Original Source: www.goodhousekeeping.com
Parents are being told to take wind-up toys made by manufacturer Kids Preferred away from their young children after the company found them to be a choking hazard.
Carter’s, Child of Mine, Guess How Much I Love You and Just One You brands of the “Waggy Musical Toys” have been recalled because the metal post and handle of the wind-up mechanism can detach and easily be swallowed by kids. Stuffed kitties, puppies, owls, giraffes and more sold in various colors are part of the affected batch.
These plush animals were sold at Carter’s, Target, Walmart and other stores across the country. They were available from January 2016 to August 2017 and retailed between $11 and $20.
While no injuries have been reported, there are six cases of parts from the handle detaching from the toy. “Toy safety is our primary concern at Kids Preferred. We, in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, their Fast Track recall program and Health Canada, initiated the voluntary recall of certain Waggy Musical Toys strictly as a precautionary move. We take very seriously the confidence and trust our customers have placed in our products and our main goal is to continue providing them with only the safest products,” Kids Preferred said in a statement to GoodHousekeeping.com.
To determine if your toy was included in the recall, check the model number and batch codes printed on the smallest sewn-in label behind the care label. A full list of affected model numbers and batch codes can be found here.
Parents can contact Kids Preferred for a free replacement toy by phone at 888-968-9268 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or email at recall@kidspreferred.com.
The Good Housekeeping Institute recommends always keeping an eye out for potential dangers, especially when it comes to children’s toys.
“In general, it’s good for parents to always inspect what their children are wearing or putting on to ensure they don’t pose an obvious hazard,” explains Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “That includes looking for things that could be a choking hazard, as well as protrusions, sharp edges or pinch points that could cause injury. If you ever discover a product that could or has harmed your child or another, report it to the CPSC.“
