What was recalled
In June of 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving infant clothing from the well-known brand Burt’s Bees Baby. This action was taken to address safety concerns regarding a specific line of infant coveralls that had been distributed to retailers across the country. The recalled items are part of the "Butterfly Garden" collection, which was marketed as a charming and comfortable outfit for young babies. These coveralls were designed with a delicate aesthetic, featuring 100% organic cotton fabric in a soft blossom pink hue adorned with white butterfly prints. A distinctive design element included a white ruffle around the neck that extended down the front of the garment, adding to its visual appeal but also introducing specific construction points where potential issues could arise.
The recall specifically targets the coverall sets sold in conjunction with matching hats. These items were available in four standard infant sizes: newborn (NB), 3 months (3M), 6 months (6M), and 9 months (9M). To help consumers identify whether their specific garment is part of this recall, it is crucial to look for several key identifiers. First, the hangtag attached to the product must display the style number LY24195. Second, the interior tag located inside the seam of the garment will show a manufacture date code of August 2016 (08/2016). Additionally, the words "Burt's Bees Baby" along with the specific garment size are printed on the inside back of the coverall. If your item matches these descriptions, it is part of the recalled batch.
While the provided official record does not specify the exact total number of units sold or the precise retail locations where these items were purchased, the scope of the recall was broad enough to warrant immediate consumer attention. The primary concern driving this recall is not a material defect in the fabric itself, but rather a mechanical failure in the closure system. The coveralls rely on snaps located at the crotch area for easy diaper changes. It was reported that these snaps can detach from the garment during normal use. Because infants are particularly vulnerable to small objects in their mouths, any detached snap poses a serious risk. This recall serves as a clear reminder that even trusted brands must adhere to strict safety standards, and consumers should always verify the status of their products against official agency records.
The hazard, explained
When we talk about a "choking hazard" in the context of infant clothing, it is easy to think of small toys or loose accessories, but this specific risk comes from an unexpected source: the snaps themselves. The recalled Burt's Bees Baby Infant Butterfly Garden Coverall & Hat Sets feature snaps located at the crotch area. These snaps are designed to make diaper changes easier for parents by allowing quick access without removing the entire garment. However, in this instance, the structural integrity of those fasteners is compromised. The hazard arises because the snap components can detach from the fabric during normal use.
To understand why this is dangerous, we need to look at how these snaps work and what happens when they fail. A typical snap closure consists of two parts: a socket (the female part) and a stud (the male part). These are usually stitched or riveted securely into the garment’s fabric layers. When the attachment fails, as reported in this recall, the small metal or plastic pieces break free from the cloth. For an infant who is lying on their back or rolling around in these coveralls, these detached pieces become loose objects within reach of their hands and mouth.
The danger intensifies because infants explore the world primarily through oral manipulation. They have a natural instinct to put things in their mouths to examine them. If a snap detaches while the baby is wearing the coverall, or even if it falls off after the garment is removed and left on a bed or floor, it becomes a potential choking object. The small size of these detached snap components means they can easily fit into an infant’s airway. Unlike larger objects that might cause gagging, small, hard items like snaps are particularly perilous because they can completely block the trachea (windpipe) without triggering an immediate reflex to cough them out.
This is not just a theoretical risk. The manufacturer has received eleven reports of these snaps detaching from the coveralls. While no injuries have been reported so far, the potential for harm is significant. Choking is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children under the age of four. The mechanism of injury here is straightforward: a piece of hardware meant to hold fabric together becomes a small, hard projectile or loose object that can obstruct breathing. This underscores why even seemingly minor defects in baby clothing require immediate attention and removal from use.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about product safety, it is important to remember that the individuals most vulnerable to harm are often those who cannot protect themselves from danger. In this specific recall involving Burt's Bees Baby infant coveralls, the primary group at risk consists of infants and young babies. These items were designed for newborns through nine-month-olds, covering sizes NB, 3M, 6M, and 9M. At this stage of development, babies are incredibly curious but lack the physical coordination and cognitive awareness to understand the concept of danger. They naturally explore their world by putting everything within reach into their mouths. This instinctual behavior is a normal part of their sensory development, yet it makes them uniquely susceptible to choking hazards that might be negligible for older children or adults.
The specific hazard here involves the snaps located at the crotch of the coveralls. While these snaps are intended to make diaper changes easier for tired parents, they have been found to detach from the garment. For an infant, a detached snap is not just a broken piece of clothing; it is a small, hard object that fits easily into a tiny airway. The anatomy of a baby’s throat and windpipe is much narrower than that of an adult, meaning even small objects can become lodged more easily. Once a snap detaches during play or while being dressed, it can quickly end up in the baby’s mouth. Because infants cannot yet speak to complain of discomfort or cough effectively to dislodge an object, the risk of choking is immediate and severe.
It is worth noting that while the manufacturer has received eleven reports of snaps detaching, no injuries have been reported so far. This is a fortunate outcome, but it does not mean the risk is absent. The absence of reported injuries suggests that parents or caregivers were likely vigilant enough to intervene before a choking incident occurred, or that the snaps remained attached in those specific instances. However, relying on luck is never a safe strategy when dealing with infant safety. Any baby who wears these coveralls is potentially at risk, regardless of their size or temperament. Even if a particular baby does not put objects in their mouth frequently, accidents can happen in a split second. A moment of distraction can allow a small metal snap to slip into the wrong place.
Furthermore, the people who bear the secondary burden of this risk are the caregivers and parents. The stress and potential trauma associated with a choking incident are profound. Knowing that a beloved brand’s product might harbor such a hidden danger can cause significant anxiety for families who trust these labels for quality and safety. Therefore, the "risk" extends beyond physical harm to the infant; it includes the emotional distress placed on caregivers who must constantly monitor for small, detachable parts in clothing they believed was safe. By addressing this recall promptly, we protect not only the infants from physical danger but also provide peace of mind to the families caring for them.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you own a Burt's Bees Baby Butterfly Garden Coverall & Hat Set, it is important to verify whether your specific garment is part of this recall. Because the issue relates to a safety mechanism rather than a visible defect in the fabric itself, you cannot simply look at the outside of the coveralls to determine if they are dangerous. Instead, you need to check specific labels and design details that were unique to this production run. The first step is to locate the hangtag that came with the set. You must confirm that the style number printed on this tag is LY24195. This alphanumeric code is the definitive identifier for the recalled batch; if your hangtag shows any other style number, your item is not included in this specific recall.
Next, examine the garment tag located inside the seam of the coveralls. You are looking for a manufacture date code printed directly on this inner label. For this recall, only items with a date code of August 2016 (08/2016) are affected. This detail is crucial because Burt's Bees Baby produces many similar organic cotton garments over time, and the specific manufacturing window is what ties these units to the potential snap failure. Additionally, look at the inside back of the garment where "Burt's Bees Baby" and the size are printed to confirm authenticity.
You can also identify the recalled items by their distinct physical appearance and available sizes. The affected coveralls are 100% organic cotton and feature a blossom pink color with white butterfly patterns. A key visual identifier is the white ruffle that runs around the neck and down the front of the garment. These sets were sold in infant sizes Newborn (NB), 3 Months (3M), 6 Months (6M), and 9 Months (9M). If your item matches this color scheme, has the described ruffle, and falls within these size ranges, it increases the likelihood that you have one of the affected units, provided the style number and date code also match.
Finally, consider where and when you purchased the item. This recall applies to coverall sets sold in stores nationwide between August 2016 and May 2017. If you bought the set during this timeframe, especially if it was part of a gift or a seasonal purchase, there is a higher chance it could be one of the 36,000 units subject to this recall. By checking the hangtag style number, the inner date code, and the physical description, you can confidently determine whether your Burt's Bees Baby coverall needs to be returned for safety.
What to do — step by step
If you own the recalled Burt's Bees Baby Butterfly Garden Coverall & Hat Sets, your first and most critical action is to stop using them immediately. This is not a situation where you can wait for a convenient time to address the issue; the hazard involves small snaps that can detach from the crotch area of the garment. For infants, particularly those who are still learning to explore their environment with their mouths, even a small piece of hardware can become a serious choking risk. Please take the coveralls out of your laundry basket or dresser right away and place them in a secure location where they cannot be put back on your child. Think of this step as creating a physical barrier between the hazard and your baby’s safety.
Once the garments are safely stored away, you need to initiate the return process to receive your compensation. The manufacturer, Burt's Bees Baby, has established a specific remedy for this recall: they will provide you with a pre-paid envelope so that returning the item costs you nothing out of pocket. To get started, you should contact them directly. You can call their toll-free number at 877-907-7511. Their customer service team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to handle this online, you can visit www.burtsbeesbaby.com and click on the "Recall" link located at the top of the page. This will guide you through the necessary steps to request your return envelope.
After you have contacted the company or accessed their website, follow the instructions provided to receive your pre-paid shipping label or envelope. Once it arrives, place the recalled coveralls inside and send them back as directed. It is important to complete this step because the remedy for this recall is not a repair or a direct replacement of the garment itself, but rather a financial compensation. Upon the successful return of the item, Burt's Bees Baby will issue you a $20 e-gift card. This gift card can be used at www.burtsbeesbaby.com to purchase other safe and suitable items for your infant. By following these steps precisely, you ensure that the hazardous product is removed from your home while securing the compensation offered by the company.
Please double-check that you are dealing with the correct product before sending anything back. The recall specifically applies only to the Butterfly Garden Coverall & Hat Sets made of 100% organic cotton in blossom pink with white butterflies. Look for the style number LY24195 on the hangtag, as this is the definitive identifier for the recalled items. If your garment has a different style number or does not match the description exactly, it may not be part of this specific recall, though checking with the manufacturer is always a good idea if you are unsure. By acting quickly and following these clear steps, you protect your child from potential injury and ensure you receive the full benefit of the recall remedy.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have identified one of the recalled Burt's Bees Baby Infant Butterfly Garden Coverall & Hat Sets in your home, the good news is that the company has established a straightforward and generous remedy. Rather than asking you to simply throw away a perfectly good garment or attempting a makeshift repair that could compromise safety, Burt’s Bees Baby is offering a financial compensation package designed to make the inconvenience as minimal as possible. Specifically, they are providing a $20 e-gift card for your online store. This approach allows you to replace the recalled item with something else from their collection, or perhaps treat yourself to other baby essentials, without having to spend any additional out-of-pocket cash. It is a consumer-friendly solution that acknowledges the hassle of returning a product while ensuring you are made whole.
To claim this e-gift card, you do not need to pay for shipping or handle postage yourself. The company has arranged for a pre-paid envelope to be sent to you. This is a crucial detail because it removes any financial burden from the process and simplifies the logistics of returning the hazardous item. Once you have received the coveralls back in their possession, they will issue your $20 e-gift card. You can then use this credit directly at www.burtsbeesbaby.com. This online redemption process is designed to be seamless, allowing you to browse their inventory and select new items that are safe for your infant.
To get started on this remedy, you need to contact Burt’s Bees Baby through one of two official channels. You can call their toll-free number at 877-907-7511. The customer service team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. This window gives you ample time to reach out during standard business hours if you are in the same time zone or willing to adjust your schedule slightly. Alternatively, and perhaps more conveniently for many shoppers, you can handle everything online. Visit www.burtsbeesbaby.com and look for the "Recall" link located at the very top of the page. Clicking this will direct you to the specific information portal where you can likely request your pre-paid envelope and finalize the return process.
It is important to act promptly, not because the remedy window is closing, but because the snap at the crotch of these coveralls poses a genuine choking hazard. While the company has received eleven reports of snaps detaching, no injuries have been reported so far. However, prevention is always the best policy when it comes to infant safety. By following these steps—contacting the company, receiving the pre-paid envelope, returning the garment, and claiming your e-gift card—you ensure that a potential danger is removed from your child’s environment while still receiving fair compensation for your trouble. Please do not attempt to sew the snaps back on or modify the garment in any way, as this could create new hazards or fail to address the root cause of the detachment.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a beloved item of clothing, especially one as soft and comforting as the Burt's Bees Baby Butterfly Garden Coverall & Hat Sets. These garments are made from 100% organic cotton, featuring delicate white ruffles and charming blossom pink colors with butterfly prints that many parents find adorable. When you have washed them multiple times, worn them on countless outings, and settled into a routine of putting your infant into these coveralls for naps or playtime, the idea of discarding them or going through the trouble of returning them can feel like an unnecessary burden. However, ignoring this recall is not merely an inconvenience; it is a significant safety gamble that puts your child at risk for a severe and potentially life-threatening emergency.
The core issue lies in the specific design of the crotch snaps. While snaps are a standard and convenient feature on infant clothing for quick diaper changes, they introduce a mechanical point of failure that becomes dangerous as babies grow more mobile and curious. The recall notice confirms that these particular snaps can detach completely from the garment. If you continue to use the coveralls, you are leaving a small, hard plastic or metal object loose within your baby’s environment. For an infant, particularly those in the NB (newborn) through 9M size ranges, any small object that fits into a toilet paper roll is considered a choking hazard. Babies explore the world with their mouths, and if a snap detaches while they are being dressed or playing on a floor, it can easily be picked up and placed in the mouth.
The consequences of ignoring this hazard are not theoretical; they are immediate physical dangers. A detached snap can become lodged in an infant’s airway, causing choking. Unlike older children or adults who might cough up an object instinctively, infants have smaller airways and less developed coordination to clear their throats. This can lead to a complete obstruction of breathing within minutes. Furthermore, even if the snap does not cause immediate choking, it poses a risk of ingestion. An infant may swallow the detached piece, which could then travel to the stomach or intestines, potentially causing internal blockages or requiring surgical intervention to remove. The CPSC has received 11 reports of these snaps detaching from the Burt's Bees Baby coveralls. While no injuries have been reported to date, this is a narrow window of luck rather than a guarantee of safety. Each time your baby wears the garment, the snap remains at risk of failing, and each failure increases the statistical probability of a dangerous incident.
It is vital to remember that recalls are issued based on rigorous testing and incident tracking, not minor preferences. The fact that there have been 11 reports of detachment indicates a systemic manufacturing flaw in this specific style number (LY24195) with the August 2016 production code. By continuing to use these coveralls, you are effectively gambling with your child’s immediate physical safety for the sake of convenience. The potential outcome is not just a lost garment, but a medical emergency that could have been entirely prevented by following the recall instructions. Do not wait for an injury report to become your personal reality; the risk is real, the mechanism is clear, and the remedy is free.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in a particular line of infant coveralls, it serves as a timely reminder that small, detachable components can pose significant risks to babies and toddlers. The hazard here—a snap button detaching from the crotch area—is not unique to one brand or one type of clothing. Across the broader category of infant wear, including rompers, onesies, and sleepers, any fastener that is not securely anchored can become a choking hazard if it breaks off during play or while being dressed. To mitigate these risks in your everyday life, start by regularly inspecting the garments you have at home. Look closely at snaps, buttons, and Velcro attachments on all baby clothes. If you notice fraying fabric around a snap, loose stitching, or any sign that a fastener is wobbling, remove the item from your child’s wardrobe immediately. It is often safer to replace a few dollars worth of clothing than to risk an emergency room visit for a choking incident.
Beyond clothing, it is wise to establish a routine of checking for safety recalls on all items in your home that your child interacts with. Many parents assume that because a product was purchased from a reputable retailer or brand, it must be safe. However, manufacturing errors can occur in any batch of goods. You can stay informed by signing up for email alerts from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov. This free service will notify you if a product you own is ever pulled from shelves due to safety concerns. Additionally, consider registering your products with the manufacturers after purchase. While this step is optional, it ensures that if a recall is issued for a specific model or production date, the company has your contact information to reach you directly.
Finally, practice general vigilance regarding small parts in your child’s environment. Infants explore the world by putting things in their mouths, so it is crucial to keep any detachable pieces out of reach. This includes small toys, batteries from remote controls, and even loose buttons that may have fallen off older garments. Create a "safe zone" for play where you can easily see what your child is doing and quickly intervene if they pick up something too small to swallow. By making these simple habits part of your daily routine, you create a layered defense against accidents, ensuring that your home remains a place of exploration rather than hidden danger.