What was recalled
If you have a musical toy xylophone at home that features a charming elephant design, you may want to check its details carefully. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced a recall involving Petit Collage children’s toy xylophones manufactured by Wild & Wolf. This specific safety notice, issued on April 19, 2018, targets a particular line of musical instrument toys designed for young children. These are not just generic toys; they are distinctively styled wooden instruments intended to introduce kids to music through play.
The recalled item is the Petit Collage musical jumbo wooden xylophone. Visually, these toys are quite distinctive and easily recognizable. The base of the instrument is carved from wood and shaped to look like the profile of an elephant’s head, giving it a whimsical and appealing aesthetic for children. Across this wooden base, you will find five different colored metal keys that produce various musical tones when struck. Included with each xylophone is a wooden beater stick used to hit the keys. This beater stick measures approximately 5 5/8 inches in length and 3/4 inches in width. One end of the stick features a red wooden ball, which serves as the striking head.
To determine if your specific toy is part of this recall, you need to inspect the bottom back of the xylophone’s base. The recall applies only to those units where the brand name "Petit Collage" and the specific letter/number combination "TT.1902.0617" are printed clearly on that surface. If your toy lacks this specific code or has a different model number, it is not included in this safety action. It is important to note that while the recall facts provide detailed physical descriptions of the product, they do not specify the total number of units sold or the exact retail locations and dates where these xylophones were purchased. Therefore, if you cannot find the "TT.1902.0617" code on your toy, it is likely safe from this particular recall issue.
This recall focuses strictly on the structural integrity of the beater stick’s attachment point. The concern arises from the red wooden ball at the end of the stick. If this component becomes loose or detaches completely during play, it creates a serious safety risk. While the toy itself is designed to be durable and engaging for children learning about rhythm and pitch, the specific manufacturing flaw in these particular units undermines that safety. Parents and caregivers should verify the model number immediately to ensure their child’s playtime remains safe and uninterrupted by potential hazards.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall matters, we need to look closely at the specific design feature that has failed. The Petit Collage musical jumbo wooden xylophones are charming toys designed for young children. They feature a wooden base shaped like an elephant’s profile and five colorful metal keys intended to produce music when struck. Included with each instrument is a wooden beater stick, measuring approximately 5 5/8 inches long by 3/4 inches wide, which has a red wooden ball attached to one end. This ball is meant to provide a soft, safe surface for hitting the keys without damaging them or causing discomfort to small hands.
The core issue lies in the connection between that red wooden ball and the stick itself. In the recalled units, the attachment mechanism is not secure enough to withstand normal play. Over time, or even immediately upon use, the ball can separate completely from the beater rod. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that Wild & Wolf has already received one confirmed report of the ball separating and another report where the ball was merely loose. While these incidents may seem minor in isolation, they create a significant danger because the detached red ball becomes a small, hard object that is easily accessible to children.
This separation creates a classic choking hazard. For young children, particularly those under the age of three, putting objects in their mouths is a natural part of exploring the world. A loose wooden ball from a toy beater is the perfect size to fit into a small airway. If a child inhales or swallows this piece while playing, it can block the flow of air to the lungs. Choking is a leading cause of injury-related death in young children because their airways are narrow and delicate. Even if the ball does not cause immediate suffocation, it can lead to serious internal injuries, pneumonia from aspiration, or require emergency surgical removal.
It is important to recognize that this risk exists even if the toy appears functional. The xylophone may still make noise, and the keys may still vibrate, masking the fact that a critical safety component has become detached or unstable. The hazard is not about the quality of the music or the durability of the keys; it is specifically about the integrity of the beater stick’s end piece. Because the ball can detach during normal use, any child who handles this specific xylophone model is at risk of encountering a small object that should not be in their mouth. This is why the CPSC and Wild & Wolf are urging immediate removal of these items from play until the free replacement beater stick is received.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about safety hazards in children’s toys, particularly those involving small detachable parts like the ball on this xylophone beater, the primary group of concern is always infants and toddlers. Specifically, children under the age of three are at the highest risk for choking injuries. This is not just a general guideline; it is a physiological reality of early childhood development. At this stage, young children explore the world primarily through their mouths. They do not have the same impulse control or cognitive understanding of danger as older children. A small ball that might seem securely attached to an adult can easily be pulled off by tiny fingers, and because toddlers naturally put objects in their mouths to taste and feel them, a detached piece becomes an immediate threat.
The specific design of the recalled Petit Collage xylophone introduces a particular vulnerability. The hazard lies in the red wooden ball attached to the end of the beater stick. For a child who is still developing fine motor skills, gripping this ball firmly might be difficult, but pulling or twisting it with enough force to detach it may not be. Once separated, the ball poses a choking hazard because its size likely falls within the range of objects that can obstruct a young child’s airway. It is small enough to fit entirely into the mouth but too large to pass through the trachea, creating a blockage that can prevent breathing. This is why the CPSC emphasizes that this risk is most critical for young children who are still putting toys in their mouths.
While older children might be able to use the xylophone safely by understanding that the ball should stay attached, they may also inadvertently create hazards for younger siblings or cousins who visit. A child who is old enough to play with the instrument themselves might not recognize the danger of a loose ball to a baby crawling nearby. Therefore, any household with multiple children of different ages needs to be vigilant. Even if an older child is using the xylophone as intended, the presence of a detached component in the same room can create a dangerous situation for a younger sibling who does not yet understand that toys are not food.
It is also important to consider the caregivers and parents who purchase these items. Often, adults may underestimate the strength or dexterity of a toddler. A ball that appears "secure" to an adult eye might be loosely fitted in reality, as indicated by the report of one loose ball found by the manufacturer. Parents and guardians must assume that any toy with small, attached parts is potentially hazardous until proven otherwise. The risk is not just about the child’s ability to break the toy, but also about their inability to recognize the danger once a part is broken off. This lack of awareness is what makes young children uniquely vulnerable compared to older individuals who might simply discard a broken piece. In this specific recall, no injuries have been reported yet, but the potential for harm is real and immediate for any child under three years old who has access to the recalled beater stick.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your child’s xylophone is part of this specific recall requires a careful look at both the physical appearance of the toy and the precise markings printed on it. Because Wild & Wolf has produced various musical instruments under the Petit Collage brand, visual similarity alone is not enough to confirm if your item is dangerous. You must verify that the product matches the exact description provided in the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report from April 19, 2018. The recalled items are specifically "Petit Collage musical jumbo wooden xylophones." To determine if you own one of these units, start by examining the overall design and construction of the instrument.
The primary visual cue is the base of the xylophone. The recalled models feature a wooden base that is uniquely shaped to resemble the profile of an elephant. This is not a generic rectangular block; it has distinct curves and contours mimicking an animal’s head and trunk area. Attached to this wooden base are five metal keys, which should be different colors to help children learn musical notes. Along with the instrument itself, you must check the accompanying accessory: a wooden beater stick. On the recalled items, this stick measures approximately 5 5/8 inches in length by 3/4 inch in width. Crucially, one end of this beater stick has a red wooden ball attached to it. This specific combination of an elephant-shaped base, five colored keys, and a beater with a red ball is the first layer of identification.
However, the most definitive way to confirm if your toy is included in this recall is by looking at the bottom back of the xylophone’s base. You need to find two specific pieces of text printed there. First, look for the brand name "Petit Collage." Second, and most importantly, you must locate the model number or lot code printed nearby. The recall applies only to xylophones that have the letter and number combination "TT.1902.0617" printed on them. If your toy does not have this exact code, it is not part of this specific safety notice, even if it looks similar. Please check the underside of the instrument carefully; this marking is the only way to be certain that the beater stick’s ball is prone to separating and posing a choking hazard to young children.
What to do — step by step
If you own a Petit Collage wooden xylophone that matches the description below, please take immediate action to ensure your child’s safety. The recall is specific to certain units where the red ball on the end of the beater stick may become loose or detach completely. Because this small component poses a serious choking risk, you should not wait for a reminder or assume the issue will resolve itself. Follow these steps carefully to protect your family and secure your remedy. First, stop using the toy immediately. Do not allow any child, regardless of age, to play with the xylophone or its beater stick until you have addressed this issue. The hazard involves the ball on the end of the wooden beater separating from the stick. Even though Wild & Wolf has only received one report of the ball separating and one report of it being loose, with no injuries reported so far, the potential consequence is severe for young children who might put small objects in their mouths. Treat this as an urgent priority rather than a minor inconvenience. Second, physically separate the recalled item from your child’s play area. Take the xylophone and the wooden beater stick away from them right now. Place them in a secure location where they cannot be accessed by children or pets. Do not attempt to glue the ball back on or modify the toy yourself, as this could create further hazards or void your eligibility for the free replacement. Your goal is simply to remove the potential choking hazard from your home environment immediately. Third, contact Wild & Wolf to request your free replacement beater stick. The company is offering a remedy that includes sending you a new, safe beater stick at no cost. You have two convenient ways to reach them. You can call their toll-free number at 855-215-5879. Their customer service team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit the product safety pages online. Go to www.petitcollage.com and click on “Product Safety,” or visit www.wildandwolf.com and click on “Product Safety News.” These digital resources will provide you with the specific instructions needed to request your free part. Finally, retain the old beater stick until you receive and install the replacement. Once Wild & Wolf sends you the new beater stick, attach it to the xylophone according to their instructions. Ensure the ball is securely fastened before returning the toy to your child’s play area. This step-by-step process ensures that the specific defect identified in this recall is resolved safely and efficiently, allowing your child to enjoy their musical instrument again without risk.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have identified the recalled Petit Collage wooden xylophone in your home, the good news is that the remedy for this specific issue is straightforward and entirely free of charge. The manufacturer, Wild & Wolf, has committed to resolving the safety concern by providing a direct replacement for the defective component rather than requiring you to return the entire toy or waiting for a complex mail-in process. This approach is designed to be as convenient and low-stress as possible for parents who need to quickly secure their child’s playtime while ensuring the product is safe. The core of the remedy is simple: Wild & Wolf will send you a free replacement beater stick. This new stick will have the red wooden ball securely attached, eliminating the choking hazard that exists with the original unit.
To initiate this process, you do not need to go through a third-party retailer or wait for a check in the mail. Instead, you can contact Wild & Wolf directly. The company has established specific channels for consumers to reach out for assistance. You may call their toll-free customer service line at 855-215-5879. It is important to note the hours of operation for this line: they are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Calling during these standard business hours will ensure you can speak with a representative who can guide you through the steps to receive your free part.
If you prefer digital communication or wish to review additional details before making contact, Wild & Wolf also offers online resources. You can visit their official Petit Collage website at www.petitcollage.com and navigate to the “Product Safety” section. Alternatively, you may go to www.wildandwolf.com and click on “Product Safety News.” These online portals are intended to provide comprehensive information about the recall, including any updated instructions or forms that might be necessary to process your request for the replacement beater stick. Using these official websites ensures that you are interacting with authorized representatives and receiving accurate guidance specific to this recall event.
While the primary remedy is the provision of a new beater stick, it is worth noting that the recall notice does not explicitly outline options for full refunds or exchanges of the entire xylophone unit. The focus is strictly on correcting the hazard by replacing the specific part that poses the risk. Therefore, your immediate action should be to secure the current unsafe beater stick away from children and then proceed with contacting Wild & Wolf via the phone number or websites listed above to arrange for the complimentary replacement part. This targeted remedy ensures that you can continue to use the xylophone safely once the new stick arrives.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why a parent or caregiver might hesitate to part with a beloved toy. Perhaps the Petit Collage xylophone has become a staple in your child’s daily play routine, providing comfort and musical exploration. The wooden elephant base is sturdy and aesthetically pleasing, and the bright metal keys offer a satisfying sensory experience. When you discover that a specific component needs to be replaced rather than the entire toy being discarded, it can feel like an unnecessary inconvenience. You might think, "The ball hasn’t fallen off yet," or "My child is old enough not to put things in their mouth." However, ignoring the recall notice and continuing to use the xylophone with the original beater stick introduces a serious, unpredictable risk that outweighs the temporary convenience of keeping the toy as-is.
The core danger lies in the structural integrity of the red wooden ball attached to the end of the beater stick. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the manufacturer Wild & Wolf, this ball is prone to separating from the rod. This is not a guaranteed failure that happens instantly, but a gradual degradation of the attachment point. As children play, they grip, shake, and strike the xylophone keys with varying degrees of force. Over time, this repeated mechanical stress can weaken the connection holding the ball in place. When it finally fails, it does so without warning. The small red ball becomes a loose, spherical object that fits easily into a child’s mouth, creating an immediate and severe choking hazard.
The reality of this hazard is stark. For young children, particularly those under three years old who naturally explore the world by putting objects in their mouths, a detached wooden ball is not just a broken toy part—it is a potential airway obstruction. If a child inhales or swallows the ball while playing, it can block the trachea, cutting off oxygen. This can lead to suffocation within minutes, causing permanent brain damage or death before emergency services can arrive. Even if the child does not swallow it immediately, they might try to hide it in their cheek or mouth, leading to accidental aspiration into the lungs later when they are laughing, crying, or sleeping. The fact that Wild & Wolf has already received reports of the ball being loose confirms that this is a real, occurring defect, not just a theoretical possibility.
While the firm has reported no injuries to date, the absence of current incidents does not mean the risk is absent. It simply means that, so far, the separation has either not happened or has been caught before harm was done. By continuing to use the recalled beater stick, you are gambling with your child’s safety on the hope that the defect will not manifest during a critical moment. Ignoring the recall effectively removes the only safeguard against this failure: the replacement of the faulty part. You cannot predict when the ball will detach; it could happen during a calm moment of quiet play or during a vigorous musical session. The consequence of ignoring the remedy is that you leave your child vulnerable to a preventable, life-threatening emergency. Taking the few minutes to contact Wild & Wolf for a free replacement beater stick eliminates this risk entirely, ensuring that the joy of music remains safe and injury-free.
Furthermore, consider the psychological and physical trauma associated with such an incident. Beyond the immediate medical emergency, a choking event can cause lasting fear in both the child and the caregiver. The stress of rushing to perform first aid or waiting for emergency responders is immense. By acting now, you avoid this potential nightmare scenario entirely. The remedy offered by Wild & Wolf is designed to be simple and cost-free precisely because the stakes are so high. There is no middle ground where "using it carefully" makes the defect safe; once the ball separates, the hazard is present regardless of how gently the toy is handled. Therefore, ignoring the recall is not a neutral choice—it is an active decision to leave a known danger in your home.