What was recalled
In July of 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving Manhattan Toy Company’s popular Winkel Colorburst teething and activity toy. This specific product line has long been a staple in many households, known for its distinctive design that combines soft, flexible plastic tubing with a solid core to provide sensory stimulation for babies. However, the items subject to this recall are not the entire lineup of Winkel toys, but rather a precise subset of the Colorburst activity balls. It is crucial for parents and caregivers to understand exactly which units are affected, as the safety issue is tied to specific manufacturing batches rather than every single toy ever produced under this brand name.
The recalled items are the multi-color plastic tubing activity balls that feature plastic tubes inserted into a central plastic cube containing rattle beads. These toys were designed to offer visual and tactile engagement for infants, but the recall focuses on units where the structural integrity of those colored plastic tubes may have been compromised during production. To help consumers identify their specific items, Manhattan Toy provided detailed markers. The model number and lot code are printed directly on the center of the cube itself, as well as on the hang-tag attached to the product and on the packaging near the Universal Product Code (UPC). If you do not see these codes, or if your lot code is not listed below, your toy is likely safe from this specific recall.
The scope of this recall is limited to activity balls with the following specific lot codes: 206880 DH, 206880 EH, 206880 HH, and 206871 EH. These numbers serve as the definitive key to determining whether your toy is part of the affected group. While the CPSC record does not specify the exact total number of units sold worldwide, it confirms that these specific batches were distributed through retail channels. Consumers who purchased these toys at various stores should check their packaging or the hang-tag for the lot codes mentioned above. If you have one of these items, you are holding a product that, while visually appealing and designed for infant engagement, poses a potential risk due to the material properties of the plastic tubes used in those particular production runs.
Understanding what was recalled is the first step in ensuring your child’s safety. The recall does not apply to all Winkel toys or even all Colorburst products, but strictly to the activity balls with the identified lot codes. By focusing on these specific identifiers, parents can quickly assess their situation without unnecessary worry if they own other models. The precision of this identification process allows for a targeted response, ensuring that only the potentially hazardous items are removed from use while leaving safe products in circulation.
The hazard, explained
When we think about toys designed for the youngest members of our families, we often focus on durability in terms of general wear and tear. However, with the Manhattan Toy Winkel Colorburst teething and activity toy, the specific danger lies in a subtle material failure that isn’t immediately obvious to the naked eye. The core of this product’s design relies on multi-color plastic tubing that is inserted into a rigid plastic cube containing rattle beads. This tubing provides the sensory experience for infants, but it also creates a structural vulnerability over time.
The mechanism of harm begins with a process called brittleness. As these colored plastic tubes age or are exposed to certain environmental factors, they can lose their natural flexibility and become rigid. In plain terms, the material stops being able to bend and instead becomes prone to snapping. When an infant chews on, squeezes, or shakes the toy as intended, that brittle tubing is under stress. Instead of flexing safely, the plastic cracks or shatters into small, sharp fragments.
This leads directly to the choking hazard. The broken pieces are small enough to fit entirely into a baby’s mouth and airway. For infants, whose airways are significantly narrower than those of adults, even a fragment the size of a pea or smaller can be catastrophic. If a child inhales while playing—a common reflex during active play—these loose plastic shards can be pulled deep into the lungs. This is known as an aspiration event, and it blocks the flow of oxygen, requiring immediate emergency medical intervention to remove the object and prevent serious lung damage or death.
It is important to understand that this hazard is not always visible right away. The tubes may look intact on the surface while their internal structure has already compromised due to brittleness. This makes visual inspection alone insufficient for determining safety. The risk is compounded by the fact that these toys are often used for teething, meaning babies put them directly in their mouths with significant pressure and friction. The combination of oral moisture, chewing force, and material degradation creates a perfect storm for accidental breakage.
While no injuries have been reported in this specific recall instance, the potential for severe harm is real and well-documented in pediatric safety literature. Choking remains one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths in children under four years old. By understanding that the plastic tubes can fail silently, parents and caregivers can appreciate why immediate removal from use is critical, even if the toy appears to be functioning normally. The integrity of the seal between the tube and the cube is what keeps the pieces contained; once that bond fails due to brittle fracture, the safety barrier disappears.
Who is most at risk
The primary group vulnerable to this specific recall consists of infants and toddlers who are in the developmental stage where they explore their environment through oral fixation. When we talk about "infants" in the context of the Manhattan Toy Winkel Colorburst, we are generally referring to babies between the ages of four months and twelve months. This is a critical window in early childhood development where putting objects in the mouth is not just a habit, but a fundamental way for children to learn about texture, shape, and cause-and-effect. The design of the Winkel toy, with its colorful plastic tubes inserted into a cube, is intentionally appealing to this age group because it offers visual stimulation and tactile feedback. However, that same design feature creates the exact scenario that leads to choking: small, detachable parts that can be easily manipulated by tiny hands and mouthed by curious infants.
The risk is particularly acute because the hazard involves the colored plastic tubes becoming brittle over time. Young children have a strong urge to grasp, shake, and chew on their toys. When an infant shakes the Winkel toy vigorously or chews on the ends of the tubing, they are applying pressure that can cause the aged plastic to snap. Unlike larger objects that might get stuck in the throat but not block it completely, small fragments of broken plastic tubing are lightweight and smooth enough to slide effortlessly into the airway. For an infant whose airway is only about the width of a drinking straw, even a small piece of plastic can cause a complete obstruction, leading to suffocation within minutes. This makes the age group most at risk not just those who own the toy, but specifically those who are mobile enough to handle it independently or are given it for unsupervised play.
While the CPSC report notes that no injuries have been reported with this specific batch of toys, the potential for harm is severe precisely because of the demographic most likely to use it. Parents and caregivers often assume that because a toy is marketed as "safe" or has passed safety standards at the time of manufacture, it will remain safe indefinitely. However, plastic degrades with exposure to light, heat, and physical stress. An infant who receives this toy as a gift may play with it daily for several months, increasing the likelihood that the tubes will reach the point of brittleness just as the child’s chewing behavior intensifies. Therefore, the highest risk population includes households with babies under one year old who use the Winkel Colorburst as a primary teething or activity tool. Caregivers should be especially vigilant if the toy has been used for more than six months, as the structural integrity of the plastic tubes is likely compromised by then. It is important to remember that older siblings or other young children who might also play with the toy are also at risk, as they may not have the same awareness of choking hazards as adults do.
Additionally, while the recall focuses on infants, any child under the age of three is considered at high risk for choking on small objects due to their developing motor skills and tendency to put things in their mouths. The CPSC’s decision to issue a recall rather than just a warning underscores that the danger is not theoretical but based on four confirmed reports of tubes breaking. Although no injuries have occurred yet, the window for prevention is wide open. By understanding who is most at risk—primarily infants who rely on these toys for sensory development—we can take immediate, calm steps to remove the hazard before it becomes a tragedy. This is not about fear, but about recognizing that our little ones are vulnerable in ways we must protect them from, especially when the product itself has shown signs of failure.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you have been enjoying the Manhattan Toy Winkel Colorburst teething and activity toy at home, the most important step right now is to verify whether your specific unit is part of this recall. Because the manufacturer has identified a defect in the colored plastic tubes that can cause them to become brittle and break, it is essential to confirm exactly which toys are affected. Do not rely solely on the general appearance of the toy, as many Winkel products look similar. Instead, you must check for specific identifying marks printed directly on the product itself.
The recalled item in question is specifically the Winkel Colorburst teething and activity toy. This particular model features multi-color plastic tubing inserted into a plastic cube that contains rattle beads inside. To confirm if your toy is part of this recall, you need to look for the model number and lot code. These critical details are printed in two places: first, on the center of the plastic cube itself, and second, on the hang-tag and product packaging near the UPC code. If you no longer have the original packaging, the information on the cube is your primary source of truth.
Once you have located the lot code on the cube or packaging, compare it against the specific list of affected codes. This recall only includes activity balls with the following lot codes: 206880 DH, 206880 EH, 206880 HH, and 206871 EH. If your toy has any of these four codes, it is part of the recall. If the lot code on your toy does not match one of these four exactly, your item is not included in this specific safety alert.
It is also helpful to remember when and where you might have purchased the toy, though this is secondary to checking the lot code. This recall was issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on July 20, 2017. The remedy offered allows consumers to return the recalled toy to the store where it was purchased or contact Manhattan Toy directly for a full refund. By carefully checking the lot codes printed on your Winkel Colorburst, you can quickly determine if action is needed to keep your infant safe from potential choking hazards.
What to do — step by step
If you own the Manhattan Toy Winkel Colorburst teething and activity toy, particularly those with the specific lot codes mentioned above, please take immediate action to ensure the safety of your child. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is clear: this issue involves plastic tubes that can become brittle and break, creating small pieces that pose a serious choking hazard. Because infants often put toys in their mouths to soothe teething pain or explore textures, any loose part becomes a significant risk. Do not wait for the toy to fail visibly; proactive removal is the only way to prevent an accident. Here is exactly what you should do, step by step.
- Stop Use Immediately and Remove the Toy. Your first and most critical step is to take the recalled Winkel Colorburst toy away from your infant right now. Do not leave it in the crib, playpen, or within reach of any child under three years old. Even if the toy looks perfectly fine on the outside, the internal plastic tubing may have already weakened due to age or material degradation. By removing it from the environment where the child plays, you eliminate the possibility of a tube breaking while the child is unsupervised or during sleep.
- Verify Your Model and Lot Code. Before contacting anyone or heading to the store, confirm that your specific toy is part of this recall. Look at the center of the plastic cube and on the hang-tag or product packaging near the UPC code. You are looking for one of the following lot codes: 206880 DH, 206880 EH, 206880 HH, or 206871 EH. If your toy has a different lot code, it is not included in this specific safety notice. However, if you are unsure or cannot find the code, it is still safer to stop using it until you can verify its status.
- Choose Your Remedy: Return for Refund or Contact Manhattan Toy. The recall provides two clear paths for resolution. You may return the toy to the store where you originally purchased it for a full refund. This is often the quickest option if you have your receipt, though many retailers will accommodate returns without one for recalled safety items. Alternatively, you can contact Manhattan Toy directly. They are offering full refunds for this recall. To initiate this process, call 800-541-1345 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT on Monday through Thursday, or from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT on Fridays. You can also visit www.manhattantoy.com and click on "Recalls" at the bottom of the page for detailed instructions.
- Dispose of the Toy Securely. Once you have secured your refund or replacement, do not simply toss the recalled toy in a regular trash bin where it might be retrieved by someone else. Cut up the plastic tubing if possible, or ensure it is securely wrapped so that no one can attempt to use the broken parts. This step is crucial for community safety, ensuring that the hazard does not persist in second-hand markets or landfills.
Taking these steps quickly protects your child from a known hazard. While no injuries have been reported with this specific batch, the potential for choking is real and immediate. By following this simple process, you turn a stressful situation into a resolved one, ensuring your little one can play safely with other, compliant toys.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that you possess one of the recalled Manhattan Toy Winkel Colorburst teething and activity toys, your immediate path forward is straightforward and designed to prioritize your family’s safety without imposing a financial burden. Because the defect involves structural integrity—specifically the plastic tubing becoming brittle and breaking—it is not possible to repair the product safely. The manufacturer, Manhattan Toy, has issued a clear remedy: they are offering a full refund. This means you do not need to attempt any fixes or modifications. Instead, you have two distinct options for resolving the issue, allowing you to choose the method that best fits your convenience and shopping habits.
The first option is to return the product directly to the store where you originally purchased it. This can be a convenient choice if you still have your receipt or if the retailer has a straightforward returns policy for recalled items. By returning it to the point of sale, you are effectively reversing the transaction, ensuring that you get your money back while simultaneously removing the hazardous item from your home. This method is often preferred by those who want to avoid additional steps like mailing packages or waiting for correspondence.
The second option is to contact Manhattan Toy directly. This route is ideal if you cannot locate your receipt, if the original store no longer carries the brand, or if you prefer to handle the refund through the manufacturer. To proceed with this option, you will need to reach out to The Manhattan Toy Company via their dedicated customer service line at 800-541-1345. It is helpful to keep in mind their specific hours of operation to ensure you can speak with a representative during business hours: they are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time on Fridays. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.manhattantoy.com and navigate to the "Recalls" section located at the bottom of the page for additional information and guidance on how to process your refund online.
In both scenarios, the goal is identical: to receive a full refund for the recalled item. There are no partial refunds or store credits offered; the remedy is complete financial restitution for the product. This approach ensures that you are not left holding a defective toy and are not financially penalized for a safety issue that was beyond your control. Once you have initiated the return or refund process, please ensure the toy is kept out of reach of children until it has been successfully processed, as the choking hazard remains present regardless of your intent to return it.
It is important to note that while the recall information does not specify whether you must keep the broken pieces for inspection, standard safety practice suggests disposing of them safely after the refund is confirmed. However, the primary action required from you is simply to stop using the toy and initiate one of the two refund pathways described above. Whether you choose the store return or the manufacturer contact, the outcome will be the same: a safe home free of the recalled hazard and your money returned in full.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a recall involves a product intended for infants, the stakes are inherently higher because the users are our most vulnerable population. In the case of the Manhattan Toy Winkel Colorburst teething and activity toy, ignoring the recall means continuing to expose babies to a specific, mechanical failure that is not immediately visible to the naked eye. The core issue lies in the material science of the colored plastic tubes. Over time, or potentially due to manufacturing variances, these tubes can become brittle. This brittleness is the critical precursor to danger; it means the structural integrity of the toy has compromised without any obvious warning signs like cracks or loose fittings that a parent might spot during a quick visual inspection.
If you continue to use this toy after the recall date of July 20, 2017, the primary risk is a choking hazard. As the plastic tubes become increasingly fragile, they can snap or break into small, sharp pieces during normal play. For an infant, who naturally explores the world by putting objects in their mouth, these broken fragments are not just debris; they are potential obstructions for the airway. The danger is twofold: first, a piece could block the throat entirely, leading to suffocation, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical intervention and potentially CPR or the Heimlich maneuver. Second, even if the piece does not cause complete obstruction, it could be inhaled into the lungs, causing serious internal injury or requiring surgical removal.
It is important to look at the context of reported incidents to understand the reality of this risk. The manufacturer has received four reports of plastic tubes breaking from these specific models. While the company states that no injuries have been formally reported to date, the absence of recorded injuries does not mean the risk is zero. It simply means that, so far, the breaks have not resulted in a documented medical emergency. However, relying on luck is never a safe parenting strategy. The fact that four separate failures have occurred indicates a pattern of material failure that will likely continue or worsen as the toys age. Each break increases the likelihood that the next piece to detach will be small enough to fit entirely into an infant’s airway.
Beyond the immediate physical danger, ignoring a recall also means missing out on the peace of mind that comes with proper safety protocols. You are essentially gambling with your child’s health based on the assumption that the toy will hold up indefinitely. Given that these toys are designed for teething and vigorous activity, they undergo significant stress. Continuing to allow an infant to play with a product known to shed dangerous fragments is an unnecessary risk. The consequences of acting too late can be catastrophic, turning a simple teething toy into a source of trauma and emergency care. It is far safer to remove the item immediately than to wait for a worst-case scenario to unfold.
Staying safe: broader tips
While specific product recalls address immediate risks with particular items, the most effective way to protect your family is through a proactive, layered approach to home safety. Small parts and choking hazards are particularly dangerous because they often mimic everyday objects or food items that infants explore with their mouths. To minimize these risks, always adhere to the manufacturer’s age recommendations on toy packaging. These guidelines are not arbitrary; they are based on rigorous testing of developmental milestones, including hand-eye coordination and the ability to safely manipulate objects. Toys designed for older children often contain small components, such as batteries, magnets, or intricate plastic pieces, that can easily detach and become choking hazards for babies who lack the fine motor skills to handle them appropriately.
Regular inspection of toys is a simple yet powerful habit. Over time, plastic can degrade due to exposure to sunlight, heat, or simply the wear and tear of play. Make it a routine part of your cleaning process to check seams, tubes, and joints for cracks, brittleness, or loose parts. If you notice any damage, remove the item from circulation immediately. Do not attempt to repair toys with small detachable parts using glue or tape, as these fixes can create new hazards or fail unexpectedly during play. Instead, dispose of damaged items responsibly or contact the manufacturer if they offer a repair service for older models.
Beyond individual toys, consider the environment in which your child plays. Establishing a dedicated, safe play area free from clutter helps you maintain better oversight. Regularly scan this space for small objects that may have fallen behind furniture or under rugs, such as coins, buttons, or broken pieces of other toys. Additionally, stay informed about safety trends by signing up for alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and your local health department. These agencies provide timely updates on recalls and emerging safety concerns, allowing you to act before an incident occurs. Finally, educate all caregivers—including grandparents, babysitters, and older siblings—about these safety protocols. Consistency in supervision and product knowledge across everyone who interacts with your child is the strongest defense against accidental injury.
- Check toys monthly for signs of wear, such as cracking plastic or loose seams.
- Never leave a baby unattended with any toy that has small detachable components.
- Register your products with manufacturers to receive direct notifications about future safety recalls.