Bexco Enterprises Recalls Kiwi Electronic Recliner and Swivel Gliders with USB Port Due to Overheating Hazard

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall involving specific models of the Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Recliner and Swivel Glider chairs. These are substantial, fabric-covered pieces of furniture designed for comfort and functionality, featuring two USB device charging ports built into the armrests. The chairs come in a variety of color options and base materials, including fabrics such as Almond Teddy Loop, Latte Teddy Loop, Olive Boucle, Performance Beach Eco-Weave, Performance Cream Eco-Weave, Performance Frost Eco-Twill, Performance Grey Eco-Weave, Performance Natural Eco-Twill, and Ivory Boucle. The bases are available in light wood, dark wood, or gold finishes. Each chair measures approximately 29 inches wide by 36 inches deep and stands about 41 inches high, weighing roughly 125 pounds.

The products affected by this recall are identified by specific Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) and batch numbers printed on a white label located underneath the footrest of each chair. The SKUs associated with this recall include M11288ATLB, M11288LTDB, M11288OBLB, M11288PBEW, M11288PCMEW, M11288PFETLB, M11288PGEW, M11288PNETLB, and M11288WBG. Because the recall covers a wide range of colors and configurations, it is critical for consumers to check both the SKU and the batch number on the label under the footrest to determine if their specific unit is included. The batch numbers vary by color and base combination, with examples including WC0234712405, WC0238412406, WC0229042401, and others listed in the official notice.

While the exact number of units sold is not explicitly stated in the provided recall facts, the company has received 37 reports of incidents related to these products. The recall was announced on July 17, 2025, by Bexco Enterprises, which distributes the Babyletto brand. Consumers who purchased these chairs should immediately stop using them and contact Babyletto for a free repair kit. The remedy involves replacing the original USB module with a safer version, after which the old module should be disposed of in household trash. For more information or to register for the repair kit, consumers can visit babylettorecall.com/ or call Babyletto toll-free at 866-621-9483 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

The hazard, explained

When you sit in a Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Recliner or Swivel Glider, you are relying on a complex system of motors, electronics, and fabric to provide comfort. The specific issue identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) centers on the built-in USB charging module located within the armrest. This small component is designed to let you charge your phone or tablet while you relax, but in these recalled units, the electrical engineering behind that module has failed to contain its own heat effectively.

Here is what physically goes wrong: The USB port contains electronic circuitry that converts standard household electricity into the lower voltage required by your devices. In normal operation, this process generates a small amount of waste heat, which usually dissipates safely into the surrounding air or the chair’s frame. However, in these specific Bexco Enterprises manufacturing batches, the module can overheat. This means the internal temperature rises far beyond safe design limits. When an electrical component gets too hot, the insulation on the wires inside can melt or degrade, and the plastic housing can warp. This breakdown creates a path for electricity to jump where it shouldn’t—known as arcing or sparking.

This is not just a theoretical risk; it is a documented physical reality. The manufacturer has received 37 separate reports of this overheating occurring. In many of these cases, the heat was significant enough to produce visible smoke or actual sparks from the armrest. While the CPSC notes that no fires or major property damage have been reported so far, the potential for harm is real and immediate. Sparks are essentially tiny, controlled explosions of electricity. If these sparks come into contact with nearby materials—such as the upholstery fabric of the chair, your clothing, or even a child’s hand resting on the armrest—they can ignite those materials or cause thermal burns.

The severity of this hazard is underscored by the fact that one minor injury has already been reported. While “minor” might sound reassuring, it serves as a warning sign that the electrical fault has progressed beyond simple malfunction into physical danger. The risk is particularly acute because these chairs are often used in nurseries or living rooms where children may play nearby. A child reaching out to touch a hot USB port or a sparking component could suffer serious burns. Furthermore, if the sparking ignites the fabric of the recliner itself, what starts as a small electrical fault can quickly escalate into a full-blown house fire, especially in a home filled with flammable materials like curtains, bedding, and furniture.

In short, the USB module is no longer just a convenient charging station; it has become an unstable heat source. The combination of excessive temperature, visible smoke, and electrical arcing creates a direct pathway to injury or property damage. This is why the CPSC and Babyletto are treating this with urgency: the mechanism of failure is active and unpredictable, meaning any unit in the affected list could spark at any moment without warning.

Who is most at risk

The Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Recliner and Swivel Glider is a piece of furniture designed primarily for parents and caregivers navigating the demanding early years of raising a child. Consequently, the individuals most immediately exposed to the overheating hazard are those who spend extended periods seated in these chairs during late-night feedings, soothing sessions, or quiet bonding time. Because this product serves as a functional anchor in many nurseries and playrooms, it is not an item used intermittently but rather a central hub of daily life for families with infants and toddlers. The risk is inherent to the design itself: the USB charging ports embedded in the armrests are intended to keep devices powered during long hours of use. When the internal module fails, it does not merely stop working; it generates excessive heat and sparks. This means that anyone using the chair for its intended purpose—holding a baby while simultaneously charging a phone or tablet—is positioned directly next to a potential ignition source.

While any adult user is at risk of physical injury from burns or shock, children present a unique and heightened vulnerability in this scenario. Infants and toddlers are naturally curious and lack the cognitive development to recognize danger signals such as the smell of burning plastic or the sight of small electrical sparks. If a child crawls near or touches the recliner while it is overheating, they could suffer severe thermal burns or electrical contact before an adult even notices something is wrong. Furthermore, because these chairs are often located in quiet corners of a home where supervision might be momentarily relaxed, a child’s proximity to the faulty component increases significantly. The recall notes one minor injury has already occurred, which serves as a stark reminder that the hazard is not theoretical but active.

Elderly individuals or those with limited mobility may also find themselves at greater risk due to the nature of the recliner mechanism. These users often rely on the electronic functions for comfort and ease of movement. If the electrical fault causes the chair to behave unpredictably or creates a fire hazard while they are seated, their ability to react quickly and evacuate the situation may be compromised compared to a younger, more agile user. Additionally, because the product involves complex electronic components in a fabric-covered frame, there is a risk that heat could damage the surrounding upholstery, creating a secondary burn hazard for anyone leaning against the side of the chair. Ultimately, the primary group at risk is any household that has integrated this specific electronic recliner into their daily routine, particularly those with young children who cannot protect themselves from sudden electrical failures.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Prioritizing your safety starts with accurately identifying whether your furniture is part of this specific recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued this alert for a very particular set of products manufactured by Babyletto, a brand owned by Bexco Enterprises. To determine if your chair is affected, you must verify that it is the "Kiwi Electronic Recliner and Swivel Glider" equipped with USB charging ports located in the armrests. This is not a blanket recall for all Babyletto furniture; it targets only these specific electronic recliners and gliders.

The most reliable way to confirm if your unit is included is by checking the production label. You need to physically inspect the chair, specifically looking underneath the footrest. There, you will find a white label that contains crucial identification details: the color SKU and the batch number. Without this label or these specific numbers, it is impossible to definitively state whether your item is part of the recall. Please note that the recall covers units produced in various colors and fabric types, so having the same color does not automatically mean your chair is safe if the batch number differs.

The affected models are identified by the SKU code starting with M11288. The recall encompasses a wide range of aesthetic options, including but not limited to Almond Teddy Loop, Latte Teddy Loop, Olive Boucle, Performance Beach Eco-Weave, Performance Cream Eco-Weave, Performance Frost Eco-Twill, Performance Grey Eco-Weave, Performance Natural Eco-Twill, and Ivory Boucle. These chairs are generally fabric-covered and feature either light wood, dark wood, or gold bases depending on the specific SKU.

If you have the physical chair, here is what you should look for to confirm it matches the description of the recalled items:

• Dimensions: The recalled chairs are approximately 29 inches wide by 36 inches deep and 41 inches high. They are substantial pieces of furniture, weighing approximately 125 pounds.
• Features: Look for two USB device charging ports integrated into the arm of the recliner.
• Label Location: Locate the white label underneath the footrest. Compare the SKU and Batch Number printed there against the list below.

The recall includes the following specific combinations of colors, SKUs, and batch numbers found on that white label:

• Almond Teddy Loop with Light Wood Base (SKU M11288ATLB): Batch numbers WC0234712405, WC0238412406, WC0238412407, WC0241142406.
• Latte Teddy Loop with Dark Wood Base (SKU M11288LTDB): Batch numbers WC0229042401, WC0229052405, WC0234712405.
• Olive Boucle with Light Wood Base (SKU M11288OBLB): Batch numbers WC0220062307, WC0220082308, WC0229042401, WC0229052401, WC0234712405, WC0238412407.
• Performance Beach Eco-Weave (SKU M11288PBEW): Batch numbers WC0220082308, WC0223842309, WC0223842310, WC0229042401, WC0229052401, WC0229422402, WC0234712405.
• Performance Cream Eco-Weave (SKU M11288PCMEW): Batch numbers WC0223842309, WC0227982312, WC0229042401, WC0229042405, WC0229052405, WC0229422405, WC0234552406.
• Performance Frost Eco-Twill with Light Wood Base (SKU M11288PFETLB): Batch number WC0239882407.
• Performance Grey Eco-Weave (SKU M11288PGEW): Batch numbers WC0220082308, WC0223842310, WC0227982312, WC0229042404, WC0229422404, WC0239122407.
• Performance Natural Eco-Twill with Light Wood Base (SKU M11288PNETLB): Batch numbers WC0215282305, WC0239882407, WC0223832309, WC0229042401.
• Ivory Boucle with Gold Base (SKU M11288WBG): Batch numbers WC0220062307, WC0223832309, WC0223842309, WC0223842310, WC0227982312, WC0229052401, WC0229422402, WC0229422404, WC0234712405, WC0238412406, WC0238412407.

If your chair matches the Kiwi model description and its label contains any of the batch numbers listed above, it is part of this recall. If you cannot find the label or if the batch number does not match, please contact Babyletto directly for confirmation. Do not rely solely on the color or fabric type, as multiple batches exist for each style.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have been affected by this recall, the good news is that Babyletto has established a clear and straightforward remedy to resolve the issue without requiring you to purchase a new chair. The company is not offering a full refund or a direct replacement unit at this time. Instead, they are providing a free repair kit to every consumer who registers for the program. This approach focuses on correcting the specific electrical defect in the armrest while allowing you to keep your existing furniture, which is often a more convenient and less disruptive solution than waiting for shipping and assembly of a new item.

To access this remedy, you must take proactive steps to register your product. You need to visit babylettorecall.com/ to sign up and receive your free repair kit along with detailed installation instructions. This online portal is the primary hub for managing your claim. If you prefer to speak with a human representative or have questions that are not answered on the website, you can contact Babyletto directly. Their customer support team is available toll-free at 866-621-9483. Please note that these calls are accepted from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. You may also reach them via email at kiwi.recall@babyletto.com for non-urgent inquiries or written documentation.

Once you have received your kit and completed the repair process, there is one final step that is crucial for safety compliance: you must dispose of the original USB module. The instructions will guide you on how to remove the faulty component safely, but once it is out, do not attempt to reuse or sell it. Instead, place the old module in your regular household trash. This ensures that the defective part cannot accidentally be installed in another device or cause a hazard elsewhere.

In addition to the online portal and phone lines, you can find information about this recall by visiting www.babyletto.com and scrolling to the bottom of the page to click on "Product Recalls." This section is regularly updated with official notices from the CPSC. While the process may feel like a bit of administrative work, it is designed to be free of charge. There are no hidden fees for the repair kit or the shipping materials. The goal here is simple: eliminate the overheating risk so you can continue using your Kiwi Electronic Recliner safely and comfortably.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable to feel hesitant about disrupting your daily routine or dealing with the logistics of a repair. The recalled Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Recliner and Swivel Gliders are substantial, comfortable pieces of furniture designed for relaxation, and stopping their use can feel like an inconvenience. However, ignoring this recall is not merely a matter of waiting out a minor glitch; it involves accepting a known electrical risk that has already manifested in real-world scenarios. The core issue lies within the USB module located in the armrest of these chairs. This component is responsible for allowing you to charge devices while you rest, but in the recalled units, the internal wiring or connection points are prone to overheating. When an electrical component begins to overheat, it is no longer functioning as designed. Instead of simply failing to charge a phone, the excess heat can degrade insulation, melt nearby plastic materials, and eventually create sparks.

This is not just theoretical risk. According to the CPSC, Bexco Enterprises has already received 37 reports of incidents involving these specific chairs where the USB ports were observed smoking or sparking. While only one minor injury has been reported so far, it is crucial to recognize that an injury report represents a consequence that has already occurred for someone else. The fact that no fires or property damage have been reported yet does not mean the hazard is absent; rather, it means that luck has prevented a more catastrophic outcome in those 37 instances. Electrical fires often start small and silently. A spark generated inside the dense fabric and foam structure of a recliner arm may smolder for a period before igniting surrounding materials. Because these chairs are typically placed in living rooms or nurseries—areas where people, including children and pets, spend significant amounts of time—the potential for rapid escalation is serious.

The physical design of the Kiwi chair exacerbates this danger. The USB module is encased within fabric-covered upholstery, approximately 29 inches wide by 36 inches deep, and weighs about 125 pounds. This heavy, enclosed environment traps heat. If the module continues to overheat, the warmth has nowhere to dissipate quickly. Over time, this can lead to the degradation of the chair’s internal components, increasing the likelihood of an electrical short circuit. A short circuit in this context can cause immediate arcing (visible sparks) or sustained heating that ignites the foam padding or fabric. Once ignition occurs, it can spread rapidly through the upholstery before you are even aware that a problem exists.

Beyond the immediate risk of fire, there is also the risk of electric shock or burns. If the internal wiring fails due to heat damage, live electrical components could potentially come into contact with surfaces you touch while using the chair. While the primary hazard cited is overheating, compromised electrical integrity can lead to secondary injuries that are not always predictable. The one reported minor injury in this recall likely resulted from direct contact with a hot surface or an electrical shock during use. By continuing to use the chair, you are essentially gambling that the next spark will be harmless, when in reality, it could cause significant harm to you or your family. The remedy is simple and free: a repair kit that replaces the faulty module entirely removes this danger. Ignoring the recall leaves you vulnerable to a hazard that has already proven itself capable of causing damage and injury.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in the USB modules of certain Babyletto recliners, the underlying issue—electronic components overheating within upholstered furniture—is a hazard that can affect many types of home electronics. To keep your living space secure, it is helpful to understand why these fires happen and how to prevent them generally. Most electronic failures in furniture stem from poor ventilation, outdated wiring, or using accessories that do not match the device’s power requirements. By adopting a few simple habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires in your home.

First, always prioritize proper ventilation for any electronic device embedded in furniture. Heat is the primary enemy of electronics; when air cannot circulate freely around a charging port or power supply, temperatures can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. Avoid placing heavy blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals over USB ports or power strips while they are in use. If you frequently charge devices in your recliner or sofa, ensure that the device itself is not generating excessive heat by monitoring its temperature during extended sessions. If a phone or tablet becomes too hot to hold comfortably, unplug it immediately and let it cool down on a hard, non-flammable surface.

Second, be mindful of the power sources you use. Many modern recliners come with built-in USB ports that are convenient but may not deliver the same consistent power as a dedicated wall outlet. For high-power devices like laptops or fast-charging smartphones, it is often safer to plug directly into a grounded wall outlet using a certified surge protector rather than relying on the furniture’s internal wiring. If you do use the built-in ports, inspect them regularly for signs of wear, discoloration, or looseness. A loose connection can create resistance, which generates heat and increases the risk of sparking.

Finally, stay proactive about product safety by registering your purchases. Manufacturers often send out safety notices directly to registered owners, but these emails can sometimes end up in spam folders. Make it a habit to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website periodically for new recalls, especially for large furniture pieces or items with complex electronic features. Additionally, consider installing smoke detectors in every sleeping area and on every level of your home. These devices provide an early warning system that can give you precious minutes to evacuate if a fire does start, regardless of its source.

By treating electrical components in your home with respect and caution, you can enjoy the comfort of modern furniture without compromising your safety. Regular inspections, proper ventilation, and staying informed are the best tools you have to protect your family from hidden hazards.