What was recalled
In the early hours of August 29, 2019, a significant safety alert was issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) involving a popular line of children’s bath accessories. The recall centers specifically on products manufactured and sold under the Pearhead brand, identifiable by the "Ubbi" product line name. These items are known as the Ubbi Connecting Bath Toys. While the brand is well-regarded for its modern, aesthetic approach to baby gear, this particular batch of toys was found to have structural flaws that necessitated an immediate withdrawal from the market and from consumers' homes.
The affected products are distinctively designed plastic bath toys intended for young children. Each individual unit features a large central circle embedded with an engraved smiley face, which is attached to six smaller surrounding circles. The design philosophy encourages interactive play, as these individual pieces are engineered to connect to one another, allowing children to build various shapes and structures in the water. The recall encompasses sets that were sold either individually or as part of a larger package. Specifically, the standard configuration involves a set of six pieces. These six units come in a specific color palette: red, orange, yellow, navy, blue, and green. This vibrant array was designed to be visually stimulating for infants and toddlers during bath time.
Furthermore, the scope of this recall extends beyond the single sets. It also includes items sold within the Ubbi Bath Toy Gift Set. This particular bundle is a more substantial offering, containing four complete sets of the bath toys mentioned above. Therefore, if you purchased a gift set rather than a standalone pack, your household holds four times the number of affected connecting toy units compared to those who bought the single six-piece set. The CPSC record does not specify the total number of individual units recalled across all sales channels, but it confirms that Pearhead is contacting all known purchasers directly regarding this issue.
These products were distributed widely through various retail channels before the recall date. Consumers may have purchased them in physical stores or online retailers leading up to August 2019. The key identifier for these items is not just the brand name, Pearhead, but the specific "Ubbi" branding and the unique connecting mechanism with the smiley face motif. If you have bath toys that fit this exact description—plastic, connectable, with the central smiley face design—you are urged to verify if they belong to this recalled lot. The presence of these specific design elements is the primary indicator that your product falls under the CPSC’s safety notice.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is necessary, it helps to look closely at what physically goes wrong with the Ubbi Connecting Bath Toys. These products are designed as interactive bath accessories for young children, featuring a central plastic circle engraved with a smiley face that connects to six smaller surrounding circles. While they appear sturdy and playful on the surface, the structural integrity of the material is the primary concern. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report, these specific toys have been found to break during normal use or handling. This is not necessarily due to rough abuse by a child, but rather a failure in the plastic’s durability that creates dangerous new shapes where there should be none.
When the plastic breaks, it does not always snap cleanly into smooth, harmless pieces. Instead, the fracture can leave behind sharp points or jagged edges. This is what transforms a simple bath toy into a potential injury source. For infants and toddlers, whose skin is significantly thinner and more delicate than that of adults, even minor lacerations from sharp plastic can be painful and prone to infection. More critically, these broken fragments become small objects that are easy for a young child to put in their mouth, nose, or ears. This introduces the choking hazard mentioned in the official recall notice. Small, hard plastic pieces pose a severe risk because they can obstruct the airway, leading to suffocation, which is a leading cause of fatal accidents in children under five.
The mechanism of harm here is twofold: physical injury from sharp debris and respiratory obstruction from small fragments. While Pearhead has received two reports of broken bath toys, it is important to note that no injuries have been reported to date. However, the potential for harm exists as soon as the plastic fails. In bath time environments, children are often unsupervised for brief moments or are distracted by water and soap, making them less likely to notice a small piece breaking off until it is too late. The combination of water (which can mask small objects visually) and the natural tendency of young children to explore with their mouths makes this specific type of breakage particularly dangerous. By removing the recalled items, you eliminate the possibility of these sharp edges causing cuts or small fragments causing choking incidents.
It is also worth noting that the hazard is not limited to just the central piece. Because these toys are designed to connect to one another, stress points where the pieces join together may be vulnerable. If one part breaks off while attached to another, it can create an unstable, sharp fragment that is difficult for a child to manage safely. This structural weakness is why the CPSC and Pearhead have deemed the entire batch of Ubbi Connecting Bath Toys unsafe for use, regardless of whether you have seen any damage yet. The risk is inherent in the design and material quality of this specific production run.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk in this recall consists of young children, particularly infants and toddlers who are currently using or have recently used the Ubbi Connecting Bath Toys. This demographic is uniquely vulnerable for several interconnected reasons that go beyond simply being "small." The nature of the hazard—a sharp point created when a toy breaks—poses a dual threat of laceration and choking that is disproportionately dangerous to developing bodies. Young children, especially those under the age of three, have a well-documented developmental tendency to explore their environment orally. They put objects in their mouths not just for comfort, but as a primary way of learning about texture, shape, and material. When a plastic bath toy breaks during play, it can leave behind jagged edges or sharp fragments that are easily detached. For an adult, these might be minor annoyances; for a toddler, they are immediate entry points for injury.
The risk is further compounded by the physical characteristics of young children’s tissues and airways. A laceration from a sharp plastic point can bleed more significantly in a child than in an adult due to the delicate nature of their skin and mucous membranes. More critically, the choking hazard is severe because a small fragment that might be too large to pass through an adult’s throat can easily obstruct a toddler’s narrower airway. Because young children lack the fine motor skills to carefully inspect a broken toy before playing with it, they are likely to continue handling or mouthing a damaged item without realizing the danger. The recall notes that Pearhead has received two reports of broken toys, which serves as a stark reminder that this is not a theoretical risk but an active one occurring during normal use.
While the primary users are children, parents and caregivers who purchase and assemble these toys also face indirect risks. Although they are not the ones at risk of choking on the fragments, they are responsible for ensuring the safety of their environment. The fact that these toys were sold in sets of six and as part of gift sets means that many households may have multiple units in circulation simultaneously. Caregivers who are unaware of the recall may unknowingly expose their children to this hazard during bath time, a period when supervision can be momentarily relaxed or when hands are soapy and slippery, making it harder to notice small cracks or breaks in the plastic. Therefore, while the child is the direct victim of the hazard, the caregiver’s awareness and immediate action are the critical factors in mitigating the risk. The vulnerability here is not just physical but situational, relying on the adult’s ability to recognize the defect and remove the product from the child’s reach immediately.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you have a set of bath toys that feature interconnected plastic pieces, it is crucial to verify whether they belong to the specific batch recalled by Pearhead on August 29, 2019. Because these toys are designed to be connected and often used in sets, identifying the exact product can sometimes be tricky if the original packaging has been discarded. However, there are several distinct physical characteristics that will help you confirm whether your items are part of this recall.
First, look closely at the design of the individual toy pieces. The recalled Ubbi Connecting Bath Toys are made of plastic and feature a very specific shape: a large central circle with an engraved smiley face attached to it. This main piece is connected to six smaller circles. If your toys have this particular configuration where a smiling face sits in the middle of a larger circle that links to six surrounding segments, you are likely looking at the correct product type. These pieces are meant to be linked together to form longer chains or structures for play.
Next, check the colors and how they are packaged. The recalled items were sold as a set of six individual toys. Each set included one piece in each of the following colors: red, orange, yellow, navy, blue, and green. If you have a single set containing exactly these six colors, it is highly probable that you have the recalled item. Additionally, Pearhead also sold an "Ubbi Bath Toy Gift Set" which contained four separate sets of these bath toys. If you purchased a larger gift box or bundle that included multiple identical sets in these specific colors, those are also included in the recall.
To be absolutely certain, you should look for branding and model information. The brand name "Ubbi" should be clearly visible on the toys themselves or on any remaining packaging. While the recall facts do not specify a serial number to check, the combination of the brand, the unique smiley-face-connected design, and the specific six-color set composition is the primary identifier. If you bought these items online at www.ubbiworld.com or through other retailers between the time they were available and the recall date, and they match this visual description, you should treat them as recalled products immediately. There is no need to guess; if the visual profile matches the description of a large circle with an engraved smiley face connected to six smaller circles in red, orange, yellow, navy, blue, and green, it is time to take action.
What to do — step by step
If you own the recalled Ubbi Connecting Bath Toys, the most important thing you can do right now is to remove them from your child’s immediate reach. This is not a situation where you should wait for a follow-up notification or try to fix the toys yourself at home. The hazard involves sharp points that can cause lacerations and choking, so treating these items as potentially dangerous is the only safe approach. Please take the toys away from children immediately and keep them out of their hands until you have completed the return process.
Once the toys are safely stored away from play areas, your next step is to initiate the return process with Pearhead. The company has committed to providing a full refund for the recalled items. You have several convenient ways to contact them to start this process. You can call their consumer support line at 718-422-0592. Their customer service representatives are available from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication, you may send an email to service@ubbiworld.com. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.ubbiworld.com and click on the "Product Recall" section for detailed instructions and forms.
Pearhead is also contacting all known purchasers directly regarding this recall. If you bought these toys recently, check your email or mail for a notification from the company. Even if you have not received direct contact yet, do not assume you are clear of the issue; proactively reaching out to them ensures your safety and secures your remedy. When you speak with Pearhead, be prepared to provide proof of purchase if you have it, though they may assist you regardless.
In addition to your full refund, Pearhead is offering a free replacement Ubbi Squeeze Bath Toy. This is a significant benefit, as it allows you to continue providing bath time fun without the associated risk. When you arrange for the return of the connecting toys, ask specifically about receiving this replacement item. Ensure you understand how and when you will receive both your refund and the new toy. The entire process is designed to be straightforward and cost-free for you.
Do not attempt to sell, donate, or give away the recalled toys. They remain a hazard until they are properly processed by Pearhead. By following these steps—stopping use, contacting the company, returning the item, and securing your refund or replacement—you are taking full advantage of the remedy offered. Your vigilance helps keep other children safe as well. If you have any questions about the process, rely on the official contact channels provided by Pearhead for accurate guidance.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have one of the recalled Ubbi Connecting Bath Toys, Pearhead has established a clear and straightforward remedy to resolve the issue for you. The company is not asking you to simply throw the product away; instead, they are offering a full refund and a free replacement item. Specifically, you can return your set of six connecting bath toys in exchange for a new Ubbi Squeeze Bath Toy at no cost to you. This approach ensures that you do not lose money due to a manufacturing defect while still receiving a safe product for your child’s enjoyment. It is important to note that Pearhead is actively contacting all known purchasers directly regarding this recall, so keep an eye on your email or phone for their outreach. However, if you have not heard from them yet, you do not need to wait. You can proactively initiate the return process by reaching out through one of the methods listed below.
To get started with your refund or replacement, you will need to contact Pearhead’s consumer support team. They are available by phone at 718-422-0592. When calling, please note that their customer service hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or need more detailed instructions on how to package and ship the item, you can send an email to service@ubbiworld.com. Alternatively, you can visit the official website at www.ubbiworld.com. On the site, look for the "Product Recall" section to find comprehensive details about the process. This digital route is often the most convenient way to get step-by-step guidance on labeling your package and obtaining any necessary prepaid shipping labels.
When you prepare to return the recalled toys, please handle them with care. Although no injuries have been reported so far, the hazard involves sharp points that can form if the plastic breaks. While you are waiting for instructions from Pearhead, keep the toys out of reach of young children to prevent any potential laceration or choking incidents. Once you receive confirmation and shipping details from Pearhead, follow their packaging instructions carefully to ensure the items arrive safely at their facility. The goal is to make this process as stress-free as possible for you, allowing you to quickly exchange a potentially dangerous item for a safe alternative without financial loss.
- Phone: Call 718-422-0592 between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
- Email: Send inquiries to service@ubbiworld.com for written support and documentation.
- Online: Visit www.ubbiworld.com and navigate to the "Product Recall" page for full details.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to take a product out of the bath. After all, these toys have likely become part of your child’s daily routine, providing comfort and entertainment during a time that can sometimes be stressful for both parent and toddler. You may look at the Ubbi Connecting Bath Toys and see only bright colors and familiar shapes, not realizing that the plastic has compromised its structural integrity over time. Ignoring the recall does not make the hazard disappear; it simply leaves you unaware of the growing risk in your hands. The core issue with these specific toys is that they are designed to be connected, creating joints and seams that are under constant stress from being squeezed, pulled, and submerged in varying water temperatures. When plastic degrades or is subjected to repeated force at these connection points, it does not always fail gracefully. Instead of bending or detaching cleanly, the material can fracture in a way that leaves behind sharp, jagged edges.
The consequences of continuing to use these recalled items are twofold and potentially severe. First, there is the immediate physical danger of laceration. If a toy breaks while it is still in the bath or being handled by a young child, the resulting sharp point can easily cut delicate skin. Toddlers have soft, sensitive skin that tears more readily than adult skin, meaning even a minor fracture in the plastic can result in a significant wound that requires medical attention, such as stitches or antibiotic treatment to prevent infection. Second, and perhaps more insidiously, is the choking hazard. When these connecting pieces break apart, they do not just become sharp; they become small, hard objects that fit easily into a child’s mouth. A young child, who naturally explores the world by putting things in their mouths, could inhale or swallow a broken fragment. This can lead to airway obstruction, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention.
While Pearhead has received only two reports of broken toys and no injuries have been reported to date, this silence is not a guarantee of safety. It is a statistical reality that many incidents go unreported, either because parents clean up the debris quickly without realizing the severity of the break, or because the child does not get hurt on that particular day. Relying on the absence of reported injuries is a dangerous gamble with your child’s health. Every time you allow your child to play with these toys after the recall date, you are increasing the probability of exposure to this hazard. The risk compounds with every use, as the plastic fatigue worsens with each squeeze and connection. By ignoring the recall, you are essentially betting that the toy will hold together one more time, but when it fails, the cost is not just a broken toy—it is the potential for serious physical harm that could have been entirely prevented by following the remedy instructions.
Furthermore, there is the emotional and logistical toll of waiting too long. If an injury does occur because you continued to use the recalled product, the aftermath involves emergency room visits, pain, trauma for your child, and significant stress for your family. This is a preventable outcome. The remedy offered by Pearhead is straightforward: a full refund and a safe replacement toy. By acting now, you secure that refund and protect your child from unnecessary risk. By ignoring it, you leave yourself vulnerable to a scenario where the simple act of bath time becomes a source of danger rather than joy. Safety is not about fear; it is about awareness and proactive care. Do not let convenience override caution when the stakes are your child’s well-being.