Teething Tips

To learn about more product recalls, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site or the more intuitive recall search tool at Parents.com.

Sassy Teething Ring Rattle

Due to the possibility that small pieces of the plastic ball could detatch, Refreshing Rings teether rattles have been recalled by Sassy, Inc., in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. The recall was announced Jan. 31, 2011.

While no injuries have been reported, loose pieces could pose an ingestion hazard. Made in China, more than 37,000 of these products were sold in specialty stores from July 2009 through January 2011. Contact the Kentwood, Mich.-base company at 1-800-323-6336 for more information.

Vulli Teething Rings

Vulli Cool-it Soother teething rings manufactured by Calisson, Inc. of Dana Point, CA, are the subject of a recall announced Jan. 12 by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

While no injuries have been reported, the green-handled ring featuring the character “Gnon” could pose an ingestion hazard to children if the ring is punctured and bacteria and molde grow inside. The liquid is untreated, and a possible result of ingestion is diarrhea and vomitting, the CSPC reported.

The teething rings were sold in specialty stores and via Amazon.com from January 2008 to November 2010. They are made in France. If you have one of these rings, send it in to Calison for a free replacement. The company can be reached at 1-888-318-9803.

Kid O Baby Rattles

On Jan. 12, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission announced the voluntary recall of two styles of baby rattles, the Duo (pictured) and the Prima.

If the rattles are “twisted or pulled forcefully,” the beads can come off, which could be a choking hazard. No injuries have been reported.

The rattles, which were made in China and imported by Kid O Products of Perth Amboy, N.J., were sold at specialty stores from November 2010 through December 2010 for about 12. Contact Kid O at 1-212-366-5858

Hyland’s Teething Tablets

On Oct. 23, 2010, the maker of Hyland’s Teething Tablets worked with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to voluntarily recall several lot numbers of the homeopathic product, out of concerns that the manufacturing process needs improvement to ensure “uniformity in dosage.”

The FDA press release regarding the Hyland’s teething tablet recall lists the affected UPC codes, along with other information. Standard Homeopathic Company makes the teething tablets, which have been on the market for more than 85 years. The company’s website also lists Hyland’s recall information. Refunds and/or replacement coupons are being offered.

Gund Baby Books
Gund, in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, announced on April 6, 2010 a recall of all paperboard books sold in a three-book set for babies in the U.S. and Canada between January 2009 and March 2010. The Styrofoam filling the book binding can detach, especially when teething children mouth the area. (The handles look like teether rattles.) No injuries have been reported. Contact Gund for a replacement at 1-800-436-3726.

Teethers and Baby Toys by Infantino
On March 11, 2009, Infantino and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission jointly announced the recall of several baby toys, rattles and teething rings due to a potential choking hazard. Nearly 200,000 of the toys were sold in the U.S. and Canada between June 2007 and February 2009. The blue metallic fabric can detach from the following play sets and be ingested: Lil’ Chef Set, Activity Stacker and Tag Along Chime Trio. Contact San Diego, CA-based Infantino for a replacement at 1-888-808-3111. For more images visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09146.html

Rattles and Teethers by CBB Group
On Feb. 25, 2009, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, along with CBB Group of City of Commerce, Calif., announced the recall of several toys sold at dollar stores and toy stores. Among the products found to have small parts that could detach and form a choking hazard is a three-piece rattle set with “Baby Modern Mobile” on the box. Take the rattles and teethers away from children immediately, return them to the store and contact CBB Group at 1-866-628-6238 or www.cbbgroup.com.

Infantino Lion and Lamb Rattles
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Infantino of San Diego, Calif, on Jan. 15, 2009 issued a recall of Lion and Lamb Grabby Rattle teething rings after 10 reports of the tail detaching, causing a choking hazard. Rattles without tails on the animals and products with production codes of 0108 and 0508 are not affected. The rattles were sold at Wal-Mart, Babies R Us and other stores from May 2007 through September 2008. Take affected rattles away from children and contact Infantino at (888) 808-3111 for a replacement.

Taggies Stroller Activity Bar
The Consumer Products Safety Commission and International Playthings on Aug. 26, 2008 issued a recall for Taggies stroller activity bars due to the possibility that the shiny material on the the elephant’s ear could detach, causing a choking hazard. There have been three reports of the material detaching, but no injuries. The bars were sold at specialty toy stores and on the Internet from February 2007 through July 2008 for about $23.

Manhattan Group Recalls Rattles
A whimsical rattle with teether edges was recalled May 15, 2008 by the Manhattan Group in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. The tumble tower infant rattles have blue plastic end caps that can break off, posing a choking hazard. The rattles were sold from September 2007 through April 2008 and should be returned to the store where purchased, or contact the manufacturer.

Infantino Recalls Teether Rattles
A lamb-shaped rattle manufactured by the San Diego, Calif.-based company, Infantino, was recalled on March 5, 2008 in a voluntary action in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The rattles, which were manufactured in China, have been the subject of eight reports of the lamb’s tail piece detaching, which poses a choking hazard. The affected products were sold at Wal-Mart, Babies R Us and other retail stores from September 2007 through February 2008, and contain the date code of 0907 on the lamb’s left ear.

Silver Teething Rings Recalled as Choking Hazard

Potential breakage resulting in choking hazards has prompted the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to, on Jan. 31, 2007, issue a recall of about 200 sterling silver teething rings imported by Elegant Baby and Baby Needs Inc. of Burlington, N.C. The rings were manufactured in circle shapes with either a heart or car in the center, which can accidentally break apart in the baby’s mouth. The silver teethers were sold by independent baby clothing stores from February 2005 through September 2006 and retailed for about $50.

Empire Silver Co. Sterling Silver Teething Rings

On Dec. 26, 2007. the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall by Empire Silver Co. of its sterling silver teething rings. The manufacturer, based in Brooklyn, N.Y., produced an estimated 1,000 teething rings that were sold for $50 to $120 at jewelry, gift and department stores in the United States. The teething ring, which was available in three styles, has a silver ball, which can come unsoldered, releasing plastic beads that create a potential choking hazard. For more information call 1-800-255-9475 or visit www.empiresilver.com.

Priddy ‘Trucks’ Shaker Teether Books

On Aug. 23, 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued an alert and recall on about 35,000 cloth books that incorporate a teether and rattle.

The books, manufactured by St. Martin’s Press, can pose a choking hazard if parts of the teether fall off.

The books were sold at Barnes & Noble stores between January 2006 and June 2007. A free replacement is being offered through the publisher.

Bright Start teething rings

Kids II has announced the recall of about 375,000 teether or teething beads sold under the Bright Star and Bright Starts name. The plastic ring holding the beads in place can break, which creates a choking hazard when the beads detach. No injuries have been reported. The models in question are Nos. 8483 and 8549, and are shaped like stars, spirals and ovals.

Tiffany Teether rattles

Those who forked out $150 for Tiffany and Co.’s teether rattles, please take note that a dispute over product safety was settled June 28, 2006 when the upscale jeweler agreed to pay $262,500 to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The civil penalty is intended to compensate for Tiffany’s alleged failure to immediately tell the government about reports that a teether with small beads and animal decorations could fall apart, posing a choking hazard.

About 3,700 of the pricey teethers were sold between November 2003 and February 2004, the CPUC reported. Tiffany’s Paloma rattle was recently the subject of a recall.

Recalls from 2005 and Earlier

June 2005: Prestige Toy Corp’s Spinning Water Teethers

January 2005: Magic Cabin wooden teethers

June 2002: Prestige Toy Corp’s Duckie Ring/Rattle Teethers

January 2002: Reed & Barton sterling teething rings

July 2000: Manhattan Toy Corp. teethers

June 2000: Whitehall-Robbins Healthcare teething ring

March 2005: Sanitoy Rolling Ball Rattle Teether

July 1994 and July 2001: Remco Toys scented teether

July 1991: Scenique Toys, Inc.: Teething Wheel

July 1983: Nuk gum massager

July 1978: Okla Homer Smith Furniture crib teething rails