Overview
Monti Kids, a brand that produces and sells Montessori toys for babies, recalled two of its toy products in 2022 due to choking hazards: (1)(2)
- Monti Kids toy box with bins
- Monti Kids wooden push toys
Update: In 2023, the brand issued another toy recall, this time for the Monti Kids Basket with Balls, also over choking risks. (3)(4)
Choking is among the leading causes of infant mortality, especially in kids younger than three years of age, because they tend to put objects in their mouths. (5)
So, you might be asking questions like:
“Why were these Monti Kids products recalled?”
“Are they still safe to use?”
“What must I do if my baby has these toys?”
We prepared this article to provide you with all the information you need. Continue reading to learn more about these toy recalls.
Monti Kids Recall 2023
Monti Kids Basket with Balls
Recall Information
Update: April 15, 2023
On April 06, 2023, Monti Kids recalled about 2,700 units of the Basket with Balls because the small swirls sewn onto the exterior of the crocheted ball can detach, exposing the small interior parts that can pose a choking risk to young children. (3)(4)
These balls are sold with the Monti Kids Tummy-Time, 4-6M Montessori Play Set, and the Early Gross Motor subscription boxes. (3)(4)
The Basket with Balls includes the following: (3)(4)
- The recalled blue crochet ball
- A red rubber ball
- A yellow tactile ball
- A wooden ball
You can also find the Monti Kids label (see photo below) sewn inside the basket. (3)(4)
According to the recall advisory, Monti Kids received two reports of the swirls detaching from the blue balls, releasing the small parts inside. (3)(4)
Thankfully, there weren’t any injuries reported. (3)(4)
The affected toys were sold from July 2022 through February 2023 at montikids.com for around $50 per set or $195 per subscription box. (3)(4)
These recalled toys are made in China. (3)(4)
What To Do
Immediately stop using the blue balls from this recalled basket of balls. (3)(4)
WARNING: Don’t let your kids play with these recalled toys even if they look fine. There’s no telling when the swirls might detach.
Destroy the recalled ball by cutting it in half. Be sure to take a photo of the cut ball before throwing it into your garbage bin. (3)(4)
Contact Monti Kids via [email protected] for a $12 refund in the form of a mailed check or payment reversal on the credit card you used for the purchase. (3)(4)
In your email, be sure to include a photo of the destroyed ball and your refund preference. (3)(4)
Monti Kids is also contacting all known or registered purchasers. (3)(4)
Other Monti Kids contact details you can reach for this recall: (3)(4)
- Toll-free phone number: 888-869-3019, available from 9 AM to 6 PM PT, from Monday through Friday
- Recall site: montikids.com/pages/commitment-to-safety-1
- Official website: montikids.com (click on “Product Recall” found at the bottom of the page)
Monti Kids Recall 2022
Monti Kids Toy Box with Bins
Recall Information
On July 21, 2022, Monti Kids recalled the Box with Bins after they received five reports of the small dowel separating from the outer cabinet and becoming exposed, posing a choking risk. (1)(6)
Thankfully, according to the voluntary recall advisory, no injuries have been reported. (1)(6)
This toy for one-year-olds is included in the Monti Kids’ Level 5 of the Montessori toy brand’s subscription box for babies 14-17 months old but is also sold separately. (1)(6)
The recalled box is made of wood and features three bins in blue, red, and yellow. 1)
The recall includes toys with the following lot numbers: (1)
- 0D41
- 1A41
You can find the lot numbers printed on the underside of the box (on the bottom of the toy) along with the following information: (1)(6)
- Montessori designs
- Ethically made in Vietnam
- ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008) safety certified
Around 1,500 units of this toy were sold online at montikids.com from July 2021 through February 2022: (1)(6)
- As a standalone item (Box with Bins, $35)
- With the subscription set (Level 5 Monti Kids Subscription Box toy set, around $300)
What To Do
Immediately stop using this recalled Box with Bins even if everything looks intact.
Contact Monti Kids for instructions to process your $35 refund:
- Phone: 800-674-3845 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday
- Email: [email protected]
- montikids.com/recalls/boxwithbins
- montikids.com (click on “Recalls” for more information)
You can reach them through the channels above. But Monti Kids is also contacting all known purchasers and registered users directly, according to the recall advisory. (1)(6)
Monti Kids Wooden Push Toys
Recall Information
On April 21, 2022, Monti Kids recalled the Wooden Push Toys after receiving at least 145 reports of this toy’s rolling cylinder separating and exposing the balls inside, posing a choking hazard to young children. (2)(7)
This toy for two-year-olds is included in the Monti Kids’ Level 7 of the Montessori toy brand’s subscription box for kids 22-28 months old. (2)(7)
This push toy consists of a wooden handle with a rolling cylinder that contains wooden balls.
This recall includes the push toys with the following lot numbers:
- 0D41
- 1A41
You can find the lot numbers printed on the underside of the box (on the bottom of the toy) along with the following information: (2)(7)
- Montessori designs
- Ethically made in Vietnam
- ASTM CPSIA safety certified
Around 1,375 units of this toy were sold online at montikids.com from April 2021 through January 2022: (2)(7)
- With the subscription set (Level 7 Monti Kids Subscription Box toy set, around $300)
What To Do
Consumers are instructed to stop using this toy immediately and to dispose of it by throwing it in the trash. (2)(7)
You can contact Monti Kids for your $40 refund, but the firm is also contacting all registered buyers and known purchasers directly:
- Phone: 800-674-3845 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday
- Email: [email protected]
- montikids.com/recalls/pushtoy
- montikids.com (click on “Recalls” for more information)
Safety With Toys
Potential Dangers To Watch Out For
- Choking risks (such as small toys or those with small parts )
- Injury or laceration risks (sharp edges or sharp points)
- Batteries
- Magnets
- Loud noises
- Suffocation risk (such as those with long cords or strings)
- Shooting toys
- Flying toys
- Needs electricity
- Splinter risk (such as broken glass or brittle plastic)
- Harmful or toxic chemicals
Toxic Chemicals & Materials To Avoid
Studies show that certain chemicals can cause behavioral problems (such as aggressiveness and hyperactivity), cancer, premature puberty, liver or kidney dysfunction, fertility problems, or other health concerns. Avoid these in your baby’s toys: (8)
- BPA (bisphenol-A)
- BPS (bisphenol-S)
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
- Phthalates
- Heavy metals (such as lead and cadmium)
- Formaldehyde
- Polycarbonate
- Polystyrene (such as Styrofoam)
- AZO dyes
- Asbestos
- Radon
- Flame retardant chemicals
Safer Materials
These can be safer alternatives to the toxic chemicals above:
- Food grade silicone
- Polypropylene – one of the safest plastic options for toys (9)
- Natural rubber – BPA and PVC-free, but check for allergic reactions (nausea, itching, runny nose, hives, and trouble breathing) (10)
- Unfinished wood
- Wood finished with waxes like beeswax or walnut oil
- Wood finished with natural oils
- Cotton
- Wool
- Toys made of washable fabric
Pick organic, ethical, and sustainably sourced materials, if possible.
Toy Recalls
Aside from checking the safety factors above, it’s good to check for safety alerts and other information on recalled toys.
Babyproofing Your Nursery & Home
It’s also important to go through your babyproofing checklist to keep your baby’s nursery and the rest of your home safe from potentially risky toys and objects.
Choosing Age-Appropriate Toys
Toys are designed to meet your baby’s developmental needs but also take their safety (according to their age) into consideration. For example, toys for babies younger than three years old should be free from choking risks.
It’s good to pick age-appropriate toys to meet their developmental and safety needs.
Our Recommendations For Toys
- Baby toys
- Educational toys
- Educational toys for toddlers
- Educational toys for 2-year-olds
- Educational toys for 3-year-olds
- Montessori baby toys
- Montessori climbing toys
- Montessori toys
- Montessori toys for toddlers
- Montessori toys for 1-year-olds
- Montessori toys for 3-year-olds
- Montessori toys for 4-year-olds
- Montessori wooden toys
- Outdoor toys for 1-year-olds
- Toys for 1-year-olds
- Toys for 2-year-olds
- Toys for 6-year-old boys
- Wooden educational toys
Other Toy Recalls
Here’s a list of other recalled toys:
- Rollerblade USA inline skates 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)
References
(1) https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Monti-Kids-Recalls-Toy-Box-with-Bins-Due-to-Choking-Hazard-Recall-Alert
(2) https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Monti-Kids-Recalls-Wooden-Push-Toys-Due-to-Choking-Hazard-Recall-Alert
(3) https://montikids.com/pages/commitment-to-safety-1
(4) https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Monti-Kids-Recalls-Basket-with-Balls-Toys-Due-to-Choking-Hazard-Recall-Alert
(5) https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/safetoys-young.html
(6) https://montikids.com/recalls/boxwithbins
(7) https://montikids.com/recalls/pushtoy
(8) https://health.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/resources/resources_pdf/Plastics_and_Plastic_Toys_7_14.pdf
(9) https://www.greenchildmagazine.com/plastic-toys/
(10) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/latex-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20374287
