In a proactive move to ensure child safety, Fisher-Price, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), voluntarily recalled its popular Laugh & Learn Musical Learning Chair in January 2006. This recall alert is crucial for parents and caregivers who purchased this interactive infant toy. If you own this product, it’s important to read on to understand the potential hazard and the necessary steps to take.
Understanding the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Chair Recall
Approximately 614,000 units of the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Musical Learning Chair were recalled due to a potential entrapment hazard. Manufactured by Fisher-Price in East Aurora, N.Y., this recall affects chairs sold nationwide from May 2005 through January 2006. The chairs, designed as engaging learning tools for infants, unfortunately posed an unexpected risk.
The Strangulation Hazard Explained
The recall was initiated because of a design flaw that could allow a child to become dangerously lodged in the chair. Specifically, a child can slip and get trapped between the seatback and the side table of the Laugh & Learn chair. This entrapment creates a potential neck strangulation hazard for young children, which is a serious safety concern.
Fisher-Price reported three incidents where children got their necks lodged in the chair’s structure. While most incidents thankfully resulted in minor injuries, one report mentioned a child receiving a welt on the neck, highlighting the real risk associated with this defect.
Identifying the Recalled Laugh & Learn Chair
The Laugh & Learn Musical Learning Chair is designed as an interactive toy for infants, aiming to teach numbers, letters, and music. The recalled model is constructed from plastic and stands about 17 inches tall. It features a distinctive blue chair with four green legs and a side table. The side table includes a purple base and a white top, complete with toy accessories like a clock, book, and lamp. Friendly smiley faces are incorporated into the design on the lamp and seat back. The Fisher-Price logo is visibly marked on the front of the chair. The product packaging indicates it is intended for children aged 12 months to 36 months.
To confirm if your chair is part of the recall, check for the model numbers located on the underside of the chair seat. The recalled model numbers are: H4609, H7167, H7168, H7169, H7170, H7171, H7172, H7173, H8157, H8998, J0272, J0273, J0274, and J0275. These chairs were sold at discount department stores and toy stores across the country for around $27. They were manufactured in China.
A Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Musical Learning Chair, showing the blue chair, green legs, and side table with toy accessories. The recalled models have specific model numbers listed on the underside of the seat.
Remedy: What to Do If You Own a Recalled Chair
If you own a Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Musical Learning Chair that falls within the recalled model numbers, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Fisher-Price urges consumers to stop children from using the recalled chairs immediately.
To address this safety issue, Fisher-Price offers a free repair kit to consumers. This kit includes a plastic component designed to be inserted between the seatback and side table. Once installed, this piece effectively eliminates the gap and prevents the possibility of child entrapment.
To obtain your free repair kit, contact Fisher-Price directly. You can reach them at their dedicated recall hotline: (866) 552-3914, available anytime. Alternatively, you can visit Fisher-Price’s recall website at www.service.fisher-price.com for more information and to request the repair kit online.
Fisher-Price is committed to child safety and is taking this recall seriously. By providing this free repair kit, they aim to ensure that parents can continue to use the Laugh & Learn Musical Learning Chair safely in their homes. Ensure you take advantage of this remedy to protect your child from potential harm.
