Gear

The Dangerous Toy and Baby Product Recalls That Happened in August

And that you should probably get out of your house.

by Dave Baldwin
product recalls

On average, more than 100 kids toys and baby products are recalled each year due to defect. And even though most recalls are voluntary, companies are rarely inclined to shout their foibles from the mountaintop. As a result, few parents ever hear about them. In fact, only 30 percent of recalled products ever make their way back to the manufacturer. Instead, they are handed down to other new parents, find their way into consignment shops, or end up on Goodwill shelves where they can potentially harm other children.

RELATED: The Dangerous Toy and Baby Product Recalls That Happened in February

Fortunately, there are multiple government agencies ⏤ most importantly the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which has jurisdiction over more than 15,000 kinds of consumer products ⏤ and watchdog groups like KidsinDanger.org and Safe Kids Worldwide who keep tabs on it all. In fact, six federal agencies have joined together to create Recalls.gov, an online hub where they “alert the American people to unsafe, hazardous or defective products.”

ALSO: The Most Dangerous Toys and Baby Products Recalled in January

We also like to keep you updated on the latest defective toys, baby and parenting gear, and kid products, so that you don’t have to take time out of your day to scour government websites. We include the product, the defect, and the course of action you should take if you own the product. Although in all cases, the first action is always to get the dangerous toy away from your child. That said, here are all of last month’s recalls.

Note: If you have a problem with a dangerous product or a product-related injury, you should report it to SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.

Hallmark Itty Bittys Baby Plush Stacking Toys

Hazard: Choking

Action to Take: Return for RefundContact: hallmark.com, 800-425-5627 There’s been only one report of the fabric hats and bows worn by the Disney characters on this stacking toy coming off (and no reported injuries), but Hallmark isn’t taking any chances. If you have one of the 5,800 out there, you can call for a prepaid shipping label and return the toy for a $40 Hallmark Gold Crown gift card. Full Recall Details

Dr. Brown’s Natural Bottle and Dish Soap

Hazard: Illness

Action to Take: ReplaceContact: drbrownsbaby.com , 877-962-2525 There are 23,000 bottles of Dr. Browns soap on the market that may contain harmful bacteria. Not good. Even less so considering that bacteria can cause respiratory infections in babies. It was sold in both a clear plastic 16-ounce bottle with a pump, a 4-ounce squeeze bottle, and as part of a bottle brush set. The label should read: “Dr. Brown’s natural bottle & dish soap,” and any bottles or dishes that have come into contact with the soap should be boiled or run through the dishwasher. Full Recall Details

Fabri-Tech’s Cracker Barrel Infant Rompers

Hazard: Choking

Action to Take: Return for RefundContact: fabritech.biz/recallnotice, 800-285-1295 Sold exclusively at Cracker Barrel, 6,500 of these red-checkered infant overalls with a tool kit stitched across the front have buttons that can pop off. That makes them a choking hazard. There are two ways to get your money back: 1. Return them to any Cracker Barrel, where you can also enjoy another delicious meal; or 2. Hit up Fabri-Tech and order a prepaid shipping label. Full Recall Details

BRIO Baby Rattles

Hazard: Choking

Action to Take: Return for Refund or ReplacementContact: brio.us/recall, 800-886-1236 It’s never good when you hit something with a hammer, and the hammer breaks apart. That’s what can happen to the wooden rings on this soft mallet rattles ⏤ they shatter into small pieces, that a kid can then eat. They were sold for around $13 from March 2015 through June 2017 and seven have cracked so far.Full Recall Details

Laura Ashley London Floral Clip Dot Dresses

Hazard: Choking

Action to Take: Return for RefundContact: pastourellerecall.com, 888-507-7275 Same deal as the Cracker Barrel rompers. These 100-percent cotton, floral-print Laura Ashley dresses are adorned with three flower petals on the waist that can easily be pulled off. The dresses were sold at Dillard’s and on Amazon between January and July of this year, and the full recall details list the specific style numbers. Full Recall Details

Meijer Wave Zone Children’s Swimsuits

Hazard: Choking

Action to Take: Return for RefundContact: meijer.com, 800-927-8699 If the sewn-in label on the inner seam of your kid’s one-piece, zip-back swim suits reads “NOV 2016 021-14328” then you’ve got one of the recalled models with faulty snaps that can detach. The suits came in one of four patterns (shark, strawberry, stripes, fish) and in sizes from 0-3 months up to 24 months.Full Recall Details

Richie House Girls’ Bathrobe

Hazard: Flammable

Action to Take: Return for RefundContact: richiehouse.com, 844-742-1303 Sold exclusively on Amazon from December 2015 through March 2017, Richie House’s 100-percent polyester robes don’t meet federal flammability standards. Which means they could easily ignite and pose a risk of burn injuries. They’re long sleeve, come in sizes 4/5 through 12/14, and are eligible for a full refund by contacting the company.Full Recall Details

Sweet Bamboo Children’s 2-Piece Pajamas

Hazard: FlammableAction to Take: Return for RefundContact: mysweetbamboo.com, 888-408-2822 While no injuries have been reported, Sweet Bamboo is recalling 400 pairs of its two-piece, woven pajamas. Made of a 50-50 blend of polyester and bamboo viscose, the short-sleeve and pant sets in sizes 12 months to 6T fail to pass the fire safety Standards for the Flammability of Children’s’ Sleepwear, 16 C.F.R. part 1616 for flame resistance. According to the company, it’s because the pajamas are “not snug fitting and we elect not to spray our products with fire retardant chemicals.” Full Recall Details

Panelcraft Rainbow Dreamer Magnetic Building Sets

Hazard: ChokingAction to Take: ReplaceContact: panelcraft.com, 888-288-7615 The problem with 2,000 units of two Panelcraft’s magnetic building sets ⏤ the Rainbow Dream Builder and the Rainbow Solid Builder ⏤ is that the corners break and the magnets hidden inside come pouring out onto your carpet. Those magnets, naturally, are a choking hazard. Contact Panelcraft to receive a pre-paid shipping label and send your current set back for a free replacement set. Full Recall Details