Bassinets
Kids Line Inc., of Los Angeles, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is recalling for repair about 46,000 Le Cradle bassinets because infants can suffocate if they become trapped in an opening between the bassinet’s side and the mattress platform. In addition, the fabric can separate from the metal frame, causing infants to be scraped against or caught in the frame.
Kids Line has received a report of a 3-month-old boy suffocating to death after becoming trapped. Three other infants were scraped and bruised from contact with an exposed metal frame.
The recalled Le Cradle Bassinettes feature a white metal base with wheels and a removable canopy. Children’s products stores nationwide sold the bassinets from January 1989 through May 2000 for $100 to $200.
Kids Line is offering a free in-home repair kit to secure the fabric around the bassinet to prevent entrapments and exposure to the metal frame. For details, call (866) LECRADL (532-7235).
Go-carts
Manco Products Inc., of Fort Wayne, Ind., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is recalling 91,000 go-carts for repair because riders’ long hair or loose clothing can become tangled in rotating components behind the drivers’ seat, causing death or serious injury.
A 13-year-old girl died of a fractured neck when her hair got tangled in the drive chain and sprocket of the go-cart she was driving. Other serious injuries reported include a scalping injury, loss of consciousness and severe head trauma.
The one- and two-seat go-carts, powered by gasoline engines, were sold under the Manco, Phoenix, Fox, Rattler and Coyote labels. Go-carts with black plastic deck covers over the rear axle and brake (serial numbers 1757022 through 1855821 and 3000010 through 3050632) and go-carts with crossover “jackshaft” drive systems (serial numbers lower than 1757022) are being recalled.
Outdoor power equipment dealers, as well as specialty, discount, hardware, automotive parts supply and agricultural supply stores, and motorcycle dealers sold the go-carts nationwide from January 1983 through July 2000 for $600 to $2,000.
Call Manco at (800) 293-0795 for a free repair kit. For more information, visit Manco’s Web site at www.mancoprod.com.
Kids’ meal toys
Two restaurants are recalling toys that came in kids’ meals because the bottom of the toy’s container can fit over a child’s nose and mouth, posing a suffocation hazard to children younger than 3 years old.
• KFC Corp., of Louisville, Ky., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is recalling 425,000 Tangled Treeples toys included in KFC kids’ meals.
A 19-month-old girl had a container stuck over her face, but she was not injured.
The Tangled Treeples toys feature seven blue plastic animal figures packaged in green plastic containers. The container has trees molded on the outside.
KFC restaurants nationwide distributed the toys in kids’ meals from June to July.
The container may be returned to any KFC restaurant for an individual-sized side item. For more information, call KFC at (800) CALL-KFC or visit www.kfc.com/safety.htm.
• Fazoli’s Management Inc. is recalling 310,000 Pasta Pals toys included with Fazoli’s Kids Meals.
The toy is a plastic, barrel-shaped container with plastic tomato and ravioli figures inside. Children can empty the figures out of the container and link them to form a chain.
Fazoli’s has received one report of a child putting the container over his mouth, but no injuries have been reported.
Fazoli’s restaurants nationwide included the Pasta Pals toys with Fazoli’s Kids Meals from January through August.
Discard the container or return it to any Fazoli’s restaurant for a free Italian lemon ice. For more information, call Fazoli’s at (877) 401-7408 or visit www.fazolis.com/recall.html.
All-terrain vehicles
Polaris Industries Inc., of Minneapolis, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is recalling 13,600 All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) because the throttles can stick, preventing the ATV from slowing down when the throttles are released.
There are 26 reports of throttle-related problems and 17 reports of ATV crashes, injuring six people.
The recall includes some model year 1999 Scrambler, Sport, Xplorer 400 ATVs, and some model year 2000 Scrambler and Xplorer 400 ATVs.
Polaris ATV dealers nationwide sold the ATVs from December 1998 through July 2000 for $4,800 to $5,900.
To locate a local dealer for more information, call Polaris at (800) POLARIS or visit www.polarisindustries.com.
Bicycle training stands
Minoura Company Ltd., of Japan, and Minoura North America, of Fremont, Calif., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, are recalling 29,500 bicycle indoor training stands because the flywheels can break during use, projecting metal pieces at riders and bystanders.
There are three reports of broken flywheel pieces cutting riders’ legs.
Indoor training stands allow regular bicycles to be used as stationary bicycles. The recall involves Minoura, Schwinn, Performance and Univega brand stands with painted red or blue exposed flywheels.
Bicycle stores and catalogs, including Performance, sold the stands nationwide from January 1989 through December 1994 for $120 to $180.
Call Minoura at (800) 601-9592 to receive a free repair kit. For more information, visit www.minoura.co.jp/voluntary_recall.htm.
Swim masks
Kmart Corp., of Troy, Mich., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is recalling 85,550 Splash Club swim masks for children because the lens can break into sharp pieces, cutting a child’s face, eyes or hands.
There is one report of the glass lens shattering, but no injuries have been reported.
The swim mask, made of purple, aqua or lime-green plastic, has a clear glass lens and an adjustable head strap. Kmart and Super Kmart stores nationwide sold the $3 swim masks from February to July 2000.
Return masks to a Kmart store for a refund. Call (800) 63KMART for more information.
Baby walkers
Safety 1st Inc., of Canton, Mass., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is recalling 170,000 Mobile 4 Wheelin Walkers because babies can get their teeth caught in parts of the steering wheels. Also, small parts from a telephone attached to the walker can detach, posing a choking hazard.
There are eight reports of babies catching their teeth in parts of the steering wheel, and six babies lost lower front teeth. There are 44 reports of the telephone buttons loosening, and a 6-month-old gagged on a small part.
The walker, shaped like a car, is intended for babies 6 months old until they begin to walk. It has a green body, and includes a three-spoke steering wheel with squeaking horn, clicking keys, two rearview mirrors and a phone with electronic ring. Walkers with model numbers 45701, 45701A or 45701B are recalled.
Mass merchandise, juvenile products and major discount department stores nationwide sold the $50 walkers from April 1998 through April 1999.
Call Safety 1st at (800) 964-8489 for a free replacement steering wheel and telephone. Or write to Consumer Relations Dept., Safety 1st Inc., 45 Dan Road, Canton, MA 02021.
Pacifier clips
Rashti & Rashti Inc., of New York, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is recalling 12,700 pacifier clips because they can break, exposing babies to small parts that pose a choking hazard.
There is one report of a pacifier clip breaking, involving no injuries.
The recalled Magic Years Novelty Pacifier Buddy Clips were sold individually and as part of a set with a matching bib. The pacifier clip has a small stuffed animal attached — including a purple cat, yellow chick, blue dog, pink bunny, green bear or white sheep. The bib has a sewn-on animal patch that matches the design of the pacifier animal.
Gift and specialty stores sold the pacifier clips from September 1999 through June 2000 for $3 (individually) and $5 (bib/pacifier clip).
Call (800) 4-RASHTI for information on receiving a refund.
Girl’s nightshirts
The William Carter Co. (Carter’s), of Morrow, Ga., is recalling 1,000 girls’ nightshirts that fail to meet federal children’s sleepwear flammability standards.
No injuries have been reported.
The recalled long-sleeved nightshirts feature brown bears wearing pink pajamas and the words “p.j. bear” printed on a white background. Made with 100% polyester, the pajamas were sold in sizes small (4-5 years), medium (6-7 years), large (8-10 years) and x-large (12-14 years). The code GPU CF79761 and the name Carter’s are found on the collar label.
Carter’s, department and specialty stores sold these pajamas nationwide from May through August 2000 for $10 to $13.
Call Carter’s at (888) 339-2129 for instructions on returning the nightshirts for a refund and a $15 Carter’s gift certificate, or visit www.carters.com/recall.html.
Poppin’ Pals toys
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Playskool, of Pawtucket, R.I., is recalling 420,000 Busy Poppin’ Pals toys because small springs inside can break loose, posing a choking and laceration hazard to young children.
Playskool has received 16 reports of springs breaking. Of the five children who put the broken springs in their mouths, two suffered cuts.
The white plastic toy has blue, yellow and red buttons, levers and knobs of various shapes that, when activated, make animal characters pop up from under the toy’s base. The animals are hidden under blue, yellow or red lids that have the numbers one through five on top. The pop-up animals are a giraffe, elephant, panda bear, lion and monkey. Model number 5415 is on the bottom of the toy.
Mass merchandise and toy stores, including Toys ‘R Us, sold these toys nationwide for about $10 from January 1996 through August 2000.
Call Playskool at (877) 518-9743, or visit www.hasbro.com/consumer/safety.html to receive a free, redesigned replacement toy.
Swings, walkers
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y., is recalling 2.5 million Lift & Lock Swings and 246,000 Get Up & Go Walkers, because children can fall while using these products.
• The Lift & Lock Swing, an outdoor swing for children 9 months to 3 years of age, has a plastic “T”-shaped restraint shield to hold children in the seat. Children can maneuver out of the restraints and fall out of the swings.
Fisher-Price has received 110 reports of children falling out of the swings, and 38 children suffered injuries, including broken bones, concussions, cuts, bumps, bruises and scrapes.
The Lift & Lock Swings have red or purple plastic seats, yellow T-shaped restraint shields and blue ropes. The swings have model numbers 2092, 75960, 75970, 75973 or 75980 molded into the back of the seat. Mass merchandise, juvenile products and discount department stores sold these swings from January 1991 through August 2000 for about $19.
Fisher-Price will provide a free repair kit with a supplemental waist and crotch restraint belt.
• The Get Up & Go Walker, a three-sided push toy that looks like a car, is targeted for children to support themselves as they are learning to stand and walk. A young child leaning forward on the front of the toy can tip it over and fall. Also, the windshield wipers on some of the toys, which stick out, can injure young children when they fall. Fisher-Price has received 330 reports of children falling while using or near the product. A total of 132 children received injuries such as bumps, bruises, scratches and cuts.
The Get Up & Go Walker is white with blue sides. It has activities such as a rotating mirror/phone, windshield wiper and steering wheel with yellow horn. Models with a front bar for babies to grasp and/or a green windshield wiper are included in the recall.
Toy, mass merchandise and discount stores sold these push-behind toys from July 1997 through August 2000 for about $30.
Fisher-Price will provide a free repair kit that will eliminate the front bar and windshield wiper.
For more information, call (800) 343-1502 or visit www.fisher-price.com.
Gel pens
Colorbök, of Dexter, Mich., is recalling 7,400 gel pens included with Icee Black notebooks and notepads because the pens contain an extra spring, and the end caps can shoot off, posing a risk of eye and facial injuries.
No injuries have been reported.
The gel pens were sold in various colors and list Colorbök Gel on the pen clip. The notebooks that include these pens have bright-colored covers and black notepaper. The notepads that include these pens also contain black notepaper in various shapes, including stars, hearts, butterflies, frogs and cats.
Department, drug, grocery and toy stores sold the notebooks and notepads with these pens from June through July for about $5.
Return the gel pens to the store where purchased for a replacement pen. For more information, call Colorbök at (800) 366-4660.
Battery-powered riding vehicles
Three firms are recalling battery-powered children’s riding vehicles in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
• Tek Nek Toys, of Mokena, Ill., is recalling 294,000 children’s riding vehicles to replace the battery chargers because the battery charger or wires can overheat, presenting fire and injury hazards.
CPSC and Tek Nek have received 17 reports of battery chargers and wires overheating while the vehicles were being charged. Two consumers burned their hands while unplugging or charging the vehicles.
The Tek Nek vehicles being recalled are powered by one 6-volt battery and were manufactured before April 2000. The vehicles, made of plastic, were sold under the following model names: Prowler, Dodge Ram, Corvette, SPX Motorcycle and Honda. Some models have working lights and horn, engine and music sounds. Tek Nek vehicles are intended for children 1½ to 4 years old, and the vehicles’ speed ranges from 1 mph to 2 mph.
Toy stores and discount department stores sold the vehicles nationwide from July 1998 through April 2000 for about $89.
Call Tek Nek at (877) 446-7719 to receive a free charger.
• Empire Industries, of Tarboro, N.C., is recalling to repair 113,000 Power Drivers or Buddy L children’s riding vehicles because the battery chargers can overheat, presenting fire and injury hazards.
CPSC and Empire have received 100 reports of chargers overheating, melting or burning. Five house fires resulted in at least $100,000 in property damage. One child and one adult received burns to hands on overheated charger jacks.
The Power Driver vehicles being recalled are powered by two 6-volt batteries and were manufactured from July 1995 to December 1996. The vehicles, made of plastic, were sold under the following model names: Go-Kart, Beach Splash, Sun Dream, Trail Tracker, Rescue Patrol and Chevy Z-71 Pick-Up Truck. The company will help consumers identify if their model is part of the recall. Power Driver vehicles are intended for children 3 to 8 years old, and the vehicles’ speed ranges from 2.5 mph to 5 mph.
Toy stores and retail catalogs sold the vehicles nationwide from July 1995 through December 1997 for $130 to $250.
Contact Empire at (800) 872-1869 to receive a free charger adapter with an overcurrent fuse.
• Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y., is recalling to repair 218,000 Power Wheels Harley-Davidson motorcycle ride-ons because the foot pedals can stick in the “on” position. Children can be injured when the motorcycle ride-ons fail to stop, striking other objects.
Fisher-Price has received nine reports of foot pedals sticking. A 3-year-old boy suffered cuts and bruises when his motorcycle ride-ons ran into a home.
The recalled motorcycle ride-ons carry model numbers 74290, 74293 (with a red body) and 74298 (with a black body). These vehicles are intended for children ages 3 years and older, and the vehicles’ speed is 2.5 mph or 5 mph.
Toy, mass merchandise and discount stores, and Harley-Davidson dealerships sold the motorcycle ride-ons nationwide from September 1999 through August 2000 for about $190 for the red vehicle and $700 for the black vehicle.
Call Fisher-Price at (888) 289-9292 to receive a free foot pedal repair kit or visit www.fisher-price.com/us/help/harley.asp for more information.
Inflatable play rings
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kinderkids, of Lawrence, Kan., is recalling 18,000 inflatable play rings because they pose a suffocation risk.
Babies sit inside the play ring, which is used as an activity center and looks like a pool float. When a baby leans his face against the side of the play ring, the soft surface covers the baby’s nose and mouth, restricting airflow, and the child can suffocate.
CPSC has received one report of a 6-month-old baby found gasping for air after falling asleep face down in the play ring. The baby was not injured.
The recalled play ring has a yellow plastic inflatable inner tube with a multicolored cloth covering. The covering features eight activities, including a boat rattle, a mirror flower, a soft teether on a puppy’s collar, a butterfly, and a squeak ball and fish. The products are sold with plastic foot pumps for inflating the play rings.
Wal-Mart stores and the One Step Ahead mail-order company sold the play rings from July 1998 though April 2000 for $20 to $35.
To receive a refund, call Kinderkids at (888) 433-6251.
Baseball shirts, rompers
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, The Children’s Place, of Secaucus, N.J., is recalling 120,000 boys baseball shirts and rompers because the buttons can come off, posing a choking hazard.
The Children’s Place has received three reports of buttons detaching, but no injuries have been reported.
The recalled baseball shirts and one-piece rompers came in gray, blue, white or red in sizes 3 to 36 months.
The clothing has four baseball-shaped buttons down the front and an embroidered baseball surrounded by the words, “Baseball Place USA.” “Place” and the number 9 are embroidered on the back.
The Children’s Place stores nationwide sold the items from January through July 2000; the shirts were $12 and the rompers, $14.
Return the clothes to the nearest The Children’s Place store for a refund and a 10% discount coupon. For more information, call (800) 839-3144.
How to report unsafe products
To report an injury caused by a product, go to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site at www.cpsc.gov and click on Report Unsafe Products. Or call the CPSC toll-free hotline at (800) 638-2772. When prompted, press extension 300 to speak with a hotline representative.