November Recalls

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1. Kiddieland Recalls Disney-branded Fairies Plastic Trikes Due to Laceration Hazard

2. Battat Recalls Magnetic Sketchboards; Magnetic Pen Tip Poses Choking Hazards

3. Dutailier Group Recalls Drop-Side Cribs Due to Entrapment and Fall Hazards

4. Boy Scouts of America Recalls Cub Scout Wind Tech Jackets Due to Strangulation Hazard

5. Under Armour Recalls Chin Straps for Football Helmets Due to Laceration Hazard

6. CPSC Warns High-Powered Magnets and Children Make a Deadly Mix

7. Toys Safer This Holiday Season Due to Stronger Safety Rules
Recalls and lead violations are down; 180,000 child injuries per year is too high

8. Build-A-Bear Recalls Teddy Bear Swimwear Set Due to Strangulation Hazard

9. Children's Animal Slippers Recalled Due to Choking Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Family Dollar Stores

10. Collective Brands Recalls KEDS Girls' Shoes Due to Laceration Hazard

11. Serious Head Injuries to Infants Continue Due to Falls from Bumbo Baby Seats Used on Elevated Surfaces

1. November 1, 2011
Release #12-029

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 430-5307
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Kiddieland Recalls Disney-branded Fairies Plastic Trikes Due to Laceration Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Disney Fairies Plastic Racing Trikes

Units: About 12,000 (9,000 Disney Princess Trikes were recalled in April 2011*)

Manufacturer: Kiddieland Toys Limited, of Scituate, Mass. (Note: Disney licensed their brand name to Kiddieland.)

Hazard: The plastic fairy figures protrude from the top of the handle bar posing a laceration hazard if a child falls on them.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and Kiddieland have received one report of a 3-year-old girl from Ohio who suffered a facial laceration near her right eye.

Description: This recall involves the Disney-branded Fairies Plastic Racing Trike. The trike is green and purple with a white seat and yellow wheels. On top of the handlebar, there is a Tinkerbell figure and three other rotating fairy figures. "Disney Fairies" is printed on the label in front of the trike just below the handlebar.

Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from July 2009 through December 2009 for about $50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the trikes away from children and contact Kiddieland for a free replacement handlebar with an enclosed rotating display.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kiddieland at (800) 430-5307 anytime, or visit the firm's website.

*New model Princess Trikes do not have figurines and are not included in the recall.

2. November 2, 2011
Release #12-031

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 665-5524
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983

Battat Recalls Magnetic Sketchboards; Magnetic Pen Tip Poses Choking Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Toulouse-LapTrec magnetic sketchboards

Units: About 95,000 in the United States and 4,300 in Canada

Importer: Battat Inc., of Plattsburgh, N.Y.

Manufacturers: Rainbow Force Plastic Products, of China

Hazard: The magnetic tip of the drawing pen can dislodge from the pen, posing a choking hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: Battat has received 19 reports of the magnetic tip separating from the pen. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Toulouse-LapTrec magnetic sketchboard, which has a white plastic writing surface bordered by either a red or brown plastic frame, and has a bean bag type backing. The sketch board has four animal shapes across the top – a rabbit, dog, cat and duck. The multicolored magnetic pen is affixed to the front of the sketchpad. The model number BX1026 (red frame) or BX1027 (brown frame) can be found on a paper wrapper that comes with the product at the time it was purchased.

Sold at: Target stores nationwide and by various online retailers from March 2010 to March 2011 for about $16.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take recalled sketchboards away from children and contact Battat to receive a free replacement sketchboard.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Battat toll-free at (866) 665-5524 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit Battat’s website.

3. November 2, 2011
Release #12-032

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 363-9817
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Dutailier Group Recalls Drop-Side Cribs Due to Entrapment and Fall Hazards

Name of Product: Drop-side cribs

Units: About 440 cribs

Importer: Dutailier Group Inc., of Quebec, Canada

Hazard: The slats on the drop side can detach from the top and bottom rails creating a space between the slats. An infant or toddler’s body can become entrapped in the space, which can lead to strangulation and/or suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm is aware of 16 reports in which the slats on the drop side became detached from the top or bottom of the drop side rails of a crib. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves full-size, drop-side wooden cribs with part numbers that begin with E1230C2, E3500C2, E3540C2, E5100C2, E5140C2, E5530C2, E9000C2 and E9100C2. The Dutailier logo and the part number can be found on labels on the inside of the end panels.

Sold at: Children’s products stores and other baby specialty stores from January 2009 through February 2010 for between $425 and $775.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and contact Dutailier Group to receive a free repair kit which consists of a new fixed side to replace the drop-side of the crib. In the meantime, parents are urged to find an alternate, safe sleeping environment for the child, such as a bassinet, play yard or toddler bed depending on the child’s age.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the Dutailier Group toll-free at (800) 363-9817 on Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m ET, and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m.to 4:00 p.m. ET.

4. November 3, 2011
Release #12-033

Firm's Recall Hotline: (855) 873-2408
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Boy Scouts of America Recalls Cub Scout Wind Tech Jackets Due to Strangulation Hazard

Name of Product: Cub Scout Wind Tech jackets

Units: About 5,400

Importer: Boy Scouts of America, Charlotte, N.C.

Hazard: The jackets have retractable cords with toggles at the hood/neck area and at the waist, which can pose a strangulation or entrapment hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997, to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall includes the blue Cub Scout Wind Tech jacket sold in youth sizes. The jackets are nylon with a polyester lining, long-sleeve, with a full zipper front and a Cub Scout wolf head emblem embroidered on the upper left chest. SKU numbers 73291, 73292, and 73293 are printed on the hangtag that is attached to the jacket at retail.

Sold at: Boy Scouts of America retail outlets nationwide and online at their website from November 2009 through July 2011 for approximately $32.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the cords from these jackets to eliminate the hazard, or return the jacket to Boy Scouts of America for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the Boy Scouts of America toll-free at (855) 873-2408 anytime or visit the firm’s website.

5. November 3, 2011
Release #12-035

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 823-0343
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Firm’s Media Contact: Diane Pelky, (410) 246-5927

Under Armour Recalls Chin Straps for Football Helmets Due to Laceration Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the retailer named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled product immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: UA Defender Chin Straps

Units: About 541,000

Retailer: Under Armour, Inc., of Baltimore, Md.

Importer: JR286, Inc., of Redondo Beach, Calif.

Hazard: The metal snap that connects the chin strap to the helmet has sharp edges, posing a laceration hazard when the user’s metal snap comes into contact with another player.

Incidents/Injuries: Under Armour has received six reports of injuries that required stitches.

Description: This recall involves all UA Defender Chin Straps. They were sold in the following colors: white and black, red, midnight, navy and royal and have a hard nylon shell, a padded chin area and a plastic strap with “Under Armour” printed on it. The chin straps have metal clasps that tighten the straps and attach them to the helmet.

Sold at: Sporting goods stores and Under Armour outlet stores nationwide and online from January 2008 through September 2011 for about $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chin straps and contact Under Armour for a free replacement chin strap.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Under Armour toll-free at (888) 823-0343 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website.

6. November 10, 2011
Release #12-037

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC Warns High-Powered Magnets and Children Make a Deadly Mix

WASHINGTON, D.C. - An increasing number of incident reports to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicate that high-powered magnets continue to be a safety risk to children. From toddlers to teens, children are swallowing these magnets and the consequences are severe.

Although the risk scenarios differ by age group, the danger is the same. When two or more magnets are swallowed, they can attract one another internally, resulting in serious injuries, such as small holes in the stomach and intestines, intestinal blockage, blood poisoning and even death.

Reports of incidents involving these high-powered ball-bearing magnets have increased since 2009. Specifically, CPSC received one incident report in 2009, seven in 2010 and 14 through October 2011. These 22 incidents have involved children ranging in age from 18 months to 15 years old. Of the reported incidents, 17 involved magnet ingestion and 11 required surgical removal of the magnets. When a magnet has to be removed surgically, it often requires the repair of the child's damaged stomach and intestines.

"We want parents to be aware of the danger associated with these innocent looking magnets," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "The potential for serious injury and death if multiple magnets are swallowed demands that parents and medical professionals be aware of this hidden hazard and know how to treat a child in distress."

High-powered magnets and magnet components that are of a size that can be swallowed are prohibited in toys for children younger than age 14. The reported incidents involve magnets that are marketed as desk toys and stress relievers for adults who use the magnets to create patterns and build shapes. Often, they are sold in sets of 200 or more magnets in stationery, office supply and gift stores, and also on the Internet.

CPSC has received reports of toddlers finding loose pieces of magnets or magnets left within reach. It can be extremely difficult for a parent to tell if any of the tiny magnets are missing from a set. In some of the reported incidents, toddlers have accessed loose magnets left on a table, refrigerator, sofa or the floor.

With tweens and teenagers, how the product is being used has resulted in magnets being unintentionally inhaled and swallowed. CPSC is also aware of instances where the magnets were swallowed intentionally. To mimic body piercings, the older children are placing two or more magnets on opposite sides of their ear lobes, tongue and nose.

"We sell our magnetic desk toy product, Nanospheres,® on Amazon.com for adults only. As the Amazon product description and warning labels on the product itself state, these products are hazardous if ingested and are not appropriate for young children," said Dan Taggert, CEO of Kringles Toys and Gifts, manufacturer of Nanospheres.®

"High-powered magnets, such as Buckyballs,® are products for adult use only and should be kept away from all children," said Craig Zucker, CEO of Maxfield and Oberton, the manufacturer of Buckyballs.

CPSC, Kringles Toys and Gifts and Maxfield and Oberton are urging consumers who have purchased magnet sets for children younger than 14 years of age (or households with children under 14 years of age) to remove access to the sets by children immediately and contact the firms for a refund.

* * *

Although this is CPSC's first product wide public warning about high-powered ball-bearing magnets used in adult products, the agency has issued safety alerts previously about the dangers of powerful magnets falling out of children's toys. In April 2007, CPSC issued a warning about the possibility of high-powered magnets detaching from children's toys, such as building sets, causing injuries and death. At that time, CPSC was aware of the death of a 20-month-old child and of 33 incidents involving children who had swallowed magnets. Of these 33 incidents, 19 children required surgery to remove the magnets. Since 2008, CPSC has received more than 200 reports of children swallowing magnets and at least 18 of those children required emergency surgery to remove the magnets.

In an effort to reduce the incidents associated with magnets, CPSC staff worked with the toy industry and other stakeholders to develop a standard to prevent magnets from detaching from toys. As of 2008, this standard is mandatory, and it prohibits magnets and magnet components that are loose and of a size that could be swallowed to be in toys for children under 14 years of age.

* * *

Based on the number of incidents involving young children accessing magnets intended for adults, as well as the growing number of teenagers misusing the product, CPSC again has been prompted to launch a magnet awareness campaign. This multipronged initiative includes a grassroots effort with public safety partners, public service videos targeted for parents and teenagers, along with social media outreach. CPSC is warning parents and medical professionals about the extreme danger facing children who swallow multiple magnets.

CPSC offers the following tips to avoid magnet ingestion injuries and advice on what to do if you suspect that your child has swallowed magnets:

Keep small magnets away from young children who might swallow them.
Look out for loose magnet pieces - and regularly inspect toys and children's play areas for missing or dislodged magnets.
If you suspect that magnets have been swallowed, seek medical attention immediately.
Look for abdominal symptoms, such as abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Note that in x-rays multiple magnetic pieces may appear as a single object.

7. November 16, 2011
Release #12-042

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Toys Safer This Holiday Season Due to Stronger Safety Rules
Recalls and lead violations are down; 180,000 child injuries per year is too high

WASHINGTON, D.C. - It's that time of year again, when parents, grandparents, and friends begin to prepare holiday toy shopping lists. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants consumers to know that while safety should be at the top of everyone's toy list, stronger federal rules are making a positive impact and restoring confidence in the safety of toys.

New toy safeguards include: establishing the lowest lead content and lead paint limits in the world; setting a stringent limit on the use of certain phthalates; converting the voluntary toy standards into mandatory standards; requiring third party testing and certification of toys designed or intended primarily for children 12 and younger; closing in on new limits for cadmium in toys; and working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to track shipments in transit from other countries, thereby increasing seizure of dangerous imported toys.

These safeguards, along with safety-conscious steps taken by many toy makers and sellers, have contributed to a continued decline in toy recalls since 2008. There were 34 toy recalls in fiscal year 2011. This is down from 46 toy recalls in fiscal year 2010, 50 recalls in 2009, and 172 recalls in 2008. In 2011, toy recalls related to lead declined to 4, down from 19 in 2008.

"Strong toy standards support the production of safer toys in the marketplace," said Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "Parents and toy shoppers also always need to be vigilant by choosing age appropriate toys and keeping small parts, balls, and balloons out of the hands of young children."

Toy-related deaths to children younger than 15 increased to 17 fatalities reported in 2010, up from 15 reported in 2009. Nearly half of these toy-related fatalities were attributed to choking on balloons, small balls, and rubber balls.

A new report (pdf) released by CPSC today also notes that about 181,500 children younger than 15 years of age were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments due to toy-related injuries in 2010. Nonmotorized scooters continued to be the category of toys associated with the most injuries. Frequently these injuries involved lacerations, contusions, and abrasions to the child's face and head. Importantly many of the incidents were associated with, but not necessarily caused by, a toy.

Here are some safety steps that consumers can take while shopping this holiday season:

Balloons - Children can choke or suffocate on deflated or broken balloons. Keep deflated balloons away from children younger than 8 years old. Discard broken balloons at once.
Small balls and other toys with small parts - For children younger than age 3, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
Scooters and other riding toys - Riding toys, skateboards, and in-line skates go fast, and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn properly at all times, and they should be sized to fit.
Magnets - For children under age 6, avoid building or play sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.

Once the gifts are open:

Immediately discard plastic wrappings or other packaging on toys before they become dangerous play things.
Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.
Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to young children. Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any mechanism to prevent overcharging.

Along with educating the public, CPSC is committed to working with foreign and domestic toy manufacturers, importers, and retailers to help them understand and comply with U.S. toy requirements.

8. November 16, 2011
Release #12-041

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 236-5683
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983

Build-A-Bear Recalls Teddy Bear Swimwear Set Due to Strangulation Hazard

Name of Product: Swimwear Set With Inflatable Inner Tube

Units: About 19,720 units in the United States and 1,100 units in Canada

Importer: Build-A-Bear Workshop®, of St. Louis

Hazard: The inner tube accessory can be pulled over a small child's head, posing a strangulation hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Build-A-Bear received one report of an incident in which a 3-year-old girl pulled the inner tube over her head and had difficulty removing it.

Description: The inner tube is part of the three-piece Fruit Tutu Bikini swimwear set for teddy bears, which includes a two-piece fruit-print bikini. The inner tube is 9 inches in diameter and pink with white and yellow flowers printed on it. The model number of the swimwear set is 017220 and is located on the price sticker on the "Build-A-Bear" cardboard tag.

Sold at: Build-A-Bear Workshop® stores nationwide and online from April 2011 to August 2011 for $12.50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the inner tube and return it to any Build-A-Bear Workshop® store to receive a $5 store coupon. If it is not possible to return the inner tube to a store, consumers may contact the company for information about how to receive a refund.

9. November 16, 2011
Release #12-044

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 547-0359
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Children's Animal Slippers Recalled Due to Choking Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Family Dollar Stores

Name of Product: Kidgets® Animal Sock Top Slippers

Units: About 160,000

Distributor/Retailer: Family Dollar Services Inc., of Matthews, N.C.

Importer: BCNY International Inc., of Hicksville, N.Y.

Hazard: The animal's eyes can detach from the slippers, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: Family Dollar has received one report of the eyes detaching from the slippers. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled children's slippers have brown or tan dog faces, yellow duck faces and tan lion faces. The name "Kidgets" and the size appear inside the slippers on the soles. "FD9619108020690611" is printed inside the slippers on the side.

Sold exclusively at: Family Dollar stores nationwide from September 2011 through October 2011 for about $5.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the slippers away from children and return them to any Family Dollar store for a full refund.

Customer Contact: For additional information, contact Family Dollar at (800) 547-0359 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website.

10. November 16, 2011
Release #12-045

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 365-4933
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Collective Brands Recalls KEDS Girls' Shoes Due to Laceration Hazard

Name of Product: KEDS® "Know It All" Girls' Shoe

Units: About 45,000

Importer/Distributor: Collective Brands, Inc., of Topeka, Kan.

Hazard: Ornamental stars on the heel of the shoe may loosen, posing a laceration hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 27 reports of cuts and scratches resulting from metal stars that loosened from the heel of the shoe.

Description: This recall involves KEDS® girls' rubber soled shoes. The shoes are black and pink with white trim and a pink loop on the heel. "KEDS" appears on the tongue and heel of the shoe. The style number KY40098A is printed on the underside of the tongue. The shoes were sold in girls' sizes 12 to 5.

Sold at: Various department stores and online retailers from June through October 2011 for about $23.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take these shoes away from children immediately and contact Collective Brands to receive a gift card for $30 redeemable at Stride Rite stores or striderite.com.

Customer contact: For additional information, contact Collective Brands at (800) 365-4933 between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday, email, or visit the firm's website.

11. November 22, 2011
Release #12-047

Firm Media Contact: (202) 417-4270
Firm Consumer Contact: (202) 248-1664
Firm Email: info@bumbo.com
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Serious Head Injuries to Infants Continue Due to Falls from Bumbo Baby Seats Used on Elevated Surfaces

Injuries occurring despite previous recall warning; parents urged to use caution

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Due to the serious risk of injury to babies, CPSC and Bumbo International Trust of South Africa ("Bumbo International") are urging parents and caregivers to never place Bumbo Baby Seats on tables, countertops, chairs or other raised surfaces. Infants aged 3-10 months old have fallen out of the Bumbo seat and suffered skull fractures and other injuries.

CPSC and Bumbo International are aware of at least 45 incidents in which infants fell out of a Bumbo seat while it was being used on an elevated surface which occurred after an October 25, 2007 voluntary recall of the product. The recall required that new warnings be placed on the seat to deter elevated usage of the product. Since the recall, CPSC and Bumbo International have learned that 17 of those infants, ages 3-10 months, suffered skull fractures. These incidents and injuries involved both recalled Bumbo seats and Bumbo seats sold after the recall with the additional on-product warnings.

CPSC and Bumbo International are also aware of an additional 50 reports of infants falling or maneuvering out of Bumbo seats used on the floor and at unknown elevations. These incidents include two reports of skull fractures and one report of a concussion that occurred when babies fell out of Bumbo seats used on the floor. These injuries reportedly occurred when the infants struck their heads on hard flooring, or in one case, on a nearby toy.

The Bumbo seat is labeled and marketed to help infants sit in an upright position as soon as they can support their head. The product warnings state that the seat "may not prevent release of your baby in the event of vigorous movement." Infants as young as 3 months can fall or escape from the seat by arching backward, leaning forward or sideways or rocking.

At the time of the 2007 recall announcement, CPSC was aware of 28 falls from the product, three of which resulted in skull fractures to infants who fell or maneuvered out of the product used on an elevated surface. CPSC and Bumbo International are now aware of at least 46 falls from Bumbo seats used on elevated surfaces that occurred prior to the 2007 recall, resulting in 14 skull fractures, two concussions and one incident of a broken limb.

Approximately 3.85 million Bumbo seats have been sold in the United States since 2003.