Many would agree that the most hazardous defective products are those that affect young ones, especially products that could become a choking hazard. Last September, popular clothing retailer H&M voluntarily recalled more than 2,900 children’s water bottles because of a defective spout that could break into small parts and pose a choking hazard. This week approximately 47, 500 units of “Buff Baby” baby rattles are being voluntarily recalled by its distributor Fred & Friends because of a choking hazard.
The grey “Buff Baby” rattle is shaped like a dumbbell and contains plastic pellets inside. The end cap of the rattle could potentially separate from the other part of the rattle and release the small pellets, posing a choking hazard to small children, the CPSC states in a report. Fred &Friends has received two reports of the rattle caps separating from the rest of the product, but no injuries have been reported.
The rattles were sold in specialty toy and baby stores nationwide and online at www.amazon.com and other websites from October 2011 through June 2013 for approximately $7 to $10. The rattles came in clear cylindrical packages with a picture of a baby girl holding up the rattle. According to Consumer Affairs, the UPC code 728987019098 is printed on the bottom of the package.
Consumers are advised to immediately take the rattles away from young children and contact Fred & Friends to receive a full refund. Consumers can fill out a form on Fred & Friends’ website to return the rattle to the company.
Fred & Friends can be contacted at 877-647-8644 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or by email at buffbabyrattle@fredandfriends.com.