Safety and Product Recalls

Pediatrics for Parents, Jan, 2001

Kolcraft Strollers

Product: Kolcraft Ranger and Ranger Quattro model numbers 46720 and 46721. About 25,000 strollers have been sold from January, 2000 through November, 2000 for about $80.

Manufacturer: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc., of Chicago, IL. (800-757-4770)

Danger: The lock mechanisms, found on both sides of the stroller, can break and create a pinch-point hazard. Young children can be injured when their fingers, arms or hands are pinched between parts of the locking mechanism.

Consumer Action: Stop using the stroller and call the manufacturer for a free repair kit.

To see a picture of the recalled product, go to http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml101/01056.htm.> Busy Poppin' Pals

Product: PlaySkool is expanding it recall of its Busy Poppin' Pals toys. In August of this year there was a recall of 420,000 Busy Poppin' Pals toys model number 5415. Now another 170,000 of the toys -- this time the Sesame Street Busy Poppin' toys. They are 13 inches long white plastic toys with blue, yellow, and green buttons, levers and knobs of various shapes that, when activated, make Sesame Street characters pop up from the toys base. The toys sell for around $10.00.

Manufacturer: PalySkool, Pawtucket, RI. (877-518-9743). www.hasbro.com

Danger: Small springs inside these toys can break loose, posing a choking and laceration hazard to young children.

Consumer Action: Take the toy away from children. Contact the manufacturer to learn how to obtain a free, redesigned replacement toy.

To see a picture of the recalled products, go to http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtm101/01050.html.> Alphabet Pal

Product: Nearly 500,000 Alphabet Pal electronic pull toys sold from June, 1999 through November, 2000 for about $20. This green caterpillar pull toy is about 12 inches long, has four wheels, and 26 plastic legs, each with a different letter of the alphabet on it. When pulled, the toy sings the ABC song.

Manufacturer: LeapFrog, 1400 65th St., Suite 200, Emeryville, CA 94608-1071 (877-477-6641) www.leapfrog.com

Danger: The pull string, which separates when under tension, has plastic pieces which can fall off and pose a chocking danger to young children.

Consumer Action: Cut the red plastic string connector off of the toy or return it to the manufacturer for a free replacement.

To see a picture of the recalled products, go to http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtm101/01051.html

Scooter Dangers

Product: Over 80,000 Excite Super Speeder II and Viper scooters sold from August, 2000 to December, 2000 from about $49 at Rite Aid stores. The scooter has a lightweight aluminum frame with black, foam handle grips. "Super Speeder II" or "Viper" is printed on the standing platform and on the steering column.

Manufacturer: Excite, Ltd., of Hong Kong (888-571-3731)

Danger: The front of the folding mechanism, where the steering column meets the base of the scooter, can create a pinch-point. Fingers can be injured while folding or unfolding the scooter. There are reported cases of finger injury including one partial amputation.

Consumer Action: Stop using the scooter. Contact the manufacturer to receive a free cap that covers the front of the folding mechanism.

To see a picture of the recalled products, go to http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtm101/01059. html.

Bath Toy Danger

Product: The Scoop Pour 'N Squirt and Bath Time Pals bath toys sold from February, 1999 to December, 2000 for around $5. These toy sets come with, among other items, small plastic squirting fish.

Manufacturer: Sassy, Inc., Kentwood, MI (800-764-8323) or www.sassybaby.com/safetynotice.html

Danger: The fish's size, texture, shape and easy compressibility make it possible for an infant to compress the toy and place it in his or her mouth. If the toy reaches the back of the mouth and expands, it may block the child's airway.

Consumer Action: Take the squirting fish away from young children and throw the toy away.

A picture of the recalled toy is available at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtm101/01062.html