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The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Toys
Name of Product: Playsafe Spinning Quad Merry-Go-Rounds
Manufacturer: Pacific Cycle Inc., of Madison, Wis. They were manufactured in China.
Hazard: The inner bearing on the merry-go-round can fail, causing the seat assembly
to suddenly drop to the ground. This poses a fall hazard to children riding the
merry-go-round.
Incidents/Injuries: Pacific Cycle has received one report of an injury involving the merry-go- round, which resulted in a fall and abrasions to a child.
Description: The Playsafe Spinning Quad Merry-Go-Round has four yellow plastic seats and black and silver metal bars.
Sold exclusively by: Toys R Us nationwide between January 2008 through March 2008 for between $80 and $100.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the merry-go-round away from children and return it to Toys R Us for a full refund, or contact Pacific Cycle to receive a free retrofit kit.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Pacific Cycle toll free at (877) 564-2261 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.pacific-cycle.com. (6-12-08)
Name of Product: Adventure Play Sets and Create N Adventure Wooden Play Sets
Distributor: Backyard Leisure LLC, of Pittsburg, Kan. They were manufactured in China.
Hazard: Hangers holding the chains for the gliders can break, causing a child to fall and suffer injuries.
Incidents/Injuries: Backyard Leisure has received 114 reports of glider hangers breaking, including three reports of minor injuries to children. Injuries included abrasions and a child being hit in the head by a chain that detached from a hanger.
Description: The swing sets are made of wood and feature various types of gliders,
slides and swings. The recalled models include:
Adventure Play Sets: Model
Pathfinder Swing Set: 65008
Conqueror Swing Set: 65208
Create N Adventure Wooden Play Sets: Model
Cedar Ridge Wooden Swing Set: 30008
Windsor Wooden Swing Set: 30108
"Adventure Play Set" or "Create N Adventure," and "Pittsburg, KS 66762" is printed
on a plaque in the middle of the swing sets' upper beam. The name and model number
is printed on the manufacturer's instructions that come with the play set.
Sold at: Wal-Mart stores nationwide and Wal-Mart.com under the Adventure Playsets brand, and Toys "R" Us stores nationwide under the Create N Adventure brand from January 2008 through May 2008 for between $400 and $1,500.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the gliders from the swing sets and
contact Backyard Leisure to receive free replacement glider hangers and repair
instructions.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Backyard Leisure at (866) 546-7902 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, visit the firm's Web site at www.adventureplaysets.com, or e-mail the firm at custservice@adventureplayets.com. (6-10-08)
Name of Product: Animal Tracking Explorer Kit
Importer: MindWare, of Roseville, Minn. They were manufactured in China.
Hazard: The powder in the kit marked "plaster of paris" is actually calcium hydroxide,
which poses a risk of skin and eye irritation to children using the product. No
incidents or injuries have been reported.
Description: The recalled "Animal Tracking Explorer Kit" includes a bag of white powder marked "plaster of paris," which is actually calcium hydroxide. It also includes nature study tools and equipment (field lens, specimen jars and bags, labels, puff bottle, plastic gloves, spatula, cardboard strips, paper clips, mixing pot, tweezers, spoon, notebook) and Explorer Guide.
Sold at: The firm's Web site, www.MindWareOnline.com, and by MindWare's catalog from September 2007 through December 2007 for about $25.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled explorer kit away from children and contact MindWare to receive either a free replacement product or for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact MindWare at (800) 588-1072 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT, or e-mail the firm at custserv@mindware.com. (6-05-08)
Name of product: Little Tikes Chit 'N Chat Toy Cell Phones
Manufacturer: Kids Station Toys International Ltd. of Miami, Fla. They were manufactured in China.
Hazard: The hinge cover on the toy cell phone can detach from the phone, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and the firm have received three reports of the toy breaking, including one report of a child beginning to choke on a small part.
Description: The Little Tikes brand Chit 'N Chat Toy Cell Phone resembles a flip-phone style cell phone and has a 10-key numeric button pad and three buttons with pictures of animals. All of the buttons make a sound when pressed. The toy phones are multi-colored and have a sticker on the back with model number KSL4010 (sold separately) or KSL8032, KSL8033 or KSL8051 (sold with other items). "Designed and Licensed by Kids Station Toys International Ltd." is printed on the back of the toy phones. Toy phones with a screw visible on the hinge cover are not subject to the recall.
Sold at: Department, juvenile product and drug stores nationwide from June 2006
through March 2008 for about $8 (individually) or about $20 (set).
Remedy: Consumers should take these toy phones away from young children immediately and contact the firm for instructions on obtaining a free replacement.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kids Station toll-free at (888) 620-0930 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.kidsstationtoys.com. (5-30-08)
Name of product: Makit & Bakit Jewelry Sets and Suncatcher Sets
Importer: QuinCrafts, of Dexter, Mich. They were manufactured in China.
Hazard: The clasps on some of the jewelry contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. No incidents or injuries have been reported.
Description: The recall includes QuinCrafts products containing children's jewelry. Only items with the following item numbers printed on the back of the packaging are included in the recall:
Item Number:
Makit & Bakit 5-Piece Jewelry Set 55256
Makit & Bakit Charm Bracelet Sets 41671
Makit & Bakit Bracelet & Necklace Set 55106
Makit & Bakit Charm Bracelet Set 55100
Makit & Bakit Garden Delux Suncatcher Set 43131
Disney Makit & Bakit Fairies Charm Bracelet 50083
Disney Makit & Bakit Princess Charm Bracelet 50694
The children's jewelry was sold in a variety of sets that contain necklace, bracelet and earring or ring combinations.
Sold at: AC Moore, CVS, LTD Commodities, Marshall's/TJ Maxx, Michaels Corp. and
other toy and independent craft supply stores nationwide from August 2007 through
March 2008 for about $2.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewelry away from young children and contact QuinCrafts for a replacement jewelry set.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact QuinCrafts at (800) 366-4660 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.quincrafts.com/recall. (5-30-08)
Name of product: "Sky Champion" Wireless Indoor Helicopters
Importer/Distributor: TWIE, also known as Tradewinds International Enterprises Inc., of San Francisco, Calif. They were manufactured in China.
Hazard: The rechargeable battery contained inside the helicopter can catch fire, igniting the helicopter and nearby combustible materials. This poses a burn or fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: TWIE has received two reports of helicopters catching fire. No injuries or property damage have been reported.
Description: This recall involves the "Sky Champion" wireless indoor helicopter.
The helicopter comes with a
transmitter that controls and recharges the helicopter. The helicopter is made
of foam and plastic and measures about 7 inches by 3 inches. The transmitter measures
about 6 inches by 4 inches. "BH26047" is printed on the tail of the helicopter.
"WIC 551777" and the UPC code is 630990006005 are printed on the packaging.
Sold at: Walgreens stores nationwide from June 2007 through November 2007 for about $20.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop playing with the recalled helicopters and contact TWIE for a full refund. Returns will be accepted by TWIE. Walgreens will not accept returns or provide a refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact TWIE toll free at (888) 583-4908 anytime or send an e-mail to returncoptersl@aol.com. (5-30-08)
Name of Product: Floppy Friends Horse Toys
Importer: Toy Investments Inc., d/b/a Toysmith, of Auburn, Wash. They were manufactured in China.
Hazard: Surface paint on the toy horse contains excessive levels of lead, violating
the federal lead paint standard. No injuries or incidents have been reported.
Description: The recalled horse toy has a push-up base. When the base is pushed up, the toy horse is floppy. When released, the toy horse stands up straight. The horse is brown and white and the base is green with orange-red flowers and dark blue flowers.
Sold at: Hobby stores, gas stations, gift shops and toy stores nationwide from February 2008 through April 2008 for about $4.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and return it to the store where purchased for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Toy Investments Inc. at (800) 356-0474 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.toysmith.com. (5-28-08)
Name of Product: Yellow Sure Grip Paint Brushes
Importer: Early Childhood Resources LLC, of Mt. Laurel, N.J. They were manufactured in China.
Hazard: Surface paint on the handle of the yellow paint brushes contains excessive
levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. No injuries or incidents
have been reported.
Description: The paint brushes were sold in multi-color packages of four. Only the yellow brushes are included in the recall. The paint brushes have a rounded cylinder body with tan bristle tip brushes and measure about 4 inches in height.
Sold by: Early Childhood Resource distributors, including teacher supply stores nationwide from May 2007 through December 2007 for about $4.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled paint brushes and contact Early Childhood resources to receive a free replacement product.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Early Childhood Resources (888) 227-9028 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, or visit the firm's Web site at www.ecr4kids.com. (5-28-08)
Name of Product: Tinker Bell Wands
Retailer: Disney Store, of Pasadena, Calif. They were manufactured in China.
Hazard: The paint on the pearl beads in the flowers of the wands contains excessive
levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. No incidents or injuries
have been reported.
Description: The recalled Tinker Bell wands are green and light up and sound when a button in the handle is pressed. The top of the wand has white plastic flowers, a green bow and a pin with Tinker Bell's face on it.
Sold at: Disney stores nationwide from April 2007 through October 2007 for about $13.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and return it to a Disney Store for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Disney Store toll-free at (866) 902-2798 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.Disneystore.com. (5-28-08)
Name of Product: Basic Beat Shaker Guiro Instruments
Importer/Distributor: Antigua Winds Inc., of San Antonio, Texas. They were manufactured in Taiwan.
Hazard: Surface paint on the recalled shaker guiro instrument contains excessive
levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. No incidents or injuries
have been reported.
Description: The recalled shaker guiro is a ridged, cylinder-shaped percussion instrument that contains beads and is played by scraping a stick along the surface. The shaker guiro measures about 2X5-inches long. One end of the instrument is painted red and the other end is painted blue. The center section and stick are natural wood. "Basic Beat 5" Guiro/Shaker," "SHBB5" and "Recommended for Ages 6+" are printed on the packaging.
Sold by: West Music retail stores in Iowa and Illinois, the West Music catalog, online at www.westmusic.com, West Music booths at conventions and workshops nationwide, the Music Together Catalog and www.musictogether.com from November 2001 through March 2008 for between $9 and $11.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled shaker guiro instrument away from children and contact West Music to arrange to receive a replacement instrument.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact West Music at (800) 397-9378 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, or e-mail the firm at service@westmusic.com. (5-28-08)
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