Starting with this editorial, I will be writing a new monthly feature on the recall of children's products. For parents in a busy world, and despite the fact that we are all technologically connected, we can easily miss these announcements.
Why do products get recalled?
Children's products get recalled for many different reasons. It's not uncommon for a toy to be found in violation of the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) standards. Violations, determined by the CPSC to create risk of injury or death, have resulted in thousands of injuries and dozens of deaths on an annual basis.
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According to the CPSC 2010 annual report, the CPSC reviews 8,000 death certificates a year to evaluate whether the death was associated with a consumer product.
According to the annual report, between 2006 and 2007, 68 deaths were associated with nursery equipment, 13 deaths were associated with toys, 664 with sports equipment.
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In the same document, between 2008 and 2009, 73,831 children under the age of 5 were treated at an emergency room for an injury associated with a consumer product in their nursery.
There is not only a vital need for parents to know about the products that have been deemed to be unsafe, but parents also need to be extremely educated about the products which they bring into their homes.
How do we find out about product safety?
Read online reviews: As tedious as it sounds, prior to purchasing a product it is helpful for parents to read online reviews about the product. These reviews not only tell us where and how the product has been made, but also how other parents who already own the product feel about it. Is it cheaply made? Does it break after first use? Does it accomplish the task for which it is supposed to be used?
Look closely at the item's photo(s) and description: Make sure the toy or product you are considering for your child is appropriate for their developmental level. Are there hard to move parts? Removable pieces? Little pieces which could be put in the mouth?
Toxic or non-toxic: Read labels on the product to make sure the item is labeled non-toxic, especially if your child is at an age where they might put something in their mouth. Paints, colors and lead laced decorations can be a danger to children, even if they do not put it in their mouths.
The recent recalls you should know about:
Chloe, Sophie and Audrey soft dolls
Importer: Pottery Barn Kids, a division of Williams-Sonoma Inc., of San Francisco, Calif.
Hazard: The hair on the Chloe and Sophie dolls may contain loops that are large enough to fit around a child’s head and neck, and the headband on the Audrey doll, if loosened, can form a loop that fits around a child’s head and neck. These loops can pose a strangulation hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received five reports of dolls with looped hair, including one report in which a loop of the Chloe doll’s hair was found around the neck of a 21-month-old child. The child was not injured.
Description: This recall involves soft dolls sold under the names Audrey, Chloe and Sophie. The dolls measure about 17 inches high and have hair made of yarn. Audrey’s hair is black, Chloe’s hair is dark brown and Sophie’s hair is blonde. The dolls are part of Pottery Barn Kids' Girl Doll Collection. The doll’s name can be found on a tag sewn onto her bottom.
Sold exclusively at: Pottery Barn Kids stores nationwide, online at www.potterybarnkids.com and through Pottery Barn Kids catalogs from July 2006 to April 2011 for about $40.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should take the dolls away from children immediately and cut the looped hair of the Chloe and Sophie dolls and remove the headband of the Audrey doll to eliminate the hazard. Consumers may also call Pottery Barn Kids for instructions on how to return the affected dolls for a merchandise credit.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Pottery Barn Kids toll-free at (855) 880-4504 between 4 a.m. and 9 p.m. PT seven days a week or visit the firm’s website at www.potterybarnkids.com
Twirlla™ Wooden Rattle
Manufacturer: Manhattan Group LLC, of Minneapolis, Minn.
Hazard: The toy's U-shaped parts can break, posing a choking hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The painted wood rattle is approximately 6 inches long and has a yellow ball at each end, two U-shaped pieces (red and pale blue) and an orange bead in the center with a green center post connecting all pieces. The moving parts make noise when they come together.
Sold at: Baby and gift and specialty stores nationwide and online at ManhattanToy.com from March 2011 through July 2011 for about $12.
Manufactured in: Thailand.
Remedy: Consumers should take the rattles away from children immediately and return them to the store where purchased to receive a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Manhattan Group at (800) 541-1345 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.manhattantoy.com
Playsafe Dartmouth Swing Set
Importer: Pacific Cycle Inc., of Madison, Wis.
Hazard: The sling-style swing seats can crack or split prematurely, posing a fall hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Pacific Cycle has received five reports of the sling-style swing seats breaking during use, including reports of minor injuries involving bruises and scrapes.
Description: This recall involves Playsafe's Dartmouth Swing Set, model number 22-PS340, with date codes FSD0115AA and FSD0315AA. The model number and date code can be found in the owner's manual. The swing set has six metal legs and includes two swings with yellow plastic sling-style seats, a yellow plastic sliding board, a two-person glider with yellow plastic seats, yellow plastic trapeze hanging rings and a four-person lawn swing with yellow plastic seats and footboard.
Sold exclusively at: Toys R Us stores nationwide from January 2011 through May 2011 for about $270.
Manufactured in: China.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the sling-style swing seats, remove the seats from the swing set and contact Pacific Cycle to obtain free replacement seats.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Pacific Cycle toll-free at (877) 564-2261 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.pacific-cycle.com or email customerservice@pacific-cycle.com
