Chuckle & Roar Water Beads Recall (2023) Over Child Death

Are Water Bead Toys Safe?

Water bead toys are dangerous.

On September 14, 2023, about 52,000 units of Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kits were recalled over serious health risks (such as choking and intestinal obstruction hazards) and the death of one child. (1)(2)

Two moms had also previously shared heartbreaking warnings against water beads after their children suffered serious injuries after playing with these seemingly harmless toys.

Read about toy-related deaths here.

News & Updates On Water Beads

Major Outlets & Retailers Announce Ban On Water Beads For Kids

Update: January 7, 2024

In response to mounting pressure from lawmakers and angry parents, major outlets and retailers announced a ban on water beads for kids, whether used as toys, sensory materials, arts and crafts, or other purposes: (8)

Amazon banned all types of water beads and instructed sellers to remove them from the online platform by December 22, 2023. The company also banned the well-known Orbeez water bead brand and all water beads sold as “gel blaster ammunition” for toy guns.
Walmart also banned the sale and removed listings of water beads sold as crafting materials or toys for 9 years old and younger. These products were also removed from Walmart’s in-house craft supply brand, Hello Hobby.
Target also banned and removed all product listings with water beads, especially toys or craft supplies marketed for kids 12 years old and younger.

The following stores and online outlets also banned water beads (marketed for kids): (8)

eBay (online platform or marketplace)
Michaels (an arts and crafts supply store)
AliExpress (online store)

Lawmaker Files Bill To Ban Water Beads From Being Sold As Toys

Update: November 22, 2023

In the wake of children’s deaths or serious injuries involving water beads, New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. announced that he’s filing a bill to ban them from the toy market. (6)(7)

Originally designed and sold for agricultural use, water beads have been marketed as toys since 2010 (e.g., sensory toys or as “gel blasters” for toy guns). (6)(7)

While some products include safety warnings, Pallone pointed out that others don’t. However, the lawmaker believes that additional safety labels aren’t enough, especially because some of the serious incidents or deaths happened even with close parental supervision. (6)(7)

Pallone believes that a total ban is the only way to keep children from these cute and colorful but potentially dangerous products. (6)(7)

Chuckle & Roar Water Beads Activity Kit Recall 2023

Why Were These Activity Kits Recalled?

According to the recall notice from Chuckle & Roar and the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), a 10-month-old baby from Wisconsin reportedly died in July 2023 after swallowing the recalled water beads. (1)(2)

Previously, in November 2022, a 9-month-old in Maine reportedly suffered serious injuries that required surgery to remove the intestinal obstruction. (1)(2)

The CPSC explains that when your child ingests a water bead, it expands in their tummy, posing choking and intestinal obstruction risks. These can lead to vomiting, dehydration, severe discomfort, and an increased risk of death. (1)(2)

What Chuckle & Roar Water Beads Activity Kits Are Recalled?

Only the Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kits are affected by this recall. (1)(2)

These activity kits have a purple container with a front label stating “Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kit” (see photo below). (1)(2)

The activity kit includes the following: (1)(2)

Over 10,000 beads (6 oz of “regular” water beads + 2 oz of “jumbo” water beads)
Clear container and lid
Scoop with a handle
Scissor scoop
Tweezers
Five small fish toys
10 activity cards and instructions

The affected water beads activity kits were sold from March 2022 through November 2022 exclusively at: (1)(2)

Target.com (online)
Target stores nationwide

How Do I Know If My Chuckle & Roar Water Beads Activity Kits Have Been Recalled?

All lots of the Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kits described above are included in this recall. (1)(2)

Check for the following UPC (Universal Product Code) Number 079346627035 on the back of the purple box. (1)(2)

What To Do With My Recalled Chuckle & Roar Water Beads Activity Kit?

Immediately stop using these activity kits and keep them away from your children.

You can return your affected activity kits to any Target store or message Buffalo Games to receive a prepaid mailing package and refund. (1)(2)

Contact Buffalo Games via these channels: (1)(2)

Toll-free number: 800-637-0732 from 9 AM to 4:30 PM ET (Mondays through Fridays)
Email: [email protected]
Recall website: chuckleandroar.com/recall
Official website: chuckleandroar.com (click on “Recall Information” located at the top of the homepage)

Where Were These Chuckle & Roar Water Beads Activity Kits Manufactured?

China; imported by Target Corporation (2)

FAQs

What Are The Warnings About Sensory Water Beads?

The water kids can be extremely dangerous to children, leading to choking risks or intestinal obstruction if swallowed.

Even though these toys are meant for older children, and you’re extra careful where they play, younger ones might still get access to a bead without your knowledge.

The moms of the children in previous water bead cases had set designated play areas for their older kids. However, their toddlers still managed to find some beads and swallow them. (3)(4)

Is Water Beads Sensory Play Safe?

No. While water beads are marketed as “safe and non-toxic” for sensory play, the CPSC warns that they can be toxic to humans, especially due to acrylamide, which can cause poisoning. (3)(5)

Acrylamide is dangerous because it can paralyze your child’s brain or central nervous system. (3)(4)(5)

Although not all water beads are directly made from acrylamide, they’re usually made from polyacrylate or other acrylics, which can undergo chemical reactions or changes that can make them dangerous and toxic to your children. (4)(5)

According to mom Ashley Haugen, acrylamide was identified as the cause of her toddler’s poisoning. (4)

Did Orbeez Get Recalled?

No. There haven’t been any recalls of Orbeez water bead products.

Other Toy Recalls

Here’s a list of other recalled toys:

Janod Toy Recall (2023)
Jetson Children’s Scooter Recall (2023)
Rollerblade USA Inline Skates Recall (2023)
Monti Kids Basket with Balls Recall (2023)
IKEA Toy Recall (2023)
Jetson Hoverboard recall (2023)
Delta Children Swing Recall (2023)
Skip Hop Activity Center’s toy recall (2023)
Calico Critters recall (2023)
Kids Preferred Disney character figurines recall (2023)
HABA recall (2022)
Target toy recall (2022)
Kidoozie play tent recall (2022)
Monti Kids recall (2022)

Other Recent Baby Product Recalls & Safety Warnings

Stay informed with the latest news by signing up for our regular Motherhood Community recall alerts so you never miss an important recall.

Check these comprehensive lists of product recalls by category:

Crib recalls (up to 2022)
Stroller recalls (2020 to 2023)
Recalled toys list (2020 to 2023)
Baby formula recall (2001 to 2022)
Baby food recall (2015 to 2022)
Pacifier recall (2019 to 2022)
Baby wipes recall (2014 to 2022)

Our Toy Articles

References

(1) https://chuckleandroar.com/recall

(2) https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Buffalo-Games-Recalls-Chuckle-Roar-Ultimate-Water-Beads-Activity-Kits-Due-to-Serious-Ingestion-Choking-and-Obstruction-Hazards-One-Infant-Death-Reported-Sold-Exclusively-at-Target

(3) https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/maine-mom-alarm-baby-daughter-nearly-dies-swallowing-water-bead

(4) https://thatwaterbeadlady.org/kipleys-story

(5) https://www.poison.org/articles/are-water-beads-toxic

(6) https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/toys/federal-lawmakers-call-for-national-ban-on-water-beads-a1287331769/

(7) https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-announces-legislation-ban-water-beads-are-dangerous-and-potentially

(8) https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/toys/amazon-to-stop-selling-water-bead-toys-a2333261526/

Recall

Chuckle & Roar Water Beads Activity Kit Recall (2023) Over Serious Health Risks & Child Death