollipops, soft kitties and other delightful thoughts.  Never would Janie imagine that dolly's daydreams include the nightmare that the doll's maker would soon go through when dolly is found to be considered a danger to Janie.  

Toy Galaxy of Richmond Hill in Ontario, Canada is recalling 2,400 “Dolly Daydreams Cradle Baby” doll and crib sets distributed in Canada.  Sold from August through December of 2011, the soft plastic in the doll’s head contains a specifically restricted phthalate called Di-Ethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP). 

In Canada, as in the USA, only limited, allowable levels of DEHP are permitted in toys.  DEHP is restricted in the United States under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) and has also been restricted in California under Prop 65 for many years.

Studies suggest that DEHP may cause both reproductive issues and developmental irregularities in children if the material containing the phthalate is chewed or sucked on for long periods of time. Phthalates used to soften the otherwise hard plastic can leach out of the plastic and become very accessible to the children.

The product affected comes in a variety of colors, but the Item Number 30263 and UPC Code 626881302639are both printed on the packaging.

Consumers should stop using the doll set, dispose of the product, and contact Toy Galaxy by phone at 1-905-470-2999 for instructions.

Bicycle child carriers pose safety risk for young passengers

In all seasons around the USA one can see toddlers being towed behind mom or dad’s bike protected carefully inside a child bicycle carrier of some kind or another.  Based in Calgary, Canada, Thule Child Transport Systems Ltd. has been making these type of child-safe carriers since 1992.  Their innovative products are sold throughout Canada, the United States and Europe.

On December 11, 2012, the company announced a recall of 44,000 bike trailers and 19,000 bike trailer conversion kits due to a concern that the hitch device can break or crack causing the trailer to disconnect from the bike.  This creates the potential for injury to the child passenger.

Thule has received twenty-four incident reports globally where this detachment occurred.  No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.

Chariot bicycle trailers involved in the recall were sold at specialty bike stores and websites from December 2005 through August 2010. Look for the serial # ranging from 1205-xxxx through 0710-xxxx on the left side of the frame.

Chariot conversion kits involved in the recall were sold at the same locations mentioned above during the date range of October 2002 through August 2011. The conversion kits can be identified by looking for Model # 20100503 printed on the aluminum hitch arm near the warning label. HOWEVER, older version of the conversion kit is also being called back. The older kits do not have a warning label, but instead have a push-button attachment where the hitch attaches to the carrier.

Anyone possessing one of the recalled products should stop using them and contact Chariot Carriers for a free repair kit and installation instructions.  The company can be reached by phone at (800) 262-8651 or on their website www.chariotcarriers.com.

Target Recalls Circo Childrens’ Travel Cases due to excessive lead

Target’s Circo 17” Children’s Travel Cases, sold in Target retail stores as well as the company’s online store (www.target.com) are being pulled off the shelves and recalled back from consumers for violating the federal lead limit in children’s products.

Approximately 139,000 units were sold from April through August 2011 for about $21 each.  

The recalled designs, shown in the photo below, come in two designs. One airplane design comes in both blue and red, with a soft-stuffed blue airplane secured to the zipper pull.  The second design is flowers and butterflies on either a teal or pink background. These both have a blue soft-stuffed stuffed butterfly on the zipper pull.  Look for the brand name “Circo” on the fabric handle.

Travel cases with the following UPC and date codes are involved in the recall:  

Circo girls’ 17” travel case

- Pink or teal

- UPC Code 618842135844

- Date Codes beginning with 01/11 thru 08/11

Circo boys’ 17” travel case

- Red or blue

- UPC Code 618842135868

- Date Codes beginning with 01/11 thru 08/11

Consumers should return any affected cases to any Target store for a full refund.Target can be contact via phone at (800) 440-0680, or at their website at www.target.com