As if there wasn’t enough to worry about as a new mom, you’re also expected to keep your eyes and ears open for product recalls to keep your baby safe from the mistakes manufacturers make. From car seats to cribs and toys, even the most trusted brands can sometimes release products with safety issues. We get it; everyone makes mistakes, but moms can’t be expected to keep up with all of them. So, we’re here to help be your eyes and ears. (Bookmark this page for easy access!)
Not every recalled baby product makes the headlines, so we’ve made it easier for parents and caregivers by rounding up recent recalls all in one spot. In this regularly updated blog, we cover the latest baby product recalls and what they mean for you. You can also always stay up to date by checking cpsc.gov/recalls for the latest info on recalls across all categories and age groups. Also, before you buy anything, it’s a good idea to visit saferproducts.gov. Here, people share safety concerns about specific products—even if something hasn’t been officially recalled yet, others might have had issues. (And hey, you can report your own concerns there too!)
Below are the latest baby product recalls (newest first).
October 30, 2024: Dynacare Baby Powder
Montvale, New Jersey-based Dynarex Corp. on Monday said it was expanding a recall first announced in September to include an additional 1,020 cases of Dynacare baby powder because the 14-ounce and 4-ounce items could be contaminated with asbestos.
A known carcinogen, asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally and is often found near talc, an ingredient used in many cosmetic products. The recall comes as a result of routine testing by the FDA, the company stated in its notice.
People who purchased the recalled baby powder should stop using the product and return it for a refund, Dynarex said. Learn more here.
October 17, 2024: Kindly Toys Busy Board toys
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to stop using and dispose of Kindly Toys Customized Busy Board Toys due to small parts that can break off, posing a choking hazard. Despite CPSC’s request, Kindly Toys has not recalled the product. The wooden board includes detachable letters, shapes, a clock, and vehicles. Some parts can break, creating choking risks. The toy, sold for about $50 on kindlytoys.com and Amazon, should not be used, sold, or given away. Report any issues to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.
October 16, 2024: Regulatory Update on Infant Support Cushions
The CPSC has approved a new federal safety standard for infant support cushions to prevent injuries and deaths. By a unanimous vote, the rule addresses risks like suffocation, entrapment, and falls. Infant loungers, head positioners, nursing pillows, and similar products are included. Between 2010 and 2022, 79 infant deaths and 124 injuries were linked to these cushions, mainly when used in sleep settings. The new rule will take effect 180 days after publication and will enforce standards like firmness testing, incline limits, and clear warning labels to reduce these risks. Learn more here.
October 10, 2024: Fisher-Price Snuga Swings (All Models)
Fisher-Price recalled more than 2 million Fisher-Price Snuga Swings in the United States, 99 thousand in Canada, and 500 in Mexico after five infant deaths were reported.
“The swing should never be used for sleep and bedding materials should never be added to it,” the CPSC said in their announcement in Oct. 2024. “If the product is used for sleep or bedding material is added, the headrest and body support insert on the seat pad can increase the risk of suffocation.”
“Consumers should immediately remove both the headrest (by cutting the tether) and the body support insert from the seat pad before continuing to use the swing,” the CPSC continued. “Fisher-Price will provide a $25 refund to consumers who remove and destroy the headrest and body support insert.” Instructions can be found by visiting www.service.mattel.com and clicking “Recall & Safety Alerts.”
October 10, 2024: Gimars Playpens with Mat
Version 1.0.0
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says children can get tangled in the basketball hoop or under the mattress that come with the playpen, entrapping a child and creating a suffocation hazard. Owners should stop using it immediately, disassemble the playpen and cut the fabric floor, the mattress pad and the basketball hoop in half.
The manufacturer is offering a full refund if customers share pictures showing they’ve destroyed those parts of the playpen. More directions and contact information for a full refund can be found here.
September 26, 2024: LEHOM Baby Playpens
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to immediately stop using and dispose of LEHOM Baby Playpens because they pose entrapment and suffocation hazards for infants. The LEHOM playpens violate federal safety regulations for play yards because the included basketball hoop accessory presents a head entrapment hazard and in addition, children can become entrapped beneath the mattress, posing a suffocation hazard. Also, the zippers contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban and the PVC suction cups contain levels of phthalates that exceed the federal phthalate prohibition. Lead and phthalates are toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. The importer, RYZ International Trading Limited, of Hong Kong, has not agreed to offer an acceptable recall remedy to consumers. Learn more here.
September 19, 2024: Wee Gallery Tummy Time Gallery
September 12, 2024: MJASKRE High Chairs
Additional Safety Tips for Parents
When it comes to baby product recalls, ensuring the safety of your child means staying informed and taking quick action. Here are some general safety tips to follow:
1 – Register Your Baby Products
- Always register new baby products with the manufacturer. Many products come with a registration card, or you can register online. This ensures you’ll be notified directly if a recall occurs.
2 – Check for Recalls Before Buying Second-Hand Items
- If you’re purchasing second-hand baby items (like high chairs, cribs, or strollers), check to see if they’ve been recalled. Avoid buying used items if they lack manufacturer labels or instructions.
- Be cautious when buying baby products from online marketplaces or garage sales, as these may include recalled or unsafe items.
3 – Avoid Buying Used Car Seats
- Crash history: There’s no way to know if a used car seat has been in a crash, especially if airbags were deployed. Even if there’s no visible damage, the seat could be significantly damaged.
- Recalls: There’s no way to know if a used car seat has been recalled without the model number and date of manufacture, which are usually on the labels.
- Expiration date: Without the date of manufacture, you can’t determine if the seat is past its expiration date.
- Missing parts: A used car seat might be missing parts.
- You know the seat’s full history and are certain it’s never been in a crash.
- The seat’s labels are intact and include the date of manufacture and model number.
- The seat isn’t past its expiration date.
4 – Inspect Products Regularly
- Even if a product hasn’t been recalled, inspect it regularly for signs of wear or malfunction. Loose screws, frayed straps, and small parts can become hazards over time.
5 – Beware of Counterfeit Products
- Always purchase from reputable retailers to avoid counterfeit products, which may not meet safety standards or could be more prone to defects and recalls.
6 – Spread the Word
- If you learn about a recall, inform other parents and caregivers. It’s challenging to keep up with the news and your warning could help protect a child from being injured.
In a world filled with endless baby products, keeping your little one safe can feel overwhelming. Staying informed about product recalls is a crucial step in protecting your baby from potential harm. Regularly check recall websites, do your research, and trust your instincts when it comes to the items you bring into your home. By staying vigilant and making safety a top priority, you can create a safer environment for your baby—and gain peace of mind along the way.