What was recalled
In November of 2018, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving children’s water bottles distributed under the brand name Mountain Warehouse. This action was taken to address specific design flaws in a particular line of plastic hydration products intended for young users. The recall is not broad enough to encompass every item sold by the retailer; rather, it targets a very specific subset of inventory that was identified as posing a potential safety risk. Understanding exactly which items are affected is crucial for parents and caregivers who may have purchased these bottles during the relevant sales period.
The product in question is a plastic water bottle with a capacity of 350ml, designed specifically for children. These bottles feature a distinctive design that includes a screw-on solid color top equipped with a pop-up straw and a convenient handle for carrying. While the variety of colors and prints available made these bottles popular among kids, it also means that identifying the recalled items requires careful attention to detail. The bottles were sold in multiple vibrant designs, including tractor, hedgehog, shark, fish, and horse prints. Because the aesthetic appeal varied widely, consumers cannot rely on color alone to determine if their bottle is part of this recall.
To accurately identify a recalled bottle, you must look for specific physical markers. Each affected bottle has a barcode printed on a price sticker located at the bottom of the container. The CPSC and Mountain Warehouse have provided a precise list of the barcodes associated with the recalled units. If your bottle’s barcode does not match one of the following codes, it is likely not part of this specific recall: 5052776381048 (blue lid with tractor print), 5052776412063 (yellow lid with hedgehog print), 5057634043526 (pale blue lid with shark print), 5057634043533 (turquoise lid with fish print), or 5052776381031 (pink lid with horse print). These specific combinations of lid color, print design, and barcode are the definitive identifiers for the recalled items.
The recall was officially announced on November 8, 2018, covering products that were sold prior to this date. While the exact total number of units sold is not explicitly detailed in the provided records, the scope of the recall is defined by these specific model variations rather than a numerical count. The bottles were distributed through Mountain Warehouse retail channels. If you purchased a water bottle matching these descriptions and barcodes from Mountain Warehouse around that time, it is essential to verify whether your item falls within this safety notice. Taking the time to check the barcode on the bottom of your bottle is the most reliable way to determine if your child’s water bottle is among those recalled.
The hazard, explained
At first glance, the recalled Mountain Warehouse children’s water bottles appear to be standard, everyday items designed for young users. They feature a screw-on top, a pop-up straw, and a convenient handle, making them look like practical tools for hydration on the go. However, the core issue lies in the structural integrity of the spout mechanism. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the spout—a small but critical component of the drinking apparatus—can detach from the main body of the bottle during normal use. This is not a minor cosmetic flaw; it is a significant mechanical failure that transforms a harmless object into a dangerous one.
When the spout breaks away, it does not simply disappear. Instead, it exposes a small ring within the bottle’s opening. To an adult, this ring might seem like a trivial part of the plastic molding process. But to a child, particularly one under the age of three who is still developing motor skills and has a strong tendency to put objects in their mouths, this exposed ring becomes a serious choking hazard. Small parts that detach from toys or consumer goods are among the most common causes of choking incidents in households with young children. The risk arises because these small components can be easily dislodged, inhaled into the airway, and blocked, preventing breathing.
The danger is compounded by the nature of the product itself. Water bottles are often used during play, travel, or meals—situations where a child might be laughing, talking, or moving around. In such dynamic environments, a detached spout can fall to the floor unnoticed, lying in wait for a curious toddler to pick it up. Because the ring is small and hard, it fits easily into the narrow airway of a young child, leading to immediate obstruction. This type of injury can happen in seconds, often before a caregiver realizes something is wrong. Unlike larger objects that might cause gagging but remain visible, small detached parts can slip deep into the throat or lungs, requiring emergency medical intervention to remove.
It is important to understand that this hazard exists regardless of how carefully the bottle is used. The recall was issued because the design or manufacturing process allows for this detachment under conditions typical of normal use. There have been no reported incidents so far, which is fortunate, but the potential for harm is real and immediate. The CPSC’s decision to recall these items reflects a proactive approach to safety, recognizing that waiting for an injury report is too late. By addressing the mechanical failure now, Mountain Warehouse aims to prevent any future choking events before they can occur.
In summary, the hazard is not about the bottle leaking or breaking into sharp shards, but specifically about the spout coming loose and leaving behind a small, ingestible ring. This subtle detail is what makes the product dangerous for its intended audience—children who are naturally exploratory and lack the awareness to avoid small choking risks. Understanding this mechanism helps explain why the recall is necessary even if the bottle looks intact from the outside.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing immediate danger from this recall is young children, particularly those who are toddlers and preschoolers. These water bottles were specifically designed for kids, featuring playful prints of hedgehogs, sharks, fish, horses, and tractors, which makes them highly appealing to little ones. However, the very features that make these bottles attractive to children also contribute significantly to the risk profile. The design includes a pop-up straw mechanism and a screw-on top, components that can become loose or detach over time with regular use, rough handling, or exposure to temperature changes. When the spout detaches, it leaves behind a small ring. For an adult, this might be a minor annoyance requiring a trip to the store for a replacement. For a young child, however, that small ring is a serious choking hazard.
Young children are uniquely vulnerable to this type of hazard because their developmental stage drives them to explore the world through their mouths. It is a natural part of growing up for toddlers and early preschoolers to put objects in their mouths to understand texture, shape, and size. A small, detachable ring that might seem innocuous to an adult can easily slip into a child’s airway. Their airways are much narrower than those of older children or adults, meaning even a small object can cause complete obstruction. Furthermore, young children often lack the fine motor skills and cognitive awareness to recognize that an object is dangerous or to remove it from their mouth if they accidentally inhale it. They may also be more likely to run, laugh, or cry while holding such an item, increasing the likelihood of aspiration.
While the recall specifically targets children’s water bottles, caregivers play a critical role in mitigating this risk. Parents, guardians, and daycare providers who purchase these items are at risk not just for themselves but for the safety of the children in their care. If these bottles are given to children under the age of five, the risk is highest. It is important to note that while older siblings or teenagers might handle these bottles without incident due to better motor control and awareness, the design flaw remains present. Therefore, any household with young children must treat this recall with urgency. The hazard does not discriminate based on the child’s size or weight; it is purely a function of age-related behaviors and anatomical differences. By understanding that the risk is concentrated in the youngest demographic, caregivers can prioritize removing these items from reach immediately, ensuring that no child has the opportunity to encounter the detached spout component.
Additionally, children with certain developmental delays or sensory processing needs may be at even higher risk. These children might have a stronger oral fixation or a greater tendency to chew on objects, making them more likely to interact with the bottle in ways that could cause the spout to detach. Even if no incidents have been reported as of the recall date, the potential for harm is significant enough to warrant immediate action. The absence of reported incidents does not mean the risk is low; it simply means that, so far, no one has been hurt. But given the nature of choking hazards, waiting for an incident is never a safe strategy. Protecting children from this risk requires proactive removal of the product before any harm can occur.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action or contact customer service, it is essential to confirm that your water bottle is part of this specific recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a very narrow range of products affected by this issue, so checking the details carefully will save you time and ensure you are addressing the correct safety concern. The recall specifically targets plastic children’s water bottles with a capacity of 350ml. If your bottle is a different size or made of glass or metal, it is not included in this recall.
The most reliable way to identify the recalled item is by looking at two specific features: the design of the lid and the barcode printed on the price sticker located at the bottom of the bottle. The bottles in question feature a screw-on solid color top that includes a pop-up straw and a handle. However, the color combination and the printed design are the critical identifiers. You must check for one of the following five specific combinations:
- Blue lid with tractor print: Look for the barcode 5052776381048 on the bottom sticker.
- Yellow lid with hedgehog print: The barcode on this version is 5052776412063.
- Pale Blue lid with shark print: This variant carries the barcode 5057634043526.
- Turquoise lid with fish print: Check for the barcode 5057634043533 on the bottom.
- Pink lid with horse print: This version has the barcode 5052776381031.
If your bottle matches one of these color and print combinations, you should immediately check the bottom of the bottle for the corresponding barcode. The presence of the correct barcode confirms that this specific unit is part of the recall. It is important to note that only these exact models are included; other Mountain Warehouse products or bottles with similar designs but different barcodes are not affected.
If you purchased the bottle from a physical store, the price sticker may have been removed or covered by a new label. In such cases, rely on the visual description of the lid color and print design to narrow down the possibilities. If you bought it online, check your order history or email receipts for product images that match the descriptions above. If you cannot find the barcode or are unsure about the print design, do not guess. It is safer to contact Mountain Warehouse directly to verify whether your specific item is covered. They can help you confirm the status of your bottle using additional details if necessary.
Remember, even if you cannot locate the barcode, if the bottle visually matches one of the five described combinations (blue/tractor, yellow/hedgehog, pale blue/shark, turquoise/fish, or pink/horse) and is a 350ml plastic bottle with a screw-on pop-up straw lid, treat it as potentially recalled until you can confirm otherwise. Your caution here prevents unnecessary risk to your child.
What to do — step by step
If you own a water bottle from Mountain Warehouse that matches the details of this recall, taking action is straightforward but important for your child’s safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a specific risk where the spout on these plastic bottles can detach, leaving behind a small ring that poses a choking hazard. Because this defect involves a part that could easily break off and be swallowed or inhaled by a young child, immediate action is required. Please follow these steps carefully to ensure you are fully protected and receive your money back.
Step 1: Stop Using the Bottle Immediately
The very first thing you should do is take the water bottle out of your child’s reach right now. Do not wait for a replacement or try to fix it yourself. The hazard is inherent in the design and manufacturing of this specific batch, meaning the spout can detach during normal use. By removing the bottle from the home environment, you eliminate the risk of accidental ingestion of the small ring component. Even if the bottle looks fine on the outside, the internal attachment mechanism may be compromised. Treat every recalled unit as potentially dangerous until it has been properly processed by the manufacturer.
Step 2: Verify Your Product
Before contacting customer service, it helps to have your specific product details ready. This recall applies only to the plastic 350ml children’s water bottles sold with a screw-on solid color top featuring a pop-up straw and handle. You should look at the price sticker located on the bottom of the bottle for the barcode number. The recall specifically lists these five variations:
- Blue lid with tractor print (Barcode: 5052776381048)
- Yellow lid with hedgehog print (Barcode: 5052776412063)
- Pale Blue lid with shark print (Barcode: 5057634043526)
- Turquoise lid with fish print (Barcode: 5057634043533)
- Pink lid with horse print (Barcode: 5052776381031)
If your bottle does not match one of these exact descriptions and barcode numbers, it is likely not part of this specific recall. However, if you are unsure, it is always safer to contact the company.
Step 3: Contact Mountain Warehouse for a Full Refund
Mountain Warehouse has stated that the remedy for this recall is a full refund. You do not need to return the physical bottle to them, which simplifies the process significantly. You can reach their customer support team via several methods. Call their toll-free number at 866-313-2493. Their representatives are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication, you can email them at info@mountainwarehouse.com. Alternatively, visit their website at www.mountainwarehouse.com and click on the “product recall” link located at the bottom of the homepage. Have your barcode number ready when you contact them to speed up the verification process.
Step 4: Dispose of the Bottle Safely
Once you have initiated the refund process, please dispose of the recalled bottle in a way that prevents anyone else from using it. You can cut the spout off with scissors or break the plastic so that the small ring component cannot be removed intact by a child. This ensures that even if someone finds the discarded bottle, they will not encounter the specific choking hazard identified in this recall.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have identified one of the recalled Mountain Warehouse children’s water bottles in your home, the good news is that the company has established a straightforward and consumer-friendly remedy to resolve the issue. Unlike some recalls that require you to mail items back for inspection or pay for shipping labels, this particular recall offers a simple path to resolution: a full refund. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that Mountain Warehouse is offering complete refunds to consumers who contact them directly. This means you do not need to keep the defective product, nor do you need to wait for a replacement part like a new spout or ring to be manufactured and shipped. Instead, the company is prioritizing your safety and satisfaction by returning your money so you can replace the item with a safer alternative from their current inventory or another brand.
To initiate this process, you will need to reach out to Mountain Warehouse through one of three designated channels. The company has set up a toll-free customer service line available at 866-313-2493. For those who prefer written communication or wish to have a record of their inquiry, you can send an email directly to info@mountainwarehouse.com. Alternatively, if you are more comfortable navigating online resources, you can visit their official website at www.mountainwarehouse.com. On the homepage, look for the “product recall” link located at the very bottom of the page. Clicking this link will direct you to specific information regarding the recall process and likely provide additional instructions or forms to streamline your refund request.
When contacting Mountain Warehouse, it is helpful to have your purchase details ready, although the recall facts provided do not specify exactly what documentation is required. It is generally a good practice to have your order confirmation email, receipt, or the barcode number from the price sticker on the bottom of the bottle handy. The specific barcodes for the recalled items are 5052776381048 (Blue lid with tractor print), 5052776412063 (Yellow lid with hedgehog print), 5057634043526 (Pale Blue lid with shark print), 5057634043533 (Turquoise lid with fish print), and 5052776381031 (Pink lid with horse print). Having this information can help customer service representatives verify your item quickly and process your refund without unnecessary delays.
The company’s customer service team is available to assist you from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you call or email outside of these hours, your message will be queued for the next business day. Please be patient if response times are slower than usual, as recalls often generate a high volume of inquiries. The goal here is to ensure that every affected consumer gets their money back promptly so they can remove the choking hazard from their home immediately. There is no mention of repair options for this specific defect because the issue involves a small ring that detaches from the spout; attempting to fix it yourself could be dangerous and void any safety guarantees. Therefore, the refund is the only recommended course of action.
Once your refund is processed, you are free to dispose of the recalled bottle safely. You do not need to return the physical product to Mountain Warehouse unless specifically instructed to do so by their customer service representatives during your contact. However, given that the hazard is a detachable small ring, it is wise to cut the bottle open or break it in a way that prevents any child from accessing the broken plastic pieces before throwing it away. Your priority now is to secure a safer drinking vessel for your child and ensure your money is returned to you through the official channels provided by Mountain Warehouse.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to look at a plastic water bottle and see nothing more than a harmless container for hydration. When the spout detaches, however, that familiar object transforms into a significant safety risk, particularly because the hazard is subtle and not immediately obvious during normal use. The core issue with ignoring this recall is that the broken spout exposes a small ring component. For an adult or an older child, this piece might simply be annoying to clean around or difficult to reattach. But for a toddler or a young child who is still exploring the world by putting objects in their mouths, that small ring becomes a dangerous choking hazard. The danger lies not just in the size of the object, but in its shape and accessibility. If a child manages to dislodge this ring while playing with the bottle after the spout has failed, they may place it in their mouth without realizing the severity of the situation.
The consequences of ignoring this defect can escalate quickly. Choking is one of the leading causes of injury-related death for young children, and small parts that fit entirely into a child’s mouth are particularly treacherous. Because the ring is part of the bottle’s mechanism, it may appear sturdy enough to withstand some chewing or tugging, which might give a false sense of security to parents. However, once detached, it becomes a loose object that can be easily swallowed or inhaled into the airway. This can lead to partial or complete blockage of the windpipe, preventing the child from breathing, coughing, or crying. In such scenarios, seconds matter immensely. Even if the ring is eventually expelled, the incident often requires emergency medical intervention, causing significant distress for both the child and the family.
While the CPSC report notes that no incidents have been reported to date for this specific Mountain Warehouse recall, the absence of reported injuries does not mean the risk is theoretical. Many potential choking events go unreported because they are resolved quickly by parents before medical help is needed. Relying on the lack of publicized incidents as a sign of safety is a dangerous gamble. The design flaw remains present in every unit sold under this recall, meaning that any child with access to these bottles is potentially at risk. Continuing to use the bottle after the spout has detached, or ignoring the recall entirely, leaves you exposed to this preventable danger. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your child’s belongings are safe is worth far more than the effort of removing the item from your home.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall means missing out on a simple remedy that has already been arranged by the manufacturer. Mountain Warehouse has committed to providing full refunds, which removes any financial burden from you while simultaneously removing the hazard from your household. By choosing not to act, you are effectively deciding to keep a known risk in your home when an easy exit strategy is available. The most prudent course of action is to treat the recall as an urgent safety instruction rather than a mere suggestion. Removing these bottles ensures that your children can continue to stay hydrated without the underlying threat of a choking incident lurking in their playroom or lunchbox.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a defect in certain Mountain Warehouse water bottles, the underlying issue—small parts detaching from children’s items—is a common thread in many household safety concerns. The good news is that most of these risks are preventable with a few simple, consistent habits. When it comes to hydration products for kids, age-appropriate design is your first line of defense. Young children lack the fine motor skills to handle complex mechanisms safely. Look for bottles designed specifically for their developmental stage; these typically feature secure, one-piece lids that cannot be easily dismantled by small hands. If a bottle has a straw, spout, or any moving part, ensure it is firmly attached and does not have gaps where fingers or lips could get caught. Regularly inspecting these items for wear and tear can help you catch potential failures before they become hazards.
Beyond the product itself, supervision plays a critical role in preventing choking incidents. Even with safe products, children explore the world by putting things in their mouths. It is wise to keep small detachable components, such as spare straws, caps, or decorative charms, stored separately and out of reach when not in use. For infants and toddlers under three years old, it is particularly important to avoid any toy or accessory that fits entirely inside a toilet paper tube, as this is a standard test for choking hazards. If an object fits through the tube, it poses a risk if swallowed or inhaled.
Another powerful tool in your safety arsenal is staying informed about product recalls. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other regulatory bodies issue hundreds of recalls each year to remove dangerous items from the market before they cause serious harm. You can sign up for email alerts on official government safety websites to receive notifications about new recalls relevant to your family’s needs, whether it involves car seats, cribs, electronics, or children’s accessories. Additionally, registering your products with the manufacturer after purchase ensures that you will be contacted directly if a defect is discovered later.
Finally, consider creating a routine "safety sweep" of your home every few months. This does not need to be exhaustive but should focus on high-traffic areas where children play. Check for loose screws on furniture, frayed cords on electronics, and small objects left on the floor that could be mistaken for toys or candy. By combining vigilant supervision with up-to-date knowledge and proactive maintenance, you create a safer environment that protects your children from both known defects and unexpected hazards.