What was recalled
On December 30, 2020, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving infant and toddler swimwear from Target’s popular house brand, Cat & Jack. This action pertains specifically to one-piece Rashguard swimsuits designed for young girls. The primary concern driving this recall is not the fabric quality or the sun protection rating, but rather the construction of the fastening mechanism. The affected suits feature snaps along the crotch area that are prone to breaking or detaching entirely during normal use. While Cat & Jack items are generally known for their durability and affordability, these specific models did not meet safety standards regarding the integrity of their snap closures.
The recall targets three distinct patterned designs within the Rashguard line: the "Summer Blue Lemon," the "Coral Icon Story Hawaiian," and the "Moxie Peach Lemon." These suits were available in a range of sizes intended for growing infants and toddlers, specifically covering size 12M through size 5T. It is important to note that this recall does not apply to all Cat & Jack swimsuits. Only those specific styles with the specific snap construction described above are included in this safety notice.
To help consumers identify if they own one of the recalled items, you must look at the white tag sewn inside the suit. The product’s unique item number is printed on this tag. The following item numbers correspond to the recalled swimsuits:
- Summer Blue Lemon Pattern: Item numbers 328-04-0574 (12M), 328-04-0575 (18M), 328-04-0576 (2T), 328-04-0577 (3T), 328-04-0578 (4T), and 328-04-0579 (5T).
- Coral Icon Story Hawaiian Pattern: Item numbers 328-04-0628 (12M), 328-04-0629 (18M), 328-04-0630 (2T), 328-04-0631 (3T), 328-04-0632 (4T), and 328-04-0633 (5T).
- Moxie Peach Lemon Pattern: Item numbers 328-04-0664 (12M), 328-04-0665 (18M), 328-04-0666 (2T), 328-04-0667 (3T), 328-04-0668 (4T), and 328-04-0669 (5T).
These swimsuits were sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide and through Target’s online platform, Target.com. If you purchased these items prior to the recall announcement date of December 30, 2020, they are potentially subject to this safety alert. The CPSC has received numerous reports related to these specific item numbers, confirming that the hazard is real and active. It is crucial to check your current inventory against the list above to ensure your child’s swimwear is safe for future use.
The hazard, explained
When we talk about a recall involving snaps on infant clothing, it is helpful to understand exactly what is happening at a physical level. The swimsuits in question are designed with small metal or plastic fasteners, known as snaps, which allow parents to easily open and close the garment for diaper changes. These snaps consist of two parts: a post that protrudes from one side of the fabric and a socket that it clicks into on the other side. In well-made products, these components are securely anchored into the material with reinforced stitching or rivets that can withstand the pulling and tugging common in toddler play.
The specific issue with this recall is that the anchoring mechanism for these snaps has failed. Instead of staying firmly attached to the swimsuit fabric, the snaps have a tendency to break apart or detach completely. This means the small, hard piece that usually serves as the fastener becomes loose within the garment. For an infant or toddler, who explores the world by putting objects in their mouth, this creates a direct and serious danger. The detached snap is small enough to be swallowed or inhaled, posing a significant choking hazard. If a child manages to inhale the piece into their airway, it can block breathing entirely, which is a life-threatening emergency.
Beyond the risk of choking, there is also the potential for laceration injuries. The detached snap pieces are often made of metal or hard plastic with sharp edges where they have broken off from the main garment. If a child handles these loose parts frequently, or if they fall onto hard surfaces and become jagged, they can cut the skin on a child’s fingers, face, or other sensitive areas. While the recall documentation notes that one report of laceration has been received so far, the potential for such injury exists whenever small, hard objects with sharp edges are accessible to young children.
This type of hazard is particularly concerning because it is not always obvious at a glance. A snap might look intact on the outside but be loose underneath the fabric layers. It often only becomes apparent when the garment is being worn or handled roughly. Once the component detaches, it disappears into the folds of the swimsuit or falls away unnoticed until a child finds it. This is why immediate removal from use is critical; you cannot rely on visual inspection to guarantee safety once the integrity of the fastener has been compromised.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk for this specific recall consists of infants and toddlers who wear the affected Cat & Jack one-piece rashguard swimsuits. Because these garments are designed for children ranging from 12 months to 5 years old, the users are in a developmental stage where they are naturally curious and lack the cognitive maturity to understand safety warnings. At this age, children explore their environment primarily through touch and taste. They frequently put objects in their mouths, chew on seams, and pull at loose parts of their clothing without realizing the danger involved. This behavior makes them uniquely vulnerable to hazards that might be easily ignored or managed by an older child or an adult.
The specific mechanism of harm here involves the snaps located on the suits. While snaps are a standard and necessary component for dressing young children, they create small, hard, detachable pieces if they fail. For an infant or toddler, a detached snap is not just a broken piece of clothing; it is a potential choking hazard. The airway of a child under five years old is significantly smaller than that of an adult. A small plastic or metal snap can easily obstruct the trachea, leading to suffocation if not removed immediately. Furthermore, as noted in the incident reports, there is also a risk of laceration. If a snap breaks with enough force or has sharp edges after detaching, it could cut the delicate skin of a young child, particularly around the neck, groin, or shoulders where the swimsuit fits closely against the body.
Parents and caregivers are also indirectly at risk during this scenario. The stress of managing a choking incident or treating a laceration is immense, and the time spent in emergency care or dealing with the aftermath diverts attention from other safety needs. Additionally, because these swimsuits are often worn in water environments such as pools, beaches, or bathtubs, the risk is compounded. If a child is in the water when a snap detaches, they may not immediately signal distress due to shock or confusion, delaying the discovery of the hazard until it is too late. The combination of water safety risks and small object ingestion makes this age group particularly sensitive to failures in garment construction.
It is important to note that while any child wearing the recalled item is at risk, those who are more active, teething, or prone to putting things in their mouths may be at higher immediate risk. Teething infants often chew on clothing tags and snaps for relief, increasing the likelihood of dislodging these components. Similarly, toddlers who are just learning to walk and play vigorously may put more stress on the seams and fasteners of their swimsuits, potentially causing the snaps to break under tension that a less active child might not exert. Therefore, vigilance is required for all users of these specific models, but especially for those in the 12M to 2T range who are most likely to mouth small objects.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you have a Cat & Jack infant-toddler girl’s one-piece rashguard swimsuit in your home, it is important to verify whether it is part of this specific recall. The items affected were sold at Target stores and on Target.com. These swimsuits come in three distinct patterned designs: "Summer Blue Lemon," "Coral Icon Story Hawaiian," and "Moxie Peach Lemon." Because these patterns are quite different from one another, you can usually identify the style by looking at the fabric print. However, the most reliable way to confirm if your suit is included is by checking the item number located on the white tag sewn inside the garment.
To find the correct information, look for the white care label or tag attached to the interior of the swimsuit. This tag will list the specific item number associated with that particular size and pattern combination. It is crucial to check this number against the official recall list, as having the same color pattern but a different item number may mean your suit is not part of this recall. The recalled items span sizes 12M through 5T, so you must verify both the style name and the exact item number to be certain.
- Summer Blue Lemon Pattern: Item numbers 328-04-0574 (12M), 328-04-0575 (18M), 328-04-0576 (2T), 328-04-0577 (3T), 328-04-0578 (4T), and 328-04-0579 (5T).
- Coral Icon Story Hawaiian Pattern: Item numbers 328-04-0628 (12M), 328-04-0629 (18M), 328-04-0630 (2T), 328-04-0631 (3T), 328-04-0632 (4T), and 328-04-0633 (5T).
- Moxie Peach Lemon Pattern: Item numbers 328-04-0664 (12M), 328-04-0665 (18M), 328-04-0666 (2T), 328-04-0667 (3T), 328-04-0668 (4T), and 328-04-0669 (5T).
If your swimsuit matches one of the item numbers listed above, it is part of this recall. Do not wait to see if a snap breaks before taking action. The hazard involves snaps that can break or detach, which poses a choking and laceration risk to children. Even if the suit looks new and the snaps appear secure, the underlying defect remains. Therefore, accurate identification is the first step in ensuring your child’s safety.
If you cannot find the white tag or the item number is unclear, it is safest to assume the suit might be part of the recall if it matches the described patterns and sizes. In such cases, contact Target directly for assistance. You can reach them at 800-440-0680 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT daily or visit www.target.com and click on “Recalls” at the bottom of the page, then select “Clothing.” For additional information, you can also click the “Product Recalls” tab on Target’s Facebook page. Taking these steps will help you confirm whether your swimsuit needs to be returned for a full refund.
What to do — step by step
If you have purchased one of the Cat & Jack infant-toddler girl’s one-piece Rashguard swimsuits, please take action immediately. The safety risk is real, but the remedy is straightforward and fully supported by Target. Your first and most critical step is to stop using the swimsuit right now. Do not wait for the snaps to fail during a swim session, and do not let your child wear it for photos or play while dry. Remove the recalled item from your home, your beach bag, and any storage areas where a curious toddler might find it. Keeping these suits out of reach eliminates the immediate danger of choking or laceration from detached snaps.
Once the swimsuit is safely put away, you need to initiate the return process to receive your full refund. The recall remedy is clear: Target is offering a full refund for all affected items. If you bought the swimsuit in a physical Target store, simply bring the item back to any Target location. You do not need to go back to the specific store where you made the purchase; any Target will accept the return and process your refund. Bring the swimsuit with you, along with your receipt if you have it handy, though Target’s system can often locate the transaction even without physical proof of purchase.
If you purchased the swimsuit online at Target.com, the process is equally convenient but requires a few extra clicks. Log in to your Target account and navigate to the “Recalls” section located at the bottom of the website. From there, select the “Clothing” category to find the specific recall information for these Rashguard suits. You will be provided with a prepaid return label, which means you do not have to pay any shipping costs. Print this label, attach it securely to your package, and drop it off at your nearest carrier location. This step ensures that you get your money back without any financial burden or hassle on your end.
For additional assistance or if you encounter any issues with the return process, you can contact Target directly. Call 800-440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Central Time daily. Their customer service team is equipped to handle questions about the recall and can guide you through any specific scenarios you might face. You can also find more detailed information by clicking the “Product Recalls” tab on Target’s Facebook page. Taking these steps promptly protects your child and ensures you are not left with a defective product. Please do not delay, as the risk of injury from snapping hardware is significant for young children.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When a safety recall involves a product like infant clothing, particularly one with small detachable components, the manufacturer and retailer generally do not offer repairs. It is important to understand that you cannot simply fix the snaps or attempt to reinforce them yourself. The structural integrity of the garment has been deemed insufficient by safety regulators, meaning any makeshift solution would still pose a risk to your child. Instead, the remedy provided in this specific recall is straightforward and generous: a full refund. This means you are not required to keep the item, nor are you obligated to accept store credit or a partial reimbursement for your trouble. The goal here is to remove the hazard from your home entirely while putting your money back in your pocket.
If you purchased the Cat & Jack one-piece Rashguard swimsuit at a physical Target store, the process is designed to be as convenient as possible. You can take the recalled swimsuit directly to any Target location. There is no need to call ahead or navigate complex return desks; simply bring the item to the customer service counter. The staff will process your full refund, allowing you to retrieve your funds immediately. This in-person option is often the quickest route for those who have their receipt handy, though it is worth noting that Target’s policy typically allows returns even without a receipt by using other verification methods, but having your proof of purchase makes the transaction smoother.
For those who ordered the swimsuit online through Target.com, the remedy involves a slightly different logistical step to ensure you do not incur any shipping costs. You should contact Target directly to arrange for the return. Because this is a safety recall, Target will provide you with a prepaid return label. This is a crucial detail: you do not have to pay for postage or shipping fees to send the item back. Once you receive the label, attach it to your package and drop it off at the designated carrier location. This ensures that the financial burden of correcting the mistake remains with the retailer, not you.
To initiate the return process, whether online or offline, you can reach Target’s consumer support team by calling 800-440-0680. They are available daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time, which provides a wide window for assistance if you have questions about the specific item numbers or the return procedure. Alternatively, you can visit www.target.com and navigate to the “Recalls” section at the bottom of the page, then select “Clothing” to find detailed instructions. You may also check Target’s Facebook page under the “Product Recalls” tab for additional updates. Remember, your primary objective is to keep your child safe by removing the swimsuit from use and securing your refund through these official channels.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to look at a recalled item and think, "It’s just a swimsuit," or "The snaps seem fine right now." That natural optimism is understandable, especially when dealing with baby gear that needs to be replaced. However, ignoring this specific recall carries serious, tangible risks that go far beyond a simple inconvenience. The core issue here is not the fabric or the fit, but the mechanical failure of the closure system. When you choose to keep wearing these Cat & Jack Rashguards, you are allowing a known defect to remain in place, turning a piece of clothing into a potential trap for your child.
The primary danger lies in the sudden and unpredictable nature of the hazard. The snaps on these one-piece swimsuits are designed to hold the garment securely against a small body, but they have been found to break or detach entirely without warning. For an infant or toddler, whose hands are still developing coordination and who naturally puts objects in their mouths during exploration, a detached snap is not just trash—it is a choking hazard. The pieces are small enough to slide into the airway, blocking breathing immediately. This is not a theoretical risk; it is a physical reality that has already resulted in reported injuries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has documented 27 reports of these snaps breaking or coming loose. While most may have been intercepted before causing harm, one report specifically cited a laceration injury. This means that the sharp edges of the broken plastic or metal components have already caused cuts to children’s skin, adding pain and potential infection risk to the fear of choking.
Beyond the immediate physical threat, continuing to use these suits creates a false sense of security for parents. Swimsuits are often worn in environments where supervision is split between water safety and general play. If a parent assumes the suit is secure because it looks intact from the outside, they may not notice the subtle signs of wear on the snaps until it is too late. The hazard is insidious because the suit can look perfectly functional while being one splash or tug away from failure. When that failure occurs, the child is left vulnerable in a situation where quick action is required to prevent a choking event or further injury.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall denies you the remedy that Target has readily provided. By keeping the suit, you are essentially gambling with your child’s safety against a problem that could have been resolved instantly with a full refund. The risk of a broken snap causing a choking incident or a cut is not worth the minor hassle of returning the item. In the context of infant safety, there is no "maybe" when it comes to small detachable parts. If a part can come off, it will eventually come off—and in the wrong moment, that difference can be critical. Do not wait for a second injury report to validate your concerns. The data already confirms that this defect is real, recurring, and dangerous.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in infant swimwear, the underlying principle remains the same for all parents and caregivers: small detachable parts on clothing worn by infants and toddlers are a significant safety concern. The snaps that failed in this instance are designed to make diaper changes easier for exhausted parents, but they also create a potential entry point for choking hazards if they break off. To prevent similar issues with other garments, always inspect the seams and fasteners of any new clothing before your child wears it. Gently tug on buttons, snaps, and sequins to ensure they are securely attached. For infants who put everything in their mouths, consider avoiding clothes with loose embellishments entirely until they are older and no longer exploring the world orally.
Regularly checking for product recalls is another vital habit that goes beyond just reacting to news alerts. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and manufacturer websites update their databases frequently as new risks are identified. You can sign up for email notifications from these agencies or follow them on social media to stay informed about immediate dangers. Additionally, registering your purchases with the manufacturers when you buy them online or in-store ensures that they can contact you directly if a defect is discovered later. This simple step can save you time and keep your family safer by providing a direct line of communication regarding safety notices.
Beyond clothing, it is important to be mindful of the general environment where young children play and swim. For swimwear specifically, always ensure that any rash guards or suits fit properly without excessive loose fabric that could pose an entanglement risk. Supervise children closely near water at all times, regardless of what they are wearing, as no garment replaces active supervision. Furthermore, consider the longevity of your child’s wardrobe; items that have been washed many times may experience wear and tear on fasteners over time. Periodically check older clothing for signs of fraying or loosening snaps, and repair or discard items that show significant deterioration. By staying vigilant and proactive about product safety, you create a safer home environment for your little ones.
- Inspect all new clothing for secure fasteners before letting children wear them.
- Register products with manufacturers to receive direct safety notifications.
- Check online recall databases regularly for updates on items in your home.
- Maintain close supervision of children near water, regardless of protective gear.