Bath Toys Sold at Target Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

Bath Toys Sold at Target Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

The Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kit: A Toy to Toss

Water Bead Kit

While we all strive to provide our children with entertaining toys, it’s crucial to ensure their safety. Unfortunately, not all toys available on the market meet the necessary safety standards. One such toy is the Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kit, manufactured by Buffalo Games and sold exclusively at Target.

Recently, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Buffalo Games LLC announced the recall of approximately 52,000 Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kits due to serious ingestion, choking, and obstruction hazards. Tragically, one infant lost their life because of these hazards, and another required surgery after being injured.

So, what’s the problem with these water beads? Well, it turns out that if one of them is ingested, it expands, posing risks of choking and obstruction inside a child’s body. This can cause severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration, and, in worst-case scenarios, even death. In July, a 10-month-old in Wisconsin tragically lost their life after swallowing the water beads. Similarly, a 9-month-old infant in Maine suffered a serious intestinal obstruction after ingesting the beads, requiring surgical intervention for removal.

In light of these incidents, it is of utmost importance that parents and caregivers promptly discontinue the use of the recalled water bead kits and remove them from children’s reach. The CPSC recommends contacting Buffalo Games to obtain a full refund and receive instructions on how to return the product in a prepaid mailing package. Alternatively, the kits can be returned to any Target store.

These kits were exclusively sold at Target between March 2022 and November 2022 for approximately $15. They were manufactured in China. To identify the product, look for the label “Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kit” on the front of the purple container. The kit includes 2 ounces of “jumbo” water beads and 6 ounces of “regular” water beads. Additionally, it contains a clear container with a lid, five small toy fish, a scissor scoop, tweezers, a scoop with a handle, 10 activity cards, and instructions. On the back of the container, you will find the UPC Number 079346627035.

If you have any concerns or require further information, Buffalo Games can be contacted toll-free at 800-637-0732 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. You can also reach out to them via email at [email protected]. Alternatively, visit their website at /recall or www.chuckleandroar.com, and click on “Recall Information” at the top of the landing page.

Toy safety is a paramount concern for parents and caregivers, and incidents like these serve as stark reminders of the importance of thorough vetting and adherence to safety standards. Always research and familiarize yourself with a toy’s potential risks before introducing it to your child. Remember, safety comes first, and we must remain vigilant to protect our little ones.

For more information on children’s toy safety and other related topics, consider visiting Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.

Childhood Diseases: Measles, Mumps, & More

Childhood Diseases

Introduction

Keeping our children healthy and safe goes beyond toy recalls. From contagious illnesses to common childhood diseases, it’s essential to stay informed and take proactive measures to ensure our children’s well-being.

Measles: A Contagious Concern

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Despite the availability of vaccines, outbreaks can still occur, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.

The characteristic symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that typically begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Complications from measles can be severe, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death.

Mumps: Swollen Salivary Glands

Mumps is another viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, causing them to swell. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Aside from swollen cheeks and neck, symptoms of mumps may also include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Like measles, mumps can lead to complications such as meningitis, deafness, and inflammation of the testicles or ovaries.

Chickenpox: An Itchy Affair

Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is well-known for its itchy, fluid-filled blisters. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s rash or through respiratory droplets.

Typical symptoms of chickenpox include a widespread blister-like rash, fever, fatigue, and headache. In certain cases, complications such as bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, and inflammation of the brain may arise.

Conclusion

Childhood illnesses can be both concerning and inconvenient, but with proper education, preventative measures, and timely medical intervention, we can mitigate their impact. Stay informed, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and practice good hygiene habits to safeguard your child’s health.

By taking these proactive steps, we can help our children grow up happy, healthy, and safe from the perils of both toy recalls and contagious diseases.