The Manhattan Toy Company Recalls Activity Loops Toys for Infants Due to Choking Hazard

What was recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a voluntary recall involving specific models of the Activity Loops toys manufactured by The Manhattan Toy Company. This action was taken to address safety concerns regarding the structural integrity of these popular infant activity centers. If you have purchased this item recently, it is important to identify whether your specific toy falls under this recall notice. The affected products are exclusively the Activity Loops toys bearing model number 215210. It is crucial to understand that this recall does not apply to all Manhattan Toy products or even all activity loops produced by the company; it is strictly limited to units with this specific model designation.

To determine if your toy is part of this batch, you must look for specific lot codes printed on the product. The recall applies only to toys with lot codes starting with either "EAN" or "FCN." These identifiers are essential for verifying the status of your item, as general model numbers alone are not sufficient for confirmation. You can find both the model number and the lot code printed directly on the bottom of the dome-shaped base of the toy. This location is deliberate and easy to check, ensuring that consumers can quickly verify their product's status without needing to dig through packaging or receipts.

The physical characteristics of the recalled toys are quite distinct. The Activity Loops feature a colorful design with loops in green, orange, blue, and red. These loops contain moving rings and sliding soccer ball shapes, which are designed to engage infants and promote motor skill development. The base of the toy is equipped with a suction cup that allows it to adhere securely to non-porous flat surfaces, making it versatile for use on various household floors or tables. Despite these engaging features, the specific units within this recall have been identified as having tubes that may detach from the base.

This recall was initiated on June 9, 2022. At the time of the announcement, The Manhattan Toy Company had received three reports of the tubes detaching from the base. While no injuries were reported in connection with these incidents, the potential for harm remains significant due to the nature of the hazard. Consumers who purchased these toys should immediately cease using them and take steps to return them for a full refund. For more information or assistance with the return process, consumers can contact The Manhattan Toy Company directly at 800-541-1345 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT on Fridays. Additional details are available via email at help@manhattantoy.com or by visiting https://www.manhattantoy.com/pages/recall-information.

The hazard, explained

To understand why this recall is so urgent, it helps to look closely at how the toy is built and exactly what goes wrong during use. The Manhattan Toy Activity Loops are designed with a dome-shaped base that uses suction cups to stick firmly to flat surfaces like tables or cribs. Attached to this base are colorful tubes—specifically green, orange, blue, and red—that hold moving plastic rings and sliding soccer ball shapes. These components are intended to provide sensory stimulation for infants, encouraging them to reach, grasp, and manipulate the objects.

The critical failure point lies in the connection between these tubes and the base. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the tubes can detach from the base entirely. When this structural failure occurs, it releases small plastic rings that were previously secured within the tube structure. These rings are not large enough to be considered safe for children under three years old. In safety testing terms, they qualify as "small parts," which is a specific regulatory classification for items that can fit completely inside a small parts cylinder—a standard tool used to measure choking risks.

Why is this particular mechanism dangerous? The danger comes from the combination of accessibility and size. Infants explore the world primarily through their mouths. They naturally put objects in their mouths to learn about texture, shape, and taste. If a tube detaches while an infant is playing with or near the toy, the small plastic rings can become loose within reach. Because these rings are small and lightweight, they do not require much force for a child to pick them up and place them into their mouth.

Once a small object enters the airway, it can block the flow of air to the lungs. This is known as a choking hazard. Unlike larger objects that might cause gagging or coughing but allow some air to pass, small, smooth plastic rings can seal the airway completely. This can lead to suffocation in a matter of seconds. The risk is heightened because these incidents can happen quickly and without warning. A parent might look away for just a moment while the tube detaches, leaving the small parts exposed to the child.

The CPSC has documented three reports of tubes detaching from the base in connection with this recall. While no injuries have been reported so far, the potential for harm is severe. Choking is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children under five. Even a single incident can be fatal. This is why the agency considers this a Class I recall, the most serious category, indicating a reasonable probability that the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The physical design flaw—tubes detaching and releasing small parts—creates a direct pathway to a life-threatening emergency, which is why immediate action is required.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at risk for this specific recall consists of infants and young toddlers who are in the developmental stage where they actively explore their environment by putting objects into their mouths. The Manhattan Toy Company’s Activity Loops are designed to be attached to cribs, strollers, or playpens, placing them directly within the reach of a baby who is learning to grasp and manipulate objects. Because these toys are intended for use during the critical period when infants discover cause-and-effect relationships, they are naturally drawn to the moving parts. The hazard arises because the toy contains small plastic rings that can detach from the main structure if the connecting tubes fail. For an adult, a loose ring is merely a minor inconvenience or a piece of trash to be picked up. For an infant, however, that same small object represents a significant and immediate threat to their airway.

Infants are uniquely vulnerable to choking hazards due to several physiological and developmental factors. First, their tracheas (windpipes) are much smaller than those of older children or adults, meaning even relatively small objects like the plastic rings described in this recall can completely block airflow. Second, infants have not yet fully developed the coordinated motor skills required to cough forcefully enough to dislodge an object that has become lodged in their throat. While they may gag or turn red, they often lack the strength and technique to clear the obstruction independently. This is why the CPSC emphasizes that this is a choking hazard rather than just a general safety concern; the mechanism of injury is rapid asphyxiation.

Furthermore, children in the "oral exploration" phase, typically those under three years old, use their mouths as their primary tool for learning about texture and shape. They do not distinguish between a toy part meant to be handled gently and a piece of food or medicine. The Activity Loops feature bright colors—green, orange, blue, and red—which are visually stimulating and attractive to young children, increasing the likelihood that they will grab them and bring them close to their faces. If a tube detaches from the dome-shaped base while the child is playing, the small rings can easily slip through their fingers into their mouth before a caregiver can intervene. The risk is particularly acute during unsupervised play or when the toy is attached to a surface where the child can access it freely, such as the side of a crib or a stroller seat.

While older siblings might also interact with the toy, they are generally less at risk because they have better motor control and understanding of what constitutes a choking hazard. However, if younger siblings are present in the same environment, there is a secondary risk of an older child handing a detached part to a younger infant. Therefore, the entire household should be aware that this product is unsafe for any child under three years old, but the statistical likelihood of severe injury is highest among infants and toddlers who are still putting things in their mouths regularly.

• Infants (0–12 months): Highest risk due to oral exploration behavior and small airway size.
• Toddlers (1–3 years): Significant risk as they continue to put objects in their mouths while developing motor skills.
• Caregivers: While not physically at risk of choking, caregivers face the psychological stress and potential legal liability if a child is injured by a known defective product.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action or contact customer service, it is crucial to confirm that the toy in your home matches the specific units involved in this recall. Because Manhattan Toy produces a wide variety of engaging products for infants and toddlers, not every Activity Loop is part of this safety notice. The recall is strictly limited to particular models with specific manufacturing identifiers. If you are unsure whether your toy is affected, you need to look at two distinct pieces of information printed directly on the product itself: the model number and the lot code.

The first step is to locate the base of the toy. This particular Activity Loop features a dome-shaped base that allows the toy to adhere to flat surfaces via a suction cup. Turn the toy over so you are looking at the bottom of this dome. You will see printed text there. Look specifically for the model number, which is 215210. If the number on your toy’s base is anything other than 215210, this specific recall does not apply to your item, though it is always wise to check general safety guidelines for older toys.

If your model number matches 215210, you must then check the lot code. The recall applies only to units with lot codes identified as EAN or FCN. These codes are printed on the same bottom surface, typically near the model number. It is important to note that if your toy has a different lot code prefix, it was manufactured in a different batch and is not part of this specific safety recall. Please verify both the model number and the lot code before proceeding.

To help you visualize the correct item, the recalled toys are easily recognizable by their bright colors and design features. The loops come in green, orange, blue, and red. Attached to these loops are moving plastic rings and sliding soccer ball-shaped elements. The base is designed with a suction cup that sticks to non-porous flat surfaces like tables or cribs. If your toy looks different—for example, if it lacks the suction cup base or has different colored components—it may not be the recalled item.

If you have confirmed that your toy has model number 215210 and a lot code of EAN or FCN, please stop using it immediately. Do not attempt to fix the detached tubes yourself, as the plastic rings pose a serious choking hazard. Instead, follow the remedy steps outlined in the next section to return the item for a full refund.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have identified that you own one of the recalled Manhattan Toy Activity Loops toys, your immediate next step is to arrange for a full refund. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and The Manhattan Toy Company have established a clear remedy for this specific safety issue: they are not offering repairs or replacements with new components. Instead, the company has committed to issuing a complete refund to all consumers who return the affected products. This decision is rooted in the nature of the defect itself. Because the tubes can detach from the base, releasing small plastic rings that pose a serious choking hazard, simply replacing a single part would not guarantee the safety of the entire unit. The structural integrity of the connection between the tube and the dome-shaped base is the core issue, and therefore, the only way to ensure your child’s safety is to remove the entire toy from your home and receive compensation for it.

To initiate this process, you have two convenient options for returning the item. You may choose to take the toy back directly to the store where you originally purchased it. Many major retailers have established protocols for handling manufacturer recalls and will process the refund according to their standard return policies. Alternatively, if you prefer to handle the return directly with the manufacturer, Manhattan Toy has made this process as frictionless as possible. They will supply you with a prepaid shipping label, meaning you do not have to pay for postage or packaging costs to send the toy back to them. This is a significant convenience, ensuring that financial burden does not prevent you from complying with the safety recall.

Before you proceed with any return, it is important to verify exactly which units are covered by this specific recall. The remedy applies only to the Activity Loops toys with model number 215210 and lot codes beginning with either "EAN" or "FCN." You can find this information printed on the bottom of the dome-shaped base of the toy. Please note that if your toy has a different model number or lot code, it is not part of this specific recall action, although you should still inspect it for any signs of wear or damage. If your toy matches the recalled specifications, proceed with contacting Manhattan Toy to obtain your prepaid label and instructions.

To get started with the direct-to-company return option, or if you have questions about the refund process, you can contact The Manhattan Toy Company directly. They are available by phone at 800-541-1345. Their customer service hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time on Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time on Friday. You may also reach them via email at help@manhattantoy.com. For additional details and the most up-to-date information on how to submit your return, you can visit their official website at https://www.manhattantoy.com/pages/recall-information or navigate to the recall information section at the bottom of www.manhattantoy.com. Acting promptly ensures that the hazardous toy is safely removed from your home and that you receive your refund without unnecessary delay.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is easy to look at a toy recall notice and feel that the risk is distant or theoretical, especially when the manufacturer reports zero injuries so far. However, ignoring this specific warning for the Manhattan Toy Activity Loops carries a very concrete and immediate danger: choking. The core issue is not about the toy breaking in a way that creates sharp edges or exposes batteries; it is about small parts becoming loose enough to be swallowed. When you continue to use these recalled units, you are allowing a mechanism of failure to remain active within your home. The tubes on the Activity Loops are designed to hold moving rings and sliding soccer ball shapes, but the structural integrity of the connection points has proven insufficient for the product’s lifespan or usage patterns.

If you do not remove the toy from your child’s environment, the primary risk is that a tube will detach from the dome-shaped base. Once detached, the small plastic rings that slide along those tubes are released. For an infant or toddler, these rings constitute a classic small parts hazard. Young children explore the world by putting objects in their mouths, and they lack the developed chewing reflexes to safely handle hard, smooth plastic items. If a ring is loose and accessible, it can easily become lodged in a child’s airway. This does not require a complex accident; it often happens during normal play when a child pulls on a tube or shakes the base vigorously, causing the weakened connection to snap. The moment that separation occurs, the toy transforms from a harmless activity center into a collection of potential obstructions.

The consequences of ignoring this hazard are severe because choking is a leading cause of injury-related death in young children. Even if no injuries have been reported in the three known incidents involving detached tubes, the absence of harm in those cases is due to luck or timely adult intervention, not safety. Every moment the toy remains in use, you are gambling with that same luck. A blocked airway can cause brain damage within minutes if oxygen flow is completely cut off. Furthermore, even if the piece does not fully block the airway, it can cause significant trauma to the esophagus or stomach, requiring emergency medical attention and invasive procedures to remove. The stress of a choking event is also profound for parents, causing immediate panic and potential long-term anxiety about playtime safety.

There is also the broader implication of normalizing unsafe products. By leaving the toy in place, you may inadvertently teach older siblings that it is acceptable to ignore manufacturer warnings, or you may confuse visitors who do not realize the hazard exists. The most responsible path is to recognize that the "no injuries reported" statistic is a snapshot of past events, not a guarantee of future safety. Continuing to use the toy keeps your child in the path of a known mechanical failure. The only way to eliminate the risk of choking on these small plastic rings is to remove the source of the hazard entirely by returning the item for a refund.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a design flaw in a particular infant toy, the underlying risk of small parts and choking hazards is a universal concern for parents and caregivers of young children. The most effective way to stay safe is to adopt a proactive approach to toy selection and supervision that goes beyond waiting for news alerts. One of the most reliable tools you have is the "toilet paper roll test." If a small part, such as a detachable ring or button, can fit entirely inside an empty toilet paper tube, it poses a serious choking hazard for any child under three years old. This simple, physical check helps identify potential dangers in toys that may not have explicit age warnings or that have been damaged over time.

Regular inspection of toys is equally critical. Even products that are currently deemed safe can become hazardous as they age. Plastic can become brittle and crack, seams can split open, and small components like eyes or noses can loosen from repeated play. Make it a habit to check every few weeks for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any parts that are loose, broken, or easily detachable, remove the toy from circulation immediately. Do not attempt to repair it with glue or tape unless the manufacturer explicitly recommends it, as these fixes can sometimes create new sharp edges or additional small pieces that could break off later.

Supervision remains the final and most important layer of protection. No amount of safety engineering can replace the awareness of a caregiver who is present and engaged. When infants are playing on the floor, especially with toys that have multiple moving parts like loops, beads, or sliders, keep them within arm's reach. This allows you to intervene instantly if a piece does detach or if your child attempts to put a small component in their mouth. Furthermore, always follow the age recommendations printed on toy packaging. These guidelines are based on developmental milestones and the size of the child’s airway, not just marketing.

Finally, stay informed about product safety without becoming overwhelmed by information. You can sign up for free alerts from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to receive notifications about new recalls relevant to your household. Additionally, consider registering your major appliances and toys with the manufacturers when you purchase them; this ensures you are contacted directly if a safety issue arises. By combining vigilant supervision, regular physical checks of your child’s playthings, and staying connected to official safety channels, you create a robust environment where children can explore and learn securely.