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 August
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 February
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.
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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.
Sweet Bamboo Children’s 2-Piece Pajamas
Hazard: Flammable
Action to Take: Return for Refund
Contact: 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: Choking
Action to Take: Replace
Contact: www.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
Lamaze Munching Max Chipmunk Stuffed Toys
Hazard: Laceration
Action to Take: Replace
Contact: recall.tomy.com, 866-725- 4407
Pull the string on the head of this hungry chipmunk, and it’ll vibrate/pretend to eat a nut. When the internal parts inside break, however ⏤ and apparently they do ⏤ Munching Max morphs into a prison shiv. Or at least a toy that can stab a kid. According to the recall, the internal parts “create a sharp point that can penetrate the surface of the toy.” The toys in question were sold from May 2016 through June 2017 and are being replaced with a similar product and online store coupon for a future purchase. Full Recall Details
Manhattan Toy Winkel Colorburst Activity Toys
Hazard: Choking
Action to Take: Return for Refund
Contact: manhattantoy.com, 800-541-1345
Apparently not made of the highest quality plastic, the multi-color tubes on the Winkel Colorburst “become brittle and break into small pieces.” Once broken, both the pieces and the rattle beads that were inside become the perfect snack for an infant who puts everything in their mouth. There have four reported cases of broken Winkels (out of 15,400 units sold) but no injuries. You can either return the toy to the store where it was purchased or contact Manhattan Toy directly. Full Recall Details
iRover Self-balancing Scooters/Hoverboards
Hazard: Fire
Action to Take: Replace
Contact: www.iroverus.com, 888-348-6434
Somehow, overheating lithium-ion batteries in hoverboards is still a problem. (How have these all not been fixed yet, it’s been years?) That said, iRover’s self-balancing scooters (model numbers 87645 and 87644) continue to catch fire. Don’t plug them in. The hoverboards in question were sold at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Fallas between December 2015 through April 2017. There have been two reports of smoking and overheating but no injuries. Full Recall Details
Really Good Stuff Magnetic Dry Erase Boards
Hazard: Laceration
Action to Take: Replace
Contact: www.reallygoodstuff.com, 800-801-4046
The problem with the Write Again® magnetic dry erase white boards is that the thin metal surface separates from the wood frame and becomes, essentially, a knife blade. So far, there have been 40 reports of minor cuts. There are, however, 1.6 million of these bad boys out there in four different sizes dating all the way back to 2003. If you have one, stop using it and contact Really Good for a free replacement. Full Recall Details
Burt’s Bees Butterfly Garden Coverall & Hat Sets
Hazard: Choking
Action to Take: Return for Refund
Contact: www.burtsbeesbaby.com, 877-907-7511
Yes, Burt’s Bees does make something other than lip balm? Although when it comes to 8,500 pairs of these infant coveralls in blossom pink, apparently, not very well. The snaps at the crotch pop off and pose an infant choking risk. There have been 11 reported cases, but so far no injuries. Send them back, and you’ll receive a $20 e-gift card. Full Recall Details
