The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·80018·Announced 1980-05-14

Play Spaces Recalls Schowanek Crib Exercisers Due to Strangulation Risk

Play Spaces International is voluntarily recalling approximately 600 Schowanek crib exercisers because the elastic cords may pose a strangulation hazard to infants.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (strangulation hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Play Spaces International, of Waltham, Massachusetts, is voluntarily recalling approximately 600 infant toys known as "crib exercisers" or "baby chains" in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall was initiated on May 14, 1980.

The toys consist of an elastic cord strung with 11 colored wooden rings and balls, intended to be suspended across a crib railing. CPSC staff identified that parents might mistakenly position the toy close enough for an infant to become entangled in the elastic, or place the toy in the crib with the child, creating a strangulation hazard. No injuries or deaths involving this toy have been reported to the firm or to CPSC.

The exercisers were sold in retail stores nationwide for approximately $7.50 each. They are packaged in plastic labeled "Schowanek" and "Made in West Germany," and may be stamped with model number 10890. Consumers should return the toys to the place of purchase for a full cash refund.

The recalled product

Product
Schowanek baby chains
Manufacturer
Schowanek
Category
Consumer Product — Infant Toys
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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