TOMY Recalls Boon Flair and Flair Elite Highchairs Due to Fall Hazard

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall notice concerning specific highchairs manufactured by TOMY under its Boon brand line. This action covers two distinct product lines: the Boon Flair and the Boon Flair Elite highchairs. The scope of this recall is significant, encompassing all units of the Boon Flair Elite model regardless of when they were produced. For the standard Boon Flair models, the recall applies specifically to those that were manufactured prior to September 2016. If you have one of these chairs in your home, it is important to verify exactly which version you possess, as the physical characteristics and manufacturing timelines differ between the two lines.

To help you identify whether your highchair falls within this recall, TOMY has provided detailed descriptions of the affected models based on their visual appearance and construction. The recalled Boon Flair Elite highchairs are characterized by a distinctive white and orange molded plastic seat paired with a white tray and a metal pedestal base. In contrast, the standard Boon Flair highchairs feature a gray plastic pedestal base. These standard models were sold in a wide variety of color combinations to suit different home decors, including blue/white, white/orange, pink/white, green/white, gray/green, solid white, solid gray, white/gray, white/blue, and red/white configurations.

The specific model numbers for the recalled highchairs are as follows: For the Boon Flair Elite, the affected model number is B751. For the standard Boon Flair models, the affected model numbers include B701, B702, B703, B704, B706, B707, B708, B709, B716, B717, B718, B731, B10147, B11068, B11069, and B11401. To confirm if your unit is part of this recall, you should look for a label located under the base of the highchair. This label contains both the model number and the manufacturing date code, which are essential pieces of information for determining eligibility.

While the provided recall facts do not specify the exact total number of units sold or the specific retail locations where these items were purchased, they confirm that these products were widely distributed across various color options. The lack of a specific unit count in the current record suggests that the hazard is considered serious enough to warrant a broad precautionary measure for all identified models and manufacturing dates. Consumers are urged to check their labels immediately against the model numbers listed above to determine if their highchair is included in this safety notice.

The hazard, explained

At the heart of this recall is a critical structural failure point: the connection between the seat and the base. The Boon Flair and Flair Elite highchairs rely on bolts to secure the molded plastic seat to the pedestal base. Over time, these bolts can become loose. This loosening is not merely an inconvenience; it compromises the integrity of the entire chair. When the bolts are no longer tight, the seat can detach from the base entirely. This detachment creates a significant fall hazard, as the child seated in the highchair may tumble to the floor when the seat gives way.

The mechanism of failure is straightforward but dangerous. The highchair is designed to support a growing child who may wiggle, lean, or shift their weight. As the bolts loosen, the connection between the seat and the base becomes unstable. When the child moves, the seat can pivot or slide off the pedestal. This sudden detachment leaves the child unsupported, leading to falls that can result in serious injury. The CPSC has received 34 reports of the chair separating from the base, with 24 of those incidents resulting in falls. These falls have caused injuries such as bruising and scratches, highlighting the real-world consequences of this defect.

It is important to understand that highchairs are designed to be stable platforms for young children who are still developing their balance and motor skills. The pedestal base provides a wide, sturdy foundation to keep the chair upright. However, when the bolts securing the seat are loose, this stability is compromised. The child may not even notice the loosening until it is too late, as the defect can develop gradually. This makes regular inspection and prompt repair essential for ensuring safety.

The hazard is particularly concerning because it affects the fundamental function of the highchair: to keep the child secure while eating or playing. A detached seat removes that security entirely. The risk is not limited to a single type of movement; any shift in the child’s weight can trigger the detachment if the bolts are loose. This unpredictability makes the defect especially dangerous, as caregivers may not anticipate when the chair will fail.

To put this into perspective, consider how a highchair is typically used. Children often lean forward to reach for food, twist their bodies to look around, or even stand up in the seat. These movements exert force on the bolts holding the seat to the base. If the bolts are loose, that force can cause the seat to detach. The resulting fall can be from a significant height, depending on the child’s size and the chair’s design. This is why immediate action is necessary: stopping use of the recalled highchairs and contacting TOMY for a free repair kit is the only way to ensure the safety of your child.

In summary, the hazard in this recall is not a minor issue but a serious structural defect that can lead to falls and injuries. The bolts securing the seat to the base are the key component, and their loosening can cause the seat to detach. This defect affects the stability and safety of the highchair, making it crucial for consumers to take immediate steps to address the issue. By understanding how the hazard works, you can better appreciate the importance of acting quickly to protect your child.

Who is most at risk

The primary individuals at risk in this recall are infants and toddlers who use the TOMY Boon Flair and Boon Flair Elite highchairs. These chairs are specifically designed for young children during their early developmental stages, typically when they begin eating solid foods or require a elevated seating position for family meals. The vulnerability here is twofold: it involves the physical safety of the child due to the mechanical failure of the chair, and the specific developmental limitations of the age group that makes them unable to protect themselves from the resulting hazard.

The core danger stems from the way the highchair functions. These units rely on bolts to secure the seat to the pedestal base. Over time, and with regular use, these bolts can become loose. When this happens, the seat can detach completely from the base. For an infant or toddler, who lacks the motor skills, strength, and cognitive awareness to brace themselves or catch their fall, a detachment is catastrophic. Unlike an adult who might stumble but can recover balance, a young child has no such capacity. They are entirely dependent on the structural integrity of the equipment to remain upright.

The age range most affected by this hazard generally spans from when a child begins sitting up independently (around six months) until they outgrow the highchair’s weight or height limits, often around two to three years old. During this window, children are curious, active, and prone to shifting their weight unexpectedly. They may lean forward to grab food, twist to look at parents, or push against the tray. This dynamic movement places significant stress on the connection points of the highchair. If the bolts have loosened due to age or wear, the force generated by a typical toddler’s movement is enough to trigger the separation described in the recall data.

The severity of the risk is underscored by the incident reports received by TOMY. There have been 34 reported instances where the chair separated from the base. Of these, 24 resulted in falls. This high rate of actual falling incidents indicates that the failure mode is not theoretical; it is a frequent occurrence under normal usage conditions. The resulting injuries, such as bruising and scratches, suggest that while some children may have been caught by caregivers or hit softer surfaces, many experienced direct impact with the floor or surrounding objects. For a young child, whose bones are still developing and who has less body mass to absorb shock, even a fall from the height of a standard highchair can cause significant harm beyond immediate pain.

Furthermore, parents and caregivers are indirectly at risk due to the stress and potential guilt associated with these accidents. Highchairs are often used for daily meals, meaning exposure is frequent. The unpredictability of bolt loosening means that a chair that seemed secure one day could fail the next. This creates an environment where vigilance is constantly required, yet the defect renders that vigilance insufficient if the mechanical failure occurs suddenly without warning signs like wobbling before detachment. Therefore, any household owning these specific models, particularly those manufactured before September 2016 or all Boon Flair Elite units, must recognize that their child is in immediate danger until the free repair kit is installed.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action or contact the manufacturer, you need to be absolutely certain that your highchair is one of the units affected by this recall. Because TOMY produces many different models under the Boon brand, it can be easy to confuse a safe unit with a recalled one. The identification process relies on two specific pieces of information: the model number and the manufacturing date code. Both of these are printed on a label located directly under the base of the highchair. If you cannot find this label or if the information is worn off, it is safest to assume the chair may be part of the recall and stop using it immediately until you can verify its status.

The first step in your verification process is to determine which specific product line you own. This recall covers two distinct categories: all Boon Flair Elite highchairs, regardless of when they were made, and Boon Flair highchairs that were manufactured before September 2016. If you have a Boon Flair Elite, you must check the model number to see if it is B751. This specific model features a white and orange molded plastic seat with a white tray and a metal pedestal base. If your chair does not match this exact description or has a different model number, it may not be part of this specific recall, but you should still verify the date code.

If you own a standard Boon Flair highchair (not the Elite version), the identification becomes more detailed because these chairs were sold in ten different color combinations. The model numbers for these units range from B701 to B11401. You can identify your specific model by looking at the combination of colors on your chair’s pedestal base and seat. For instance, models B701 through B709 feature various plastic seat colors like blue, white, pink, green, or red paired with white seats. Models B716, B717, and B718 also follow this pattern. Later models, such as B10147, B11068, B11069, and B11401, feature gray pedestal bases or specific configurations like "No Pad." Even if your color combination matches one of these lists, you must confirm the manufacturing date code on that under-base label is prior to September 2016. If it is dated after that time, your standard Flair chair is not included in this recall.

To summarize, please locate the label under the base of your highchair and write down the Model No. and the manufacturing date code. Compare these details against the list below to see if your item is affected:

• Boon Flair Elite Highchair: Model No. B751 (White/Orange seat, white tray, metal base).
• Boon Flair Highchairs (Manufactured before September 2016 only):
  • Model No. B701: Blue/White
  • Model No. B702: White/Orange
  • Model No. B703: Pink/White
  • Model No. B704: Green/White
  • Model No. B706: White/Orange
  • Model No. B707: White/Blue
  • Model No. B708: Red/White
  • Model No. B709: Red/White
  • Model No. B716: Green/White
  • Model No. B717: White/Orange
  • Model No. B718: White/Blue
  • Model No. B731: White/Orange
  • Model No. B10147: Gray/Green
  • Model No. B11068: White/No Pad
  • Model No. B11069: Gray/No Pad
  • Model No. B11401: White/Gray

If your highchair’s model number and date code match any of the entries above, you have a recalled item. Please stop using it immediately and proceed to the remedy steps outlined in the next section.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that you own one of the recalled Boon Flair or Boon Flair Elite highchairs, the most important thing to know right now is that TOMY has established a clear and accessible remedy for this issue. You do not need to navigate a complex claims process or wait for a mailed check in many cases. Instead, the company is providing a free repair kit to consumers who contact them directly. This approach is designed to be both cost-effective and practical, allowing you to resolve the safety hazard without having to purchase an entirely new highchair or go through the hassle of returning the heavy item for a refund. The goal here is simple: to make it as easy as possible for you to secure your child’s safety.

To initiate this remedy, you will need to reach out to TOMY using one of their designated contact channels. You can call their toll-free number at 866-725-4407. It is helpful to keep in mind that these lines are staffed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday, so you may want to plan your call accordingly to avoid long hold times during peak hours. Alternatively, if you prefer to handle this online, you can visit the dedicated recall page at https://recall.tomy.com. You can also navigate to the main company site at https://us.tomy.com and look for the "Product Recalls" link located at the top of the page. These digital options are often convenient for those who wish to review instructions or fill out forms at their own pace.

Once you have made contact, TOMY will send you a free repair kit. This kit is specifically engineered to address the root cause of the hazard: the bolts that secure the seat to the pedestal base. Inside the package, you will receive a set of new bolts along with split and flat washers. These components are crucial because they help prevent the bolts from becoming loose over time, which is what causes the seat to detach. The process is designed to be straightforward, but it does require that you stop using the recalled highchair immediately while you wait for the kit to arrive. Please do not attempt to use the chair with the original hardware or try to fix it yourself with parts you have on hand, as this could compromise the integrity of the repair.

While the primary option offered in this recall is a free repair rather than a direct refund or replacement unit, this remedy is standard for defects that can be safely corrected with specific hardware. The company recognizes that these highchairs are often cherished items and have been in use for several years, given that the recalled Flair models were manufactured before September 2016. By providing the necessary parts to reinforce the connection between the seat and the base, TOMY is ensuring that the chair meets current safety standards without requiring you to start over. If you encounter any difficulties during this process or have questions about the installation of the new bolts, the customer service representatives available via phone or online are there to assist you further.

What can happen if you ignore it

When a piece of baby equipment is recalled due to a structural failure like the one involving TOMY’s Boon highchairs, the decision to continue using the product is often driven by convenience or a false sense of security. However, ignoring this recall carries significant and immediate physical risks that extend far beyond a simple inconvenience. The core issue lies in the mechanical integrity of the connection between the seat and the base. Over time, or potentially from the moment of initial assembly if not tightened correctly, the bolts securing the seat to the pedestal base can become loose. This is not a minor wobble; it is a critical failure point that compromises the entire stability of the chair.

If you continue to use a recalled highchair, you are essentially gambling with the safety of your child during one of their most vulnerable moments. Highchairs are designed to keep infants and toddlers elevated and secure while eating or playing. When the bolts fail, the seat can detach completely from the pedestal base. This separation creates an unpredictable fall hazard. Unlike a tip-over where the chair might land on its side, a detached seat often falls directly downward or at an awkward angle, offering no structural support to catch or cushion the child’s body. For a young child who is still developing motor control and balance, this sudden loss of support can result in serious impact injuries.

The consequences are not just theoretical; they have already been documented. According to reports received by TOMY and the CPSC, there have been 34 instances where the chair separated from its base. While the current reported injuries include bruises and scratches, these statistics represent only what has come to light. The nature of falls from height involves gravity, which does not discriminate based on intent or care. A fall that results in minor bruising today could easily result in a concussion, broken bone, or head injury tomorrow, depending on the surface the child lands on and their position at the moment of impact. Children are fragile, and their developing bones and skulls are particularly susceptible to severe trauma from even moderate heights.

Beyond the immediate physical danger, ignoring the recall also leaves you without recourse for safety. By waiting, you delay the receipt of the free repair kit, which provides the correct bolts and washers necessary to restore the chair’s structural integrity. Continuing to use a compromised chair does not make it safer; it only increases the window of opportunity for an accident to occur. The risk is cumulative with every mealtime and every play session. Therefore, treating this recall as optional undermines the fundamental purpose of the product: to provide a safe, stable environment for your child. The potential cost of ignoring this warning—in terms of physical harm and emotional distress—far outweighs the few minutes it takes to stop using the chair and contact TOMY for the repair kit.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a mechanical failure in highchair bolts, the underlying principle is one of proactive maintenance and routine vigilance that applies to almost every piece of baby gear and furniture in your home. Children grow rapidly, and their environments change just as quickly. What feels secure today might become a hazard tomorrow as your child becomes more active, climbs higher, or puts weight on items in new ways. The most effective defense against household accidents is not panic, but a calm, consistent habit of checking your equipment before every use.

Start by treating your highchair and similar seating as dynamic safety systems rather than static objects. Even if you have not received a recall notice, regularly inspect the connection points where seats attach to bases or legs. Look for stripped threads, loose screws, or worn plastic components that might no longer grip tightly. Manufacturers design these products with specific weight limits and usage durations in mind; exceeding those limits or using them past their intended lifespan can compromise structural integrity. If you hear creaking, feel wobbling, or notice parts that do not sit flush, stop using the item immediately. It is far easier to tighten a bolt or replace a worn washer now than to deal with a fall later.

Beyond the highchair itself, consider the broader context of your child’s environment. Highchairs are often placed near tables, counters, or other furniture that a curious toddler might try to climb on to reach you. Ensure there is ample clearance around the chair so it cannot tip over if the child leans too far or attempts to stand. Additionally, never leave a young child unattended in any elevated seat, even for a moment. A fall can happen in seconds, and no safety feature can fully compensate for the lack of supervision during critical moments of exploration.

Finally, make staying informed part of your routine parenting strategy. Product safety standards evolve, and manufacturers occasionally discover defects long after a product has been sold. Sign up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and follow major retailers where you purchased your gear. When you buy new furniture or appliances, register them with the manufacturer immediately; this ensures that if a safety issue is identified in the future, you will be contacted directly rather than having to search for the information yourself. Being proactive about recalls and regular inspections transforms safety from a reactive crisis into a manageable part of daily life, giving you peace of mind as your child grows.