What was recalled
In August of 2017, a significant safety alert was issued regarding a specific line of children’s swimwear distributed by Meijer, one of the largest supermarket and pharmacy chains in the United States. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Meijer was voluntarily recalling Wave Zone brand one-piece swimsuits designed for newborns, infants, and toddlers. This recall is not limited to a single style but encompasses a variety of designs and sizes within this specific product line, all of which share a common manufacturing feature that led to the safety concern. The products in question are identifiable by their distinct back-zipper design, which is intended to make dressing small children easier for parents, and four snaps located at the bottom crotch area.
The recalled items were available in four distinct aesthetic variations, each featuring colorful patterns aimed at young children. These included a blue and gray swimsuit with a shark graphic on the front; a white and navy striped version with an anchor pattern; a pink and teal option featuring a strawberry design; and a style with pink arms and a multi-colored fish pattern. Despite the different visual designs, every unit in this recall shares the same structural components that triggered the safety review. The brand name "Wave Zone" is printed on the inner collar of the garment, along with the origin mark "Made in China," providing immediate identification for consumers who may have purchased these items at Meijer stores.
The scope of the recall covers a wide range of sizes to accommodate growing children, specifically those in sizes 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months. To help consumers verify if they own one of the affected items, Meijer provided a specific tracking number sewn into the label on the inner side seam of the swimsuits. This unique identifier is "NOV 2016 021-14328." If you purchased a Wave Zone swimsuit for your infant or toddler around late 2016 and early 2017, it is crucial to check this label immediately. The recall was officially announced on August 8, 2017, but the products have been available in stores for some time prior to that date. Because these items were sold widely across Meijer locations, many families may still have these swimsuits in their homes, making it essential to confirm whether your specific garment matches the description and tracking number provided by the manufacturer.
While the exact total number of units sold is not specified in this summary, the fact that Meijer has already received 11 reports of snaps detaching indicates that a substantial quantity of these swimsuits were distributed to consumers. The recall affects all colors and sizes listed above that bear the specific sewn-in label code. It is important to note that this is a voluntary recall initiated by Meijer in cooperation with the CPSC, reflecting a commitment to consumer safety even before any injuries occurred. If you have any doubt about whether your swimsuit is part of this batch, checking the inner seam label for the "NOV 2016 021-14328" code is the most reliable method of verification.
The hazard, explained
At the core of this recall is a simple but dangerous mechanical failure involving the snaps on the bottom of specific Wave Zone swimsuits. These garments are designed with four small metal or plastic fasteners to allow caregivers to quickly change a newborn, infant, or toddler without removing the entire suit. While these snaps provide convenience, they rely entirely on the integrity of their attachment points. In the recalled items, the structural bond holding these snaps to the fabric has proven insufficient. Over time, through normal wear and tear such as pulling, tugging, or even just the simple act of dressing and undressing the child, the snap components can detach completely from the swimsuit material.
The danger does not lie in the swimsuit itself failing to keep the child warm or dry; rather, it lies in what happens after the snap comes loose. Once detached, these small fasteners become loose objects within the immediate environment of the child. For newborns and toddlers, who are still developing fine motor skills and coordination, the ability to grasp, hold, and inadvertently place small items into their mouths is a natural part of their exploration. A detached snap is small enough to fit entirely into a young child’s airway, making it a perfect candidate for accidental ingestion or inhalation.
This scenario creates a severe choking hazard. When a small object obstructs the trachea (windpipe), it blocks the flow of oxygen to the lungs. This can happen in a matter of seconds. Unlike larger objects that might cause coughing or gagging, which can alert a caregiver to help, smaller items like these detached snaps can slip past the vocal cords and lodge deeper in the airway. This blockage prevents breathing entirely. Even if the child does not swallow the snap, inhaling it into the lungs can cause immediate respiratory distress, pneumonia, or other serious internal injuries. The risk is particularly acute because these incidents often occur during routine care activities, such as changing a diaper, where the caregiver’s attention may be divided, allowing the small part to fall unnoticed onto the floor or bed.
Although Meijer has reported 11 instances of snaps detaching from these swimsuits, it is important to understand that no injuries have been recorded yet. This is fortunate, but it does not mean the risk is absent. The mechanism for harm is fully present: a small, detachable part in close proximity to a child who puts objects in their mouth. The absence of reported injuries suggests that caregivers were likely vigilant enough to intervene before a choking episode occurred, or that the snaps fell out in safe areas where they were quickly picked up. However, relying on luck is not a safety strategy. The physical defect remains in every unit sold with the specific tracking number "NOV 2016 021-14328," meaning any of these swimsuits can potentially release a choking hazard at any moment during use.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk in this recall consists of newborns, infants, and toddlers who are currently wearing or have recently worn the Wave Zone one-piece swimsuits. Because these garments were specifically designed for sizes ranging from 0-3 months up to 24 months, the children most vulnerable to harm are those in their earliest stages of development. At this young age, a child’s physical coordination and cognitive awareness are still rapidly evolving, which creates a unique set of safety challenges that older children or adults do not face. The risk is not merely about who owns the product, but about how a developing human body interacts with small mechanical components like snaps.
The specific vulnerability here stems from two critical factors: oral exploration and physical fragility. Infants and toddlers naturally explore their environment through their mouths. This is a primary way they learn about texture, shape, and material. A detached snap button is small enough to fit entirely into an infant’s airway, making it an immediate choking hazard. Unlike older children who might recognize a loose piece of plastic or metal as something to spit out or put in their pocket, a baby under two years old lacks the instinctual awareness to avoid putting small objects in their mouth. Consequently, any snap that detaches from the swimsuit’s bottom area becomes a potential projectile into the child’s mouth during normal movement, diaper changes, or play.
Furthermore, the mechanical nature of snaps on swimwear adds another layer of risk. Swimsuits are subjected to wet conditions, stretching, and frequent washing, which can weaken the attachment points over time. The recall notes that 11 reports of snaps detaching have already been received by Meijer. While no injuries have been reported to date, the statistical probability of harm increases with exposure. A child in a swimsuit is often in or near water, where panic from choking can occur rapidly. Unlike a toy left on a carpet, a swimsuit is worn directly against the skin and moves with the child’s body, bringing the hazard closer to the airway with every wiggle, kick, or cry.
Parents and caregivers of children in the 0-24 month age range are the ones who must be most vigilant. This includes grandparents, daycare providers, and babysitters who may not have been aware that a specific brand’s snap mechanism had failed. The risk is highest for families who purchased these suits between 2016 and August 2017, particularly those in the smaller sizes (0-3m to 9m) where the snaps are proportionally larger relative to the child’s airway than they would be on a toddler. If you have a child who is still exploring objects with their mouth or who has difficulty keeping items out of their mouth due to developmental delays, the risk profile is even higher. The combination of a small, detachable hard object and a young child’s natural curiosity creates a perfect storm for accidental ingestion, which can lead to airway obstruction—a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you recently purchased a swimsuit for your newborn, infant, or toddler at Meijer, it is important to carefully inspect the garment before deciding whether to return it. The recall specifically targets Wave Zone brand one-piece, zip-back swimsuits designed for children ranging from newborns up to 24 months old. Because these items come in several different styles and color combinations, simply looking for the brand name may not be enough to confirm if your specific suit is part of this safety notice. You need to verify a few distinct physical characteristics on the swimsuit itself.
First, check the overall design of the swimsuit. The recalled items are one-piece suits with a zipper running down the back and four snaps located at the bottom crotch area. These suits were sold in four specific color patterns: blue and gray featuring a shark on the front; white and navy stripes with an anchor pattern; pink and teal with a strawberry design on the front; and a style with pink arms and a multi-colored fish pattern. If your swimsuit does not match one of these descriptions, it is likely not part of this recall.
Next, look at the sizing label. The recall affects sizes 0-3m, 3-6m, 6-9m, 12m, 18m, and 24m. However, size alone is not enough to identify the product, as Wave Zone makes many other items in these sizes. You must also examine the inner collar of the swimsuit. The words "Wave Zone" and "Made in China" should be printed clearly on this inner collar.
The most reliable way to confirm if your swimsuit is included is by checking the sewn-in label located on the inner side seam of the garment. Look for a tracking number printed on this label. The specific tracking number for the recalled items is "NOV 2016 021-14328." If this exact number appears on the label, your swimsuit is part of the recall. If you cannot find this number or if it differs, the item is not affected by this safety notice. When in doubt, it is always safer to bring the swimsuit to a Meijer customer service desk for verification before using it.
What to do — step by step
If you have purchased a Wave Zone swimsuit from Meijer, it is crucial to act quickly and calmly to ensure the safety of your child. The recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on August 8, 2017, identifies a specific risk where the snaps on the bottom of the swimsuits can detach. While no injuries have been reported to date, the potential for a choking hazard is real, and taking immediate action is the best way to prevent any accidental harm. Please follow these concrete steps to resolve the issue safely and efficiently.
- Stop Using the Swimsuit Immediately. The very first step is to take the swimsuit out of your child’s wardrobe right now. Do not wait for another swim day or save it for later. Even if the snaps appear secure at this moment, the defect means they could fail unexpectedly during use. Removing the item from your home eliminates the risk entirely while you arrange for a refund.
- Verify That You Have the Recalled Item. Before heading to the store, it helps to confirm that your specific swimsuit is part of this recall. Look for the "Wave Zone" brand name and "Made in China" printed on the inner collar. Check the sewn-in label on the inner side seam for the tracking number "NOV 2016 021-14328." The recall applies to one-piece, zip-back swimsuits for newborns, infants, and toddlers sold in sizes 0-3m through 24m. These were available in four specific patterns: blue and gray with a shark, white and navy stripes with an anchor, pink and teal with a strawberry, or pink arms with a multi-colored fish.
- Return the Item to Meijer. The official remedy for this recall is a full refund. You do not need to mail the item back or deal with complex shipping logistics. Instead, take the swimsuit directly to the customer service desk at any Meijer store location. Staff there are prepared to handle these returns and will process your refund immediately upon presentation of the product.
- Contact Customer Service for Assistance. If you have questions about the return process, cannot find your receipt, or need more details about the hazard, you can reach Meijer directly. Call 800-927-8699 anytime to speak with a representative. Alternatively, you can visit www.meijer.com and click on "Product Recalls" at the bottom of the page for additional online resources and updates.
By following these steps, you are not just getting your money back; you are actively protecting your child from a potential danger. The process is designed to be simple and hassle-free because your safety is the priority. There is no need to feel anxious about the return procedure—Meijer has made it straightforward so you can resolve this quickly.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the recalled Wave Zone swimsuits, the good news is that the remedy for this issue is straightforward and entirely consumer-friendly. Unlike some recalls that require complex shipping processes or wait times for replacement parts, Meijer has structured a simple, immediate resolution: a full refund. This approach prioritizes your peace of mind and ensures that you are not left with a product that poses a risk to your child’s safety. The company has made it clear that they do not intend for you to keep the swimsuit, nor do they offer a repair service to fix the snapping mechanism. Instead, the path forward is to return the item in its entirety and receive your money back.
To initiate this process, you must take the swimsuit to any Meijer store location. This in-person return policy is designed to be convenient for customers who may have purchased the item recently or even some time ago. When you arrive at the store, head directly to the customer service desk. There, you will need to present the swimsuit to a representative. It is important that you bring the actual physical garment with you. While the recall notice provides specific details about how to identify the product—such as the "Wave Zone" branding on the inner collar and the unique tracking number "NOV 2016 021-14328" on the side seam—the store staff will likely handle the verification process for you. However, having the item handy is the most critical step. Once you hand over the swimsuit at the counter, you will be processed for a full refund of your original purchase price.
If you are unable to visit a physical store or if you have questions about the return process before you go, Meijer has provided dedicated support channels. You can contact their customer service team by calling 800-927-8699 at any time. This phone line is available around the clock, which is helpful if you are trying to resolve the issue outside of standard business hours or need clarification on store locations. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.meijer.com. On the homepage, scroll to the very bottom of the page and look for the link labeled "Product Recalls." Clicking this will direct you to a dedicated section with more information about the recall, potentially offering additional guidance or digital forms depending on current website updates.
The decision to offer a refund rather than a repair or replacement is rooted in the nature of the hazard. Because the snaps can detach and create a choking risk for newborns, infants, and toddlers, repairing the garment might not guarantee that the safety issue is permanently resolved. A full refund allows you to remove the hazardous item from your home immediately and purchase a different product that meets current safety standards without any lingering worry about the integrity of the fasteners on this specific model.
Please remember that while no injuries have been reported so far, the risk remains real. Meijer has received eleven reports of snaps detaching, which serves as a clear warning sign. Do not delay in taking action. The sooner you return the swimsuit, the sooner you can ensure your child is safe and receive your money back. There are no penalties for returning the item, and the process is designed to be as frictionless as possible. Your safety and convenience are the primary focus of this remedy.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why a parent might hesitate to act on a recall notice. You may be thinking that the swimsuit has been washed several times since purchase, or that your child has grown out of the size where they typically put everything in their mouth. Perhaps the snaps have held firm so far, leading to a false sense of security. However, ignoring this specific recall from Meijer regarding Wave Zone children’s swimsuits carries a risk that is both immediate and severe. The core issue here is not about the durability of the fabric or the quality of the zipper; it is about the integrity of the fasteners designed to hold the suit together. When you continue to use these garments, you are gambling with the structural reliability of those four snaps located at the bottom of the swimsuit.
The hazard identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is straightforward but dangerous: the snaps can detach during normal use. In the context of a newborn, infant, or toddler’s swimsuit, this detachment is not merely an inconvenience that leaves you without a fastener. It transforms a piece of clothing into a potential projectile or a loose object within reach of a curious child. Young children explore their world primarily through their mouths. They do not distinguish between a toy, a snack, and a plastic snap button. If a snap detaches while the child is playing in the water, on the sand, or even just sitting on a towel, it becomes an accessible object that can easily be placed into the mouth.
The real-world consequence of this scenario is choking. Choking is one of the leading causes of accidental death and injury for children under the age of three. A small plastic snap, when lodged in the airway, can block oxygen flow within minutes. Even if the child does not choke immediately, they may inhale the object into their lungs, causing aspiration, which can lead to serious respiratory infections or lung damage. The fact that Meijer has already received eleven reports of snaps detaching serves as a critical warning sign. While it is reassuring that no injuries have been reported thus far, this statistic likely reflects luck rather than safety. Each report represents a moment where the hazard materialized; for every child who did not put the snap in their mouth, there could be others who did, or moments where the situation was only avoided by sheer chance.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall normalizes a defective product in your home. If you decide to keep the swimsuit, perhaps to use it as a costume piece or for display, you are still keeping a choking hazard in an environment where a child has access to it. Children are unpredictable and agile; they can climb into drawers, reach high shelves, and grab items with surprising speed. A snap button that falls off during play might go unnoticed until it is too late. By choosing not to return the item for a full refund, you are effectively choosing to retain a known risk in your daily life. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your child’s belongings are safe is worth far more than the cost of the swimsuit. Do not wait for a tragedy to validate the recall; act now to ensure that the only thing your child focuses on while swimming is the fun of the water, not the small plastic parts of their clothing.