Plush Stacking Toys Recalled for Choking Hazards
Hallmark Marketing Company, which is based on Kansas City, has issued a product defect recall for about 6,000 baby plush stacking toys for potential choking hazards. According to a report on Consumeraffairs.com, the toys, which were sold in the United States and Canada, have fabric hats and bows that can detach, posing a choking hazard. This recall involves the Itty Bittys baby Disney-licensed plush animal stacking toys with rattling rings.
Details of the Recall
The toys measure 10 inches by 7.5 inches by 9.5 inches, have a yellow base stand with a post and four rattling rings that slide on and off the post. The Hallmark logo and “itty bittys” are printed on a sewn-on tag attached to the toy’s base. The toys that were made in China, were sold at Hallmark Gold Crown stores nationwide and online at Hallmark.com and Amazon.com from June 2016, through July 2017, for about $30.
If you have these toys at home, it is best to stop using them right away. Contact Hallmark to get a prepaid shipping label to return the recalled toy and for a $40 Hallmark Gold Crown gift card. For more information, call Hallmark at 800-425-5627 or visit hallmark.com
Keeping Children Safe
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 11 reports of toy-related deaths that occurred in the 2015 among children 15 and younger. Ten of the 11 victims were younger than 12. Riding toys accounted for 45 percent of the 11 reported deaths in 2015. Also, during the same year, there were an estimated 254,200 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. Choking is among the most common causes of choking deaths in younger children.
There are a number of steps we can all take to prevent these tragic accidents:
- Be a vigilant shopper. You should examine toys carefully for hidden dangers before making a purchase.
- Keep small parts away from toddlers particularly if an older child has toys with small parts.
- Select toys that are suitable for your child’s age, abilities, skills and interest levels.
- Discard plastic wrapping on toys immediately, which can cause suffocation.
- If you are unsure of the durability of a toy that may break into small parts, do not buy it.