Be Child Safe

Author: Marianne Halterman

  • Water Beads: A Danger to Young Children & Can Be Deadly if Swallowed

    CPSC has heard heartbreaking stories from parents whose children ingested water beads and suffered severe consequences, including grave internal injuries, lifelong health impacts and death.

    What are Water Beads? 

    Water beads look harmless – almost like candy – but can be deadly to babies and small children if ingested; and can lead to choking, internal injuries and even death if left undetected. 

    Water beads, often sold as toys, in craft kits, as sensory tools for children with developmental disabilities or for agricultural use, are small, water-absorbing, often colorful balls of super absorbent polymer and can grow 100X their original size when exposed to water!

    How do Water Beads work?

    Dry water beads can be the size of a pinhead, making them nearly undetectable if dropped on the floor or spilled in a playroom.

    Ingested water beads can continue to grow inside the body. This can cause severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration, intestinal blockages and life-threatening injuries, and surgery may be required to remove the water beads.

    Water beads inserted into ears can damage ear structures, causing hearing loss and require surgery.

    Water beads are associated with thousands of emergency-department visits every year. [From 2016-2022, there were an estimated 7,800 Emergency Room (ER) visits associated with water beads and CPSC is aware of at least one death.]

    What is the warning?

    CPSC urges parents and caregivers to remove these products from any environment with small children (3 years old and younger). CPSC also urges childcare centers, camps, and schools to avoid these products entirely. If you suspect your child has swallowed a water bead or inserted a water bead into their ear or nose, seek medical treatment right away.

    Safety Tips:

    • Do not allow children to play with water beads unsupervised.
    • Store water beads in a secure container and location where young children cannot easily access them.
    • Water beads can easily scatter, roll, and become lost in the home and can be ingested in the dehydrated state. The only way to mitigate the hazard is to remove them from the home.

    In Case of Emergency:

    • Call National Poison Help Line at 800-222-1222, 24 hours a day.

    Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Water-Beads-Information-Center

    Report any dangerous product or a product-related injury & experiences with water beads on SaferProducts.gov.

    Safety Education Resources: SafetyAlert_5101_WaterBeads_122023.pdf (468.02 KB)

  • Ahead of Sunday’s Game, CPSC Reminds Families to Tackle the Deadly Hazard of TV and Furniture Tip-Overs

    Release Date: February 8, 2024

    Release Number: 24-115

    New CPSC Report Shows Children, Older Adults Remain at Most Risk for Tip-Over Incidents; Disparities Remain Among Certain Demographics

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – As many Americans prepare to purchase new TVs ahead of the big game on Sunday, February 11, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released new data today that show tip-over incidents land thousands of children in emergency rooms every year; with children also representing 71 percent of fatalities associated with this hazard.

    The report, which focuses on injuries and fatalities that result from furniture, TV, and appliance tip-over incidents, shows that 17,800 people annually are injured in these incidents. Of that number, children under age 18 suffered 44 percent of injuries, amounting to a child being treated in an emergency department (ED-treated) every 53 minutes.

    Incident disparities among certain demographics, particularly Black non-Hispanics, persist where race/ethnicity is known. Among the 137 reported child fatalities from January 2013 through July 2023, Black non-Hispanic children accounted for 32 percent of those deaths while only comprising about 14 percent of the U.S. population of children. And from 2020 to 2022, among the ED-treated injuries to adults ages 18 years to 59 years, Black non-Hispanic adults accounted for 32 percent of those injuries despite making up only 13 percent of the U.S. population.

    In addition, the number of tip-over injuries impacting older adults (those aged 60+) has been on the rise, as the estimated number of ED-treated injuries involving furniture-only tip-overs has steadily grown over the past decade from 1,800 in 2013 to 4,300 in 2022.

    Other key findings include: 

    • Of the 217 reported tip-over fatalities from 2013 through July 2023 to all ages, 47 percent involved a television, and 55 percent involved children between 1 and 3 years old;
    • Of the estimated annual average 17,800 ED-treated injuries from 2020-2022 to all ages, 82 percent involved furniture, and 22 percent involved children between 1 and 3 years old.

    “Furniture and TV tip-overs remain a significant safety hazard in American households,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. “The data show that tip-overs pose a specific risk to children, and that African American communities are disproportionately injured and die as a result of this hazard. While CPSC adopted a new mandatory rule under the STURDY Act last year to hold furniture manufacturers to a higher safety standard, I want to remind consumers that they should still take action in their own homes by installing anti-tip-over kits — especially as they look ahead to the big game on Sunday, which is a popular time for large family gatherings that can include children.”

    As of September 1, 2023 and beyond, all newly manufactured clothing storage furniture must meet updated safety criteria; however CPSC recommends that all clothing storage furniture, regardless of when manufactured or purchased, should be anchored and secured to prevent tragedy.

    CPSC took further action to prevent tip-overs on January 12, 2024 by announcing the recall of millions of anti-tip-over kits manufactured by New Age Furniture, because the plastic zip ties could become brittle or weak over time. CPSC advises people who secured clothing storage units (manufactured in November 2019 or later) with a potentially affected kit to contact Alliance4Safety for a free replacement.

    CPSC urges all adults to take essential steps to protect their families from dangerous tip-over risks:

    •   Anchor TVs and furniture, such as bookcases and dressers, securely to the wall.  

    •   When anchoring is not possible, always place TVs on a sturdy, low base, push the TV back as far as possible, and keep cable cords out of reach.

    •   Avoid storing appealing items such as toys and remotes where kids may be tempted to climb to reach for them; store heavier items on lower shelves.

    For consumers’ peace of mind, the CPSC’s Anchor It! campaign website outlines three simple steps to installing an anchoring kit correctly. Learn how to anchor furniture safely here.

    CPSC’s Anchor It! Campaign’s PSA safety video includes real-life footage of children and falling furniture. Media can download the video: “Even When You’re Watching.”

    Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

    Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic.  Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

  • CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using Magnetic Fidget Balls’ High-Powered Magnetic Ball Sets Due to Ingestion Hazard, Violation of the Federal Safety Regulation for Toy Magnet Sets; Sold Exclusively at MagneticFidgetBalls.com

    Release Date: February 01, 2024

    Release Number: 24-089

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to immediately stop using and dispose of Magnetic Fidget Balls’ Magnetic Ball Sets because the loose, hazardous magnets pose a risk of serious injury or death if ingested by children.

    CPSC testing determined the magnetic ball sets do not comply with the requirements of the mandatory federal toy regulation because they contain one or more magnets that fit within 

    CPSC’s small parts cylinder and the magnets are stronger than permitted. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract to each other, or to another metal object, and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning and death. 

    CPSC estimates 2,400 magnet ingestions were treated in hospital emergency departments from 2017 through 2021. CPSC is aware of seven deaths since 2005 involving the ingestion of hazardous magnets, including two outside of the United States.

    CPSC issued a Notice of Violation to the seller, Magnetic Fidget Balls, but the firm has not agreed to recall these magnetic ball sets or offer a remedy to consumers. 

    The magnetic ball sets were sold online at MagneticFidgetBalls.com for about $10. They were sold in a set of colored magnetic balls encased in clear plastic wrapping.

    CPSC urges consumers to stop using the magnetic ball sets immediately, take them away from children, and dispose of them. 

    Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2024/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Immediately-Stop-Using-Magnetic-Fidget-Balls-High-Powered-Magnetic-Ball-Sets-Due-to-Ingestion-Hazard-Violation-of-the-Federal-Safety-Regulation-for-Toy-Magnet-Sets-Sold-Exclusively-at

    Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

    Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic.  Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

  • Children’s Nightgowns Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazard; Violation of Federal Flammability Regulations; Imported by Stripe and Stare

    Recall Date: February 01, 2024

    Recall number: 24-101

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Children’s nightgowns

    Hazard: The recalled children’s nightgowns violate the federal flammability regulations for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumer Contact: Stripe and Stare by email at hellousa@stripeandstare.com or online at https://us.stripeandstare.com/pages/childrens-nightgown-recall or https://us.stripeandstare.com/ and click on “Product Recall” at the top of the homepage for more information.

    Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Childrens-Nightgowns-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Regulations-Imported-by-Stripe-and-Stare

    Recall Details

    Units: About 250

    Description: This recall involves Stripe & Stare branded children’s 95% modal and 5% spandex blended nightgowns. The nightgowns are long-sleeved and have a ruffled collar, wrists and hemline. They were sold in children’s sizes 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10 years and in Morning Bliss Pink print. The neck label states “Stripe & Stare” and the size designation. The inside seam label states “95% modal and 5% elastance,” and the care instructions.

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled nightgowns away from children, stop using them and contact Stripe and Stare for a full refund. Consumers should destroy the garments by cutting them in half and send Stripe and Stare a photo of the destroyed product by email at hellousa@stripeandstare.com. Upon receipt of the photo, Stripe and Stare will issue a full refund of the purchase price.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported

    Sold At: Online at https://us.stripeandstare.com and https://www.loveshackfancy.com from February 2021 through January 2023 for about $80.

    Importer(s): Stripe and Stare, of United Kingdom

    Manufactured In: China

    Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic.  Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

  • Huihuang Trading Recalls Fishing Games Due to Magnet Ingestion Hazard, Violation of the Federal Safety Regulation for Toys; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com

    Recall Date: February 01, 2024

    Recall number: 24-096

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Fishing Games

    Hazard: The fishing game does not comply with the requirements of the mandatory federal toy regulation because it contains one or more magnets that fit within CPSC’s small parts cylinder and the magnets are stronger than permitted. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract to each other, or another metal object, and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning and death.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumer Contact: Huihuang Trading Inc. by email at safety@operationagency.com.

    Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Huihuang-Trading-Recalls-Fishing-Games-Due-to-Magnet-Ingestion-Hazard-Violation-of-the-Federal-Safety-Regulation-for-Toys-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon-com

    Recall Details

    Units: About 200

    Description: This recall involves Huihuang Trading Inc. Fishing Games. The game includes about nine animal pieces to fish with, in addition to four toy fishing rods, four toy fishing nets, a set of four markers, instructions to play the game, and a waterproof storage bag. Batch number X002903XZT323 is printed on the side of the game’s box.

    Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled fishing game immediately, take it away from children and contact Huihuang Trading to receive a pre-paid label to return the recalled products. Upon receipt of the products, consumers will receive a full refund. Huihuang Trading Inc. is notifying all known purchasers directly.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported. CPSC estimates 2,400 magnet ingestions were treated in hospital emergency departments from 2017 through 2021. CPSC is aware of seven deaths since 2005 involving the ingestion of hazardous magnets, including two outside of the United States. 

    Sold At: Exclusively online at Amazon.com from June 2023 through July 2023 for between $20 and $25.

    Importer(s): Huihuang Trading Inc., of Parker, Colorado

    Manufactured In: China

    Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic.  Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

  • DailySale Recalls High-Powered Magnetic Balls Due to Ingestion Hazard; Violation of the Federal Safety Regulation for Toy Magnet Sets

    Recall Date: February 01, 2024

    Recall number: 24-097

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Magnetic DIY Balls Magic Cube, 5mm

    Hazard: The magnetic ball sets do not comply with the requirements of the mandatory federal toy regulation because they contain one or more magnets that fit within CPSC’s small parts cylinder and the magnets are stronger than permitted. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract to each other or to another metal object and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning and death.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumer Contact: DailySale by email at recall@dailysale.com, or visit https://dailysale.com/pages/recall and click on “Recall Notice” for more information.

    Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/DailySale-Recalls-High-Powered-Magnetic-Balls-Due-to-Ingestion-Hazard-Violation-of-the-Federal-Safety-Regulation-for-Toy-Magnet-Sets

    Recall Details

    Units: About 105

    Description: This recall involves 216-piece 5mm Magnetic DIY Balls Magic Cubes which are small, spherical, loose and separable neodymium rare-earth magnets with a strong magnetic flux. The 5mm-diameter magnets are sold in a set of colored magnetic balls. The recalled Magnetic Balls Magic Cubes were sold encased in a clear, plastic case and a tin storage box.

    Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled magnetic balls immediately, take them away from children, and contact DailySale to receive a pre-paid label to return the recalled magnetic balls for a full refund. DailySale is notifying all known purchasers directly.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported. CPSC estimates 2,400 magnet ingestions were treated in hospital emergency departments from 2017 through 2021. CPSC is aware of seven deaths since 2005 involving the ingestion of hazardous magnets, including two outside of the United States.

    Sold At: Online at www.dailysale.com from July 2021 through May 2022 for about $30.

    Importer(s): DailySale Inc., of Pompano Beach, Florida

    Manufactured In: China

    Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic.  Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

  • Lovevery Recalls Slide & Seek Ball Runs with Wooden Knobs Due to Choking Hazard

    Recall Date: February 01, 2024

    Recall number: 24-098

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Slide & Seek Ball Runs with Wooden Knobs

    Hazard: The packaging configuration can allow damage to the wooden knob on the Ball Run during shipping and cause it to come loose and detach, posing a choking hazard to children.

    Remedy: Replace

    Consumer Contact: Lovevery online at www.recallrtr.com/ballrun or www.lovevery.com/pages/product-recalls, call toll-free at 888-520-0167 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, email at ballrun@lovevery.com, and at lovevery.com and click on “Product Recalls” at the bottom of the page for more information.

    Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Lovevery-Recalls-Slide-Seek-Ball-Runs-with-Wooden-Knobs-Due-to-Choking-Hazard

    Recall Details

    Units: About 47,000 (In addition, about 4,500 were sold in Canada)

    Description: This recall involves certain units of the 2023 Slide & Seek Ball Runs, which are wooden toys with a plastic ball ramp that is included in Lovevery’s Babbler Play Kits for children aged 13 to 15 months. The recalled units of the Ball Run have a wooden knob on the door, do not have a Lovevery logo engraved on the bottom, and do not have a green sticker on the inside wall of the door with the wooden knob. 

    Remedy: Consumers with a recalled ball run should immediately take it away from children, stop using it, and contact Lovevery for a free replacement. Consumers will receive a free replacement after registering on the firm’s website, removing and marking the affected door with a specific case number (which will be emailed to known purchasers), uploading a photo of their marked door to www.recallrtr.com/ballrun, and affirming to Lovevery that the door will be disposed of in the trash. Lovevery is contacting all known purchasers directly.

    Incidents/Injuries: Lovevery has received 33 reports of the wooden knob detaching during shipping and six reports of the wooden knob detaching after shipment. No injuries have been reported.

    Sold At: Online at Lovevery.com as part of the Babbler Play Kit from June 2023 through November 2023 for about $120 for the kit.

    Importer(s): Lovevery Inc., of Boise, Idaho

    Manufactured In: China

    Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic.  Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

  • Children’s Nightgowns Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazard; Violation of Federal Flammability Regulations; Imported by Shenzhen Weite Information Technology Co., Ltd.; Sold Exclusively by Ekouaer at Amazon.com

    Recall Date: February 01, 2024

    Recall number: 24-100

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Ekouaer Girl’s Nightgowns

    Hazard: The children’s nightgowns fail to meet federal flammability regulations for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumer Contact: Ekouaer at 800-608-1432 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, except on holidays, email at walshkelly15@gmail.com, or online at https://ekouaer.com/pages/us-recall-nightgown-2023 or https://ekouaer.com/ and click on “Product Recall Information” at the top of the page for more information.

    Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Childrens-Nightgowns-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Regulations-Imported-by-Shenzhen-Weite-Information-Technology-Co-Ltd-Sold-Exclusively-by-Ekouaer-at-Amazon-com

    Recall Details

    Units: About 16,800

    Description: This recall involves Ekouaer girl’s nightgowns made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex, with a screen print on the chest. The nightgowns were sold in short sleeves in sizes 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150. The nightgowns were sold in the following 13 colors: clear blue, lilac, light blue, light green, light gray, gray, pink, navy, light pink, purple, rose, white and yellow.

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled nightgowns away from children, stop using them and contact Ekouaer for a full refund. Consumers should destroy the nightgowns by cutting them both vertically and horizontally and disposing of them in accordance with local and state recycling laws. Consumers should send an image of the destroyed recalled nightgowns to Ekouaer by email at walshkelly15@gmail.com. Upon receipt of the photo, consumers will be issued a full refund of the purchase price.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported

    Sold At: Online at www.amazon.com from May 2020 through July 2023 for between $10 and $20.

    Importer(s): Shenzhen Weite Information Technology Co., Ltd., of China

    Manufactured In: China

    Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic.  Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

  • Flat River Group Recalls Children’s Bicycles Due to Crash and Injury Hazards; Violation of Federal Safety Regulations for Bicycles

    Recall Date: February 01, 2024

    Recall number: 24-104

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: NextGen Children’s Bicycles

    Hazard: The bicycles do not meet U.S. safety standards for bicycles, posing crash and injury hazards to children. The 10-inch, 12-inch, and 16-inch bicycles are equipped with hand brakes but no footbrakes. The 20-inch bicycles are not equipped with a chain guard and the pedals do not come with reflectors. Federal regulations require bicycles with seat heights that measure at or below 25 inches to be equipped with foot brakes and require a full coverage chain guard, intended to prevent entrapment of clothing or body parts.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumer Contact: Flat River Group toll-free at 833-857-1010 anytime, or online at www.Flatrivergroup.com/nextgen-recall/ or www.Flatrivergroup.com and click on “Recall” at the top of the page for more information.

    Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Flat-River-Group-Recalls-Childrens-Bicycles-Due-to-Crash-and-Injury-Hazards-Violation-of-Federal-Safety-Regulations-for-Bicycles

    Recall Details

    Units: About 22,700

    Description: This recall involves HolaBelle NextGen 10-inch, 12-inch, 16-inch and 20-inch children’s bicycles. The bicycles were sold in black, blue, red, purple and pink. The NextGen logo is printed across either the top tube or down tube of the frame on the bikes.

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled bikes away from children, stop using them, and contact the firm for instructions on returning the bicycles for a full refund.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported

    Sold At: Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Amazon, Fingerhut, Groupon, HSN, Kohls, Lowe’s, Macys, Overstock, QVC, Target, Tractor Supply and Walmart from October 2020 through November 2022 for between $80 and $135.

    Importer(s): Flat River Group, of Belding, Michigan

    Manufactured In: China

    Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic.  Please

  • The Museum of Modern Art Recalls Glass Little Wanderer Snow Globes Due to Laceration Hazard; Sold Exclusively at MoMA Design Stores

    Recall Date: February 01, 2024

    Recall number: 24-106

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Snow globes (Little Wanderer)

    Hazard: The snow globes can crack or fracture, posing a laceration hazard.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumer Contact: MoMA Design Store at 800-793-3167 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email at order_services@moma.org with the subject line “RECALL” or online at https://storehelpcenter.moma.org/hc/en-us/articles/22508238195853-Recall or at www.store.moma.org, and click on Help Center at the bottom of the page for more information.

    Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/The-Museum-of-Modern-Art-Recalls-Glass-Little-Wanderer-Snow-Globes-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-MoMA-Design-Stores

    Recall Details

    Units: About 1,915

    Description: This recall involves glass snow globes, with a plastic artwork figurine “Little Wanderer” inside the snow globe. The snow globes measure 4.5 inches high x 3.3 inches wide with a wood base, and have a yellow, blue, or red figurine inside.

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using and discard the recalled snow globes. Contact the Museum of Modern Art for a full refund. The museum is contacting all known purchasers.

    Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 39 reports of the snow globe cracking or fracturing. No injuries have been reported.

    Sold At: Exclusively at MoMA Design Stores and online at store.moma.org during November 2023 for about $85.

    Importer(s): Design Ideas Ltd, of Springfield, Illinois

    Distributor(s): The Museum of Modern Art, of New York

    Manufactured In: China

    Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic.  Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.