Lamaze Flower Stroller Wrap and Lamaze Soft Bead Buddies activity toys

CPSC Recall #03-532 — April 3, 2003

Recall Summary

Recall Number03-532
Recall DateApril 3, 2003
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedApproximately 3,800

Where It Was Sold

These toys were sold in March 2003 through specialty and toy stores nationwide for around $19.99.

Product

Lamaze Flower Stroller Wrap and Lamaze Soft Bead Buddies activity toys

Description

PRODUCT: Activity Toys In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Racing Champions Ertl/Learning Curve Int'l., Inc. (RCE/LCI), of Chicago, IL is voluntarily recalling approximately 3,800 children's activity toys. There are two types of activity toys involved in this recall. One toy is a flower shaped toy intended to attach to a stroller, with a green painted metal wire on which plastic beads slide along. The item is the Lamaze Flower Stroller Wrap (SKU #97222). The other toy is a floor-based toy with a foam stuffed base, a blue painted metal wire on which plastic beads and stuffed animal heads slide along. This item is the Lamaze Soft Bead Buddies (SKU #97325). Each item has a sewn-in label with the Lamaze logo on the front. These toys were sold in March 2003 through specialty and toy stores nationwide for around $19.99.PROBLEM: The paint on the metal wires of these toys contains excess levels of lead. Lead poisoning is a serious hazard to children and is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: RCE/LCI has not received any reports of incidents or injuries involving these toys. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.WHAT TO DO: Consumers should immediately take these toys away from infants and young children. Consumers should contact RCE/LCI for return and replacement instructions at (800) 704-8697 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday or visit the company's website at www.learningcurve.com.

Hazard

The paint on the metal wires of these toys contains excess levels of lead. Lead poisoning is a serious hazard to children and is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.

Incidents & Injuries

RCE/LCI has not received any reports of incidents or injuries involving these toys.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately take these toys away from infants and young children. Consumers should contact RCE/LCI for return and replacement instructions at (800) 704-8697 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.