What was recalled
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall notice concerning specific models of baby and toddler swings manufactured by Flybar, Inc. under their Swurfer brand. This action targets the Kiwi Baby and Toddler Swings, which are designed to attach securely to either a standard swing set or a sturdy tree branch, offering a gentle swinging experience for young children. The company has identified these specific units as defective due to a potential safety failure in the suspension mechanism.
The recalled items are distinct in their appearance and construction. These plastic swings are available in three color options: green, blue, and pink. Each unit is relatively compact and lightweight, measuring approximately 15 inches wide, 10 inches deep, and 20 inches high. The swing itself weighs about 4 pounds, making it portable for families who may wish to move it between locations, such as from a backyard tree to a playground set.
To identify the specific units included in this recall, consumers should look closely at the underside of the swing seat. The brand name "Swurfer" along with the manufacturer's name, "FlyBar, Inc.," is printed clearly on this surface. Additionally, the model number "Kiwi Swing SSW-0005" is also located here. These markings are crucial for verifying whether your specific product is part of this recall action.
Another key identifier is the manufacturing date code. This code is embossed directly into the back of the swing. The recall specifically affects units with a manufacture date code indicating production in August 2019. If your swing does not match these physical descriptions or lacks these specific markings, it likely falls outside the scope of this particular safety alert.
This recall was officially announced on May 14, 2020. At that time, the agency highlighted that the issue stemmed from a critical component failure. The plastic stopper located at the bottom of the swing rope, which is responsible for holding the swing seat in place and preventing it from slipping off, can detach unexpectedly. While the recall focuses on this specific defect, it is important to note that the firm has received six reports of the rope end detaching. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with these incidents as of the recall date. However, the potential for a fall remains a serious concern for any child using the product.
If you purchased a Swurfer Kiwi Baby or Toddler Swing around the time this recall was announced, or if you have one that matches the description above, it is essential to verify its details immediately. The safety of your child depends on recognizing these specific identifiers and taking the necessary steps to address the defect before any accident occurs.
The hazard, explained
Understanding why this recall is necessary requires looking closely at the simple mechanical design of the Swurfer swing and how that design can fail under normal use. The core issue lies in a small but critical component: the plastic stopper located at the very bottom of the swing rope. In a properly functioning swing, this stopper acts as an anchor point. Its primary job is to catch the end of the rope and prevent it from sliding through or slipping out of the swing seat itself. By holding the rope firmly in place, it ensures that the seat remains securely attached to the suspension system, keeping the child suspended safely between the tree branch or swing set frame and the ground.
The specific hazard occurs when this plastic stopper detaches from the rope end. When this connection fails, the structural integrity of the swing is compromised almost instantly. Without the stopper to hold the rope, the seat can no longer maintain its position relative to the suspension lines. This allows the swing seat to slide off the end of the rope entirely or become completely unmoored. For a baby or toddler who is strapped into that seat, this detachment means losing their primary support. The child is no longer being held by the swing’s structure but is instead left with nothing but the straps, which may not be designed to bear the full dynamic weight and momentum of a falling body without the structural backup of the seat frame.
The consequence of this mechanical failure is a significant fall hazard. Children in baby and toddler swings are often at an age where they have limited ability to brace themselves or hold on tight during sudden movements. When the seat detaches, gravity takes over immediately. Depending on the height of the swing set or tree branch, the child can fall from a considerable distance directly onto the ground, grass, or other surfaces below. While no injuries have been reported in this specific batch yet, falls from this height and mechanism are well-known to cause serious harm, including head trauma, broken bones, and spinal injuries. The risk is particularly acute for younger children who lack the core strength to stabilize themselves once the seat gives way.
It is important to note that this failure mode is not necessarily obvious during casual inspection. The stopper may appear intact on the outside while having lost its grip on the rope internally, or it may detach after repeated tension and release cycles over time. This is why relying solely on visual checks of the seat’s appearance is insufficient; you must rely on the recall details to determine if your specific unit is part of the affected batch. The potential for injury is high because the failure happens without warning during use, turning a playful activity into a sudden drop.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk from this recall consists of babies and toddlers who use the Swurfer Kiwi Baby and Toddler Swings. These products are specifically designed for young children, typically those in the early stages of development who are learning to balance and enjoy outdoor play. Because the swing is intended for infants and very young kids, the users are inherently vulnerable due to their physical size, developing motor skills, and lack of awareness regarding potential dangers. A fall from even a modest height can result in significant injury to a child whose bones are still soft and whose coordination is not yet fully developed.
The specific mechanism of the hazard makes the risk particularly acute for this age group. The recall centers on a plastic stopper located at the bottom of the swing rope, which is responsible for holding the swing seat in place. When this component detaches, it can cause the entire swing seat to slip off the rope unexpectedly. For an adult or even an older child, losing balance might be manageable. However, for a baby or toddler secured in a plastic seat, the sudden loss of support can lead to being ejected from the swing entirely. Without adequate upper body strength or reflexes to catch themselves, these young users are helpless during the moment of detachment.
While no injuries have been reported to date with this specific model, the potential for harm is serious. Falls involving young children often result in head injuries, fractures, or bruises. The risk is exacerbated by the nature of swinging, which involves momentum and movement. If the seat detaches while the swing is in motion, the child may be thrown forward or sideways with considerable force. Parents and caregivers must understand that even though six reports of detachment exist without injury so far, the probability of a more severe outcome increases with each use where the defect remains unresolved.
Additionally, parents who purchase these swings for their children are also indirectly at risk due to the emotional and physical stress of preventing accidents. The design allows the swing to attach to tree branches or standard swing sets, meaning it is often used in backyards or parks where supervision might be intermittent. If a caregiver steps away briefly, assuming the equipment is safe, the defective stopper poses an immediate threat. Therefore, the risk extends beyond just the child’s physical safety to include the peace of mind and responsibility of the guardians who trust this product with their little ones’ well-being.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you have a Swurfer swing in your home, particularly one intended for babies or toddlers, it is important to verify whether it falls under this specific recall before taking any action. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a particular set of products manufactured by FlyBar, Inc. that are at risk. To determine if your swing is part of this batch, you need to look closely at the physical markings on the product itself, as these details serve as the primary key for identification.
First, check the brand name printed on the swing. The recalled items are specifically branded as "Swurfer." If your swing has a different brand name, it is likely not part of this specific recall notice, though you should always remain vigilant about product safety regardless of the brand. Next, look at the underside of the swing seat. The manufacturer's information is critical here. You must find either "FlyBar, Inc." or "Kiwi Swing SSW-0005" printed clearly on the bottom surface. This specific model number and manufacturer designation are definitive markers that distinguish these units from other similar-looking swings on the market.
In addition to the printed text, you should inspect the back of the swing for a manufacturing date code. The recall specifically targets swings where the code "August 2019" is embossed into the material. This embossing is usually subtle, so you may need to run your fingers over the surface or hold it up to a light source to see the raised letters and numbers clearly. If the date code is different, or if there is no date code at all, the item may not be affected by this specific recall action.
You can also identify the product by its physical characteristics and color options. The recalled Kiwi Baby and Toddler Swings are made of plastic and come in three distinct colors: green, blue, and pink. If you have one of these swings, check its dimensions. The affected models measure approximately 15 inches wide, 10 inches deep, and 20 inches high. They also weigh about 4 pounds. These swings are designed to attach to a standard swing set or a tree branch using a rope that ends in a plastic stopper. While there were six reported incidents of the rope end detaching, no injuries have been reported so far. However, because the hazard involves a fall risk for young children, verifying these specific details—brand, model number, date code, and physical specs—is essential to ensure your child’s safety.
If you are unsure or cannot find these markings, do not guess. It is safer to assume a product might be affected if it matches the description and then confirm with the manufacturer. You can contact Swurfer directly for assistance in verifying your specific unit. Call their toll-free number at 800-764-6784 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or reach out via email at productsafety@flybar.com. You can also visit their website at https://swurfer.com and navigate to the "Product Safety" section under Quick Links for further guidance.
What to do — step by step
If you own a Swurfer Kiwi Baby or Toddler Swing, your immediate priority is safety over convenience. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and FlyBar, Inc. is clear: you must stop using the product right away. This is not a suggestion to monitor it more closely or to use it only under strict supervision; it is a directive to remove it from service entirely until it has been properly addressed. The plastic stopper that holds the swing seat in place can detach unexpectedly, creating a serious fall hazard for your child. Therefore, the first and most critical step is to take the swing down immediately. Do not leave it hanging in your yard or garage where a curious toddler might climb on it while you are retrieving repair instructions. Place the swing in a secure location away from children until you have completed the remedy process. Once the swing is safely out of use, you need to contact FlyBar, Inc., to receive specific instructions on how to repair the item. The company has established several convenient channels for you to reach them. You can call their toll-free number at 800-764-6784. They are available to assist you from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or need to send documentation, you can email them directly at productsafety@flybar.com. Alternatively, you may visit their website at https://swurfer.com. On the homepage, look for the "Quick Links" section and click on "Product Safety." This page will guide you through the recall process and provide the necessary details for your specific unit. When you contact them, be prepared to provide the identifying information printed on your swing to verify that it is part of this specific recall lot. Look at the underside of the swing for the FlyBar, Inc. and Kiwi Swing SSW-0005 labels. Also, check the back of the swing for the manufacture date code embossed into the plastic, specifically looking for August 2019, as this confirms your unit is within the affected production run. The remedy offered is a repair instruction rather than an immediate automatic replacement or refund by default. By following these steps—stopping use, contacting the manufacturer via phone, email, or website, and providing the model number and date code—you ensure that the defect is corrected safely. Once you have received the repair instructions, follow them carefully to secure the plastic stopper back in place. This process restores the structural integrity of the swing and eliminates the fall hazard, allowing your child to enjoy the product again with confidence.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have discovered that you own one of the recalled Swurfer Kiwi Baby and Toddler Swings, it is important to understand exactly what the manufacturer, FlyBar, Inc., has agreed to do to make things right. In this specific recall, the primary remedy offered is not a direct cash refund or an immediate shipment of a new unit. Instead, the company has structured their resolution around a repair process. This approach is common in cases where a design flaw can be corrected with minimal cost and effort, allowing the brand to maintain product integrity while ensuring safety. The core instruction for all consumers is straightforward: you must contact the firm directly to receive specific instructions on how to repair your swing. They have not listed other options like full refunds or replacements as standard remedies in this announcement, so it is best to follow their guidance precisely.
To initiate this process, you will need to reach out to Swurfer using one of the contact methods they have provided. You can call their toll-free number at 800-764-6784. It is helpful to know that their customer service team operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or wish to have a record of your inquiry, you can send an email to productsafety@flybar.com. Another convenient option is to visit their website at https://swurfer.com. Once there, look for the "Product Safety" link located under the Quick Links section. This online portal is likely where you will find detailed repair manuals or further instructions tailored to your specific unit.
Why does the remedy focus on repair? The hazard identified in this recall involves the plastic stopper on the bottom of the swing rope detaching. This component is critical because it holds the swing seat in place. By repairing this specific part, FlyBar, Inc. aims to eliminate the fall hazard without requiring you to discard a functional product entirely. This is often a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for both the consumer and the company. However, please remember that you should not attempt to fix this issue yourself before contacting them. The repair instructions may involve specific tools, parts, or techniques that are unique to this model. Using incorrect methods could potentially worsen the safety issue or void any warranty protections.
As you prepare to contact them, it is wise to have your swing ready for inspection. Specifically, look for the manufacturing details mentioned in the recall description. The underside of the swing should clearly display "FlyBar, Inc." and "Kiwi Swing SSW-0005." Additionally, check the back of the swing for an embossed date code of August 2019. Having this information on hand will help the customer service representative quickly verify that your unit is part of the recalled batch and expedite the repair instructions you need. While no injuries have been reported with these units, taking immediate action to secure the stopper is crucial for preventing future accidents.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a product recall involves a physical defect like the one affecting the Swurfer Kiwi Baby and Toddler Swings, the most immediate consequence of ignoring the notice is that you are allowing a known mechanical failure to persist in your home. The specific issue here is deceptively simple but potentially dangerous: the plastic stopper located at the bottom of the swing rope, which is designed to hold the swing seat securely in place, can detach. If you choose not to contact FlyBar, Inc. for repair instructions, that critical connection point remains compromised. Over time, or with a single moment of vigorous play, that stopper may completely slip off the end of the rope. When this happens, the structural integrity of the swing collapses from the bottom up.
The real-world consequence of this detachment is a sudden and uncontrolled fall. For a baby or toddler, who relies on the swing seat to provide a contained, stable environment, the loss of that bottom stopper means there is nothing left to prevent them from sliding out. Unlike a typical playground swing where the child is strapped in or holding on, these plastic swings are designed for younger children who may not have the upper body strength or cognitive awareness to grip tightly in an emergency. If the seat detaches from the rope, the child does not just fall; they drop. This is not a minor stumble that can be caught by a parent standing nearby. It is a free-fall from the height of the swing set or tree branch down to the ground below.
We must also look at the data provided in the official recall notice to understand the probability of this occurring. The manufacturer, FlyBar, Inc., has already received six separate reports of the rope end detaching. While it is important to note that no injuries have been reported so far, this statistic should not be interpreted as "safe." In safety engineering, a lack of reported injury often means the fall distance was short enough or the landing surface soft enough to prevent broken bones, not that the event itself was harmless. Six incidents indicate a recurring manufacturing defect that is actively happening in homes right now. Every day you continue to use the swing without the prescribed repair, you are rolling the dice with a known failure rate. The risk compounds with every use because the plastic stopper may become looser or more damaged with each bounce.
Beyond the immediate physical danger of a fall, ignoring the recall creates a false sense of security for caregivers. You might believe the swing is sturdy because it looks intact from the top down, but the failure point is hidden at the very bottom. By not acting, you are maintaining a hazard that has already proven itself capable of failing in multiple units. The consequence is not just theoretical; it is an active risk that transforms a fun backyard activity into a potential emergency room visit. The remedy offered—a repair to secure that stopper—is a simple, low-effort solution that eliminates this specific danger. Ignoring it leaves you with a product that looks fine but behaves unpredictably, putting your child’s safety entirely in the hands of chance rather than engineering.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall highlights a manufacturing defect in a particular brand of swing, it serves as a valuable reminder that safety is an ongoing practice, not just a one-time purchase decision. When it comes to outdoor play equipment, especially items designed for infants and toddlers, the environment you choose to install them in plays a critical role in preventing accidents. Always ensure that any swing or piece of playground equipment is placed on a level surface that can adequately absorb impact. Soft materials like wood mulch, sand, or engineered wood fiber are far superior to concrete, asphalt, or packed dirt because they help dissipate the force of a fall. This simple step can significantly reduce the severity of injuries if a child were to slip or if a component were to fail.
Regular inspection is another cornerstone of maintaining a safe play area. Even products that have passed rigorous safety standards can develop wear and tear over time due to exposure to sun, rain, and frequent use. Make it a habit to check hardware for tightness, look for fraying ropes or cracks in plastic components, and ensure that all protective caps and stoppers are securely in place. If you notice any signs of damage, no matter how minor they seem, take the item out of service immediately until it can be properly repaired or replaced. Do not rely on visual inspection alone; gently tug on connections to test their stability before allowing a child to use the equipment.
Furthermore, staying informed about product safety is one of the most proactive steps you can take as a consumer. Many hazardous products are only identified after they have been in homes for some time. To stay ahead of potential risks, consider signing up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or subscribing to newsletters from major retailers and manufacturer websites. These channels often provide early warnings about recalls that you might otherwise miss if you do not actively check for them. By keeping your contact information updated with the companies whose products you own, you ensure that you receive direct instructions on how to remedy issues before they lead to harm.
Finally, remember that supervision is your best defense against unexpected failures. No amount of engineering or safety features can replace the vigilance of a caring adult who is actively engaged in monitoring playtime. Keep an eye on how children interact with their toys and be ready to intervene if you see risky behavior. By combining vigilant supervision with regular maintenance and staying informed about safety updates, you create a layered approach to protection that keeps your family safe long after the initial purchase.