Feds Recall Thousands of Children's Products

WASHINGTON – The Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling more than 770,000 children's products, including the largest-ever recall of strollers.

Century Products, of Macedonia, Ohio, is recalling about 650,000 strollers after receiving 681 reports of strollers collapsing or the carrier portion breaking loose, the safety commission said Thursday. Three concussions, two skull fractures and a broken elbow were among 250 injuries reported.

The recalled 4-in-1 strollers are for toddlers when used alone and for infants when a car seat/carrier is connected to the stroller. The safety commission said the carrier part of the product is safe when used only as a car seat.

Model names for the recalled strollers can be found on the footrest, the seat pad, the legs of the frame or on a white label on the side locks.

The names and model years of the recalled strollers are Take 2, 2000; Travel Solutions, 1999-2000; Pioneer, 1998-2000; Travelite, 1997-1998; Pro Sport, 1996-1999.

Stores nationwide sold these strollers from approximately December 1996 through March 2001 for between $100 and $200 each.

The safety commission advises consumers to stop using the strollers and call Century at 1-800-766-9998 for a free repair kit.

KB Toys, of Pittsfield, Mass., is recalling about 115,000 "Electronic Light N' Learn" activity gyms. Five detachable hanging rattle toys have small round pegs at the top that can break off.

The safety commission and the company have received six reports of the pegs breaking off, including two reports of children beginning to choke on broken pieces.

The multicolored activity gym converts into a crib toy, a floor gym and a musical keyboard. A label under the handle on the gyms' console reads in part "Electronic Light N' Learn Activity Gym Model: 8735, Made in China."

KB Toys stores, KB Toy Works, KB Toy Outlet, Big Lots, Odd Lots, Pic 'n Save and MacFrugals nationwide sold the toys from September 2000 through January 2001 for between $20 and $30. The toys also were sold on the KB Toys Web site at http://www.kbkids.com.

The safety commission said consumers should return the toy to the store where purchased for a refund. Toys bought on the Internet can be returned to KB Toy stores.

For more information, consumers can visit the company Web site or call toll-free at 1-800-279-5066 between 8 a.m. and 1 a.m. EDT Monday through Saturday and between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. EDT Sunday.

BRIO Corp., of Germantown, Wis., is recalling 6,450 of its Baking Set and Small Baking Set toys because they include a hand mixer with a knob that can break off and children can choke on. The recall is a precaution.

The baking sets are labeled for children older than 2 and come in a clear-plastic tote bag. The recalled sets have a model number of either 31798 or 31795.

The yellow, blue and red hand mixers are 5 inches long, and are sold along with toy utensils, rolling pin, mixing bowl, and baking molds.

Specialty stores, Internet retailers, and mail order catalogs sold the toys nationwide from March 1999 through April 2001 for $15 to $25.

The safety commission said consumers should take the hand mixer away from children immediately and call BRIO toll-free at 1-888-274-6869 extension 4701 between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday for a refund or replacement item.

Battat Inc. of Plattsburgh, N.Y., is recalling about 1,500 Parents magazine-brand Soft Landing Beanbag cushions. Infant pillows and cushions are banned under federal law because they put infants at risk of suffocating.

The recalled cushions also have two 8- to 9-inch cords and the company has received one report of a cord becoming wrapped around a baby's neck.

The airplane-shaped cushions, measuring approximately 27 inches long by 21 inches wide, are covered in various solid-colored cloth panels, and are filled with plastic foam pellets.

They have a "smiley face" on the front with a propeller that spins and makes clicking sounds, and a plush nose. The cushions' tag reads in part, "Fun and safe for all ages ... Battat Inc. ... Made in Thailand."

Target stores nationwide sold the cushions from September 2000 through May 2001 for about $24.

The safety commission advises consumers to return the cushions to a Target store for a refund. For more information, consumers can call Battat Incorporated at 1-800-247-6144 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.

The Gymboree Corp., of Burlingame, Calif., is recalling about 5,500 Baby Boy Bodysuits because a wheel-shaped zipper pull can twist off and become a choking hazard, the safety commission said.

There have been no injuries reported.

The recalled baby bodysuits are short-sleeved, one-piece outfits for toddlers sizes 0-3T. The bodysuits come in green and red, and have a wheel-shaped zipper pull.

On the left arm of the outfit is a patch that says "1st Place Soap Box Derby." A white care label inside of the outfit reads, "Made in Thailand" and "2000 Gymboree."

The Gymboree Web site at http://www.gymboree.com and stores nationwide sold these bodysuits from March 2001 through May 2001 for about $17.

The safety commission said consumers should return the bodysuits to Gymboree stores for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Gymboree toll-free at 1-800-222-7758 between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday or visit its Web site.