What was recalled
In early June of 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving children’s sleepwear manufactured by Kreative Kids. This action was taken to address safety concerns regarding a specific line of hooded robes designed for young children. The recalled items were marketed as cozy, character-themed garments intended to provide comfort and warmth, but they failed to meet the mandatory federal flammability standards required for children's sleepwear. It is important to understand exactly what products are affected so you can determine if your household owns them.
The recall encompasses eight distinct styles of children’s robes made from 100-percent polyester. These garments were designed with a hood, long sleeves, a belt, a cinched back, and two front pockets, offering a playful appearance for kids. The specific styles included in this recall are the purple elephant, lion, pink bear, lady bug, blue puppy, duck, monkey, and princess cat designs. Each of these robes was available in two size ranges: sizes 4-6 and sizes 7-9. The consistent feature across all these variations is the construction material and the lack of flame-resistant treatment that is legally required for such items.
To help consumers identify if they possess a recalled item, look for specific labeling details. Each robe has a label sewn directly into the garment that clearly displays the item number "2013NW081" along with the brand name "Kreative Kids." This identification mark is crucial for verifying whether your specific robe falls under this recall notice. If you have robes matching these descriptions, styles, and labels, they are part of the affected batch.
The recalled robes were sold at various retail locations nationwide. While the exact list of every store is not provided in this summary, the key identifier remains the item number and brand label. The recall was officially issued on June 1, 2017, but the products may have been sold prior to that date. If you purchased these robes from any retailer between the time they were first available and the recall announcement, you should inspect them immediately for the specified labels and styles.
This recall is not limited to a single product type but affects a entire collection of character-themed sleepwear. The breadth of the recall ensures that children wearing any of these popular designs are protected from potential hazards. By focusing on the specific item number, brand, and material composition, the CPSC aims to reach all consumers who may have these robes in their homes. It is essential to check your children’s closet for these exact specifications rather than relying solely on the character design, as other non-recalled items may look similar.
The decision to recall these specific styles underscores the importance of federal safety standards in protecting children from fire hazards. Even though no incidents have been reported at this time, the failure to meet flammability standards is a serious concern that warrants immediate action. Parents and guardians are urged to take these steps seriously to ensure their children's safety.
If you own any of the eight styles mentioned—purple elephant, lion, pink bear, lady bug, blue puppy, duck, monkey, or princess cat—and the label reads "Kreative Kids" with item number 2013NW081, your robe is part of this recall. The sizes affected are 4-6 and 7-9. Do not assume that a different item number or a slightly different style is safe; only the items matching these exact criteria are included in this specific safety notice.
Understanding the scope of this recall helps you take appropriate action quickly. By identifying the product accurately, you can proceed to the next steps for your refund or replacement. The CPSC and Kreative Kids have made it clear that the primary goal is to remove these potentially dangerous items from children's wardrobes as soon as possible.
If you are unsure about your robe, compare it carefully against the description provided here. The combination of 100-percent polyester material, the specific hooded design with a belt and pockets, and the labeled item number are the definitive indicators. This detailed approach ensures that only the affected products are recalled, minimizing inconvenience while maximizing safety for all children.
In summary, the recall affects eight styles of Kreative Kids children's robes in sizes 4-6 and 7-9, made of 100-percent polyester, with item number 2013NW081. These were sold nationwide before June 1, 2017. If your robe matches this description, it is part of the recall.
The hazard, explained
When we talk about children’s sleepwear and flammability standards, we are discussing a very specific type of physical risk that is often misunderstood by well-meaning parents. The core issue here is not just whether the fabric burns, but how quickly it burns and what happens after the initial flame is removed. Federal safety regulations for children’s sleepwear (specifically those enforced by the CPSC) require that these garments be either inherently flame-resistant or treated with chemicals that slow down ignition and prevent sustained burning. The Kreative Kids robes in question failed to meet this standard, meaning they are essentially made of highly combustible material without the necessary protective barriers.
To understand why this is dangerous, it helps to look at the physics of what happens when a child’s robe catches fire. These recalled items are made of 100-percent polyester. Polyester is a synthetic fiber derived from petroleum. While it is durable and easy to wash, its chemical structure makes it highly susceptible to melting and dripping when exposed to high heat or open flame. Unlike natural fibers like cotton or wool, which may char or smolder but generally do not melt into the skin, polyester tends to liquefy upon ignition.
The sequence of injury typically follows a frighteningly rapid path. First, the robe ignites easily from common household sources such as candles, space heaters, or even static electricity in dry winter air. Once ignited, the fabric does not just burn; it shrinks and melts. Because these robes are loose-fitting hooded garments with long sleeves, they can easily come into contact with a heat source. When the flame reaches the polyester fibers, the material contracts against the child’s body. This is where the severity of the injury escalates: the molten plastic adheres to the skin, causing deep, severe burns that are often more damaging than surface-level flames alone. The heat transfer from the melting fabric continues even after the initial fire source is gone, leading to third-degree burns that require extensive medical treatment.
Furthermore, children’s skin is significantly thinner and more delicate than adult skin. This means that heat penetrates their tissue much faster, causing damage at a lower temperature threshold. A robe that might cause a minor irritation on an adult could result in serious thermal injury to a toddler or young child. The hooded design of these specific robes adds another layer of risk, as the fabric near the face and neck is particularly vulnerable to melting onto sensitive areas, potentially affecting breathing or causing disfigurement. This is why the flammability standard exists: to ensure that sleepwear acts as a barrier against fire, not as fuel for it.
In this specific case, because the Kreative Kids robes did not pass the required testing, they lack the chemical retardants or the dense weave necessary to self-extinguish. If a child wearing these robes were to come into contact with a flame, the garment would likely continue to burn vigorously rather than dying out on its own. This prolonged exposure time directly correlates with the severity of the burn injuries. The risk is not theoretical; it is a direct consequence of the material’s failure to comply with safety protocols designed specifically to prevent exactly this kind of tragic outcome.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk in this recall consists of children who wear the recalled Kreative Kids robes as sleepwear or loungewear. Specifically, these are young kids wearing sizes 4-6 and 7-9. If you have a child who owns one of the eight styles listed—such as the purple elephant, lion, pink bear, lady bug, blue puppy, duck, monkey, or princess cat—you need to take immediate action. These robes were not designed or tested to withstand the strict flammability standards that apply to children’s sleepwear. When a garment fails this standard, it means the fabric ignites quickly and burns with intense speed, leaving little time for reaction.
Children are uniquely vulnerable to burn injuries from fast-burning fabrics for several physiological and behavioral reasons. First, their skin is thinner and more delicate than adult skin, meaning heat penetrates deeper faster, causing more severe damage even in a shorter amount of time. Second, young children often lack the immediate reflexes or cognitive awareness to react quickly if their clothing catches fire. They may freeze, panic, or simply not understand how urgent the situation is until it is too late. This delay can turn a minor incident into a serious injury.
The risk is heightened because the recalled items are hooded robes with long sleeves and belts. While these features make for cozy, comfortable sleepwear, they also present additional hazards during a fire. Loose fabric like hoods and belts can easily catch flame and drape over a child’s face or body, increasing exposure time. The 100-percent polyester material, while soft and durable for everyday wear, is not treated with the flame-retardant chemicals required for sleepwear. Polyester melts when exposed to high heat, which can cause severe adhesive burns that are particularly difficult to treat medically.
Elderly individuals or those with mobility issues are also at higher risk if they use these robes, though the recall specifically targets children. However, the core concern remains with young users who may wear these robes in environments where ignition sources are present, such as near fireplaces, candles, or heating vents. Even a small spark can be catastrophic for a child wearing non-compliant sleepwear. It is crucial to remember that this is not just about the fabric being flammable; it is about the combination of vulnerable users and untested materials in a dangerous context. By removing these robes from your home, you are protecting children from a preventable hazard that could lead to life-altering burn injuries.
If you are unsure whether your child’s robe is part of this recall, check the label sewn into the garment. Look for the item number 2013NW081 and the "Kreative Kids" brand name. If these match, stop using the robe immediately. Do not wait for symptoms or signs of damage to appear. The danger lies in the potential for rapid ignition, which can happen without warning. By acting now, you ensure that your child remains safe from a hazard that has been officially identified and addressed by both the manufacturer and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your child’s robe is part of this specific recall requires a careful, step-by-step inspection. Because the issue relates to the fabric's reaction to fire rather than a mechanical failure or external defect, the robe may look and feel perfectly normal. It might even be a favorite item that has been worn many times. Do not rely on how the garment feels or looks alone. Instead, you must verify specific physical details against the official recall description. Start by looking for the brand name. The recalled items are explicitly labeled as Kreative Kids. This branding should be visible on the product tag or label sewn into the robe.
The most critical piece of information to check is the item number printed on the label. Look closely at the care label or the brand tag, which is typically sewn into the side seam or the waistband area of the robe. You need to find the specific code 2013NW081. If this number is present, it is a strong indicator that the item is part of this recall. However, because other styles might share similar branding, you must verify the style and size as well. The recall covers eight distinct styles, all of which are 100-percent polyester, hooded robes with long sleeves, a belt, a cinched back, and two front pockets. The designs include: purple elephant, lion, pink bear, lady bug, blue puppy, duck, monkey, and princess cat.
Next, check the size of the robe. The recall specifically includes robes sold in sizes 4-6 and 7-9. If your robe is a different size, it may not be part of this specific batch, but you should still verify the item number to be certain. It is important to note that these robes were sold in various colors corresponding to the animal or character designs listed above. Since the recall date was June 1, 2017, any robe purchased prior to this date with the correct item number and size range is potentially affected. There is no public record of where exactly they were sold (such as specific stores or online platforms) beyond the manufacturer's website, but the key identifiers remain the brand, the item number, the size, and the style description.
If you find a robe that matches all these criteria—Kreative Kids brand, item number 2013NW081, sizes 4-6 or 7-9, and one of the eight described styles—you should treat it as recalled. Do not wait for further instructions. The fact that there have been no reported incidents does not mean the flammability risk is absent; it simply means no accidents have been documented yet. Flammability standards are strict safety requirements designed to prevent rapid burning, and failing them means the fabric could ignite more easily than allowed by law. Therefore, visual confirmation of these specific details is your only reliable way to determine if your item needs to be removed from use immediately.
What to do — step by step
If you have purchased one of the recalled Kreative Kids children’s robes, your immediate priority is ensuring the safety of any child who might wear them. Because these garments fail to meet federal flammability standards, they can ignite and burn rapidly if exposed to an open flame or heat source. Therefore, the first and most critical step is to immediately take the recalled robes away from any children. Do not allow them to be worn under any circumstances, even for costume play or casual lounging, until you have resolved the issue with the manufacturer. This separation creates a necessary physical barrier between your child and a potential burn hazard. Once the items are safely stored out of reach, you should contact Kreative Kids to initiate the remedy process. The company has offered a full refund as the primary solution for this recall. You can reach their consumer support team by calling 800-786-2919. Their representatives are available to assist you from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. When you call, have your robe ready so you can provide specific details if requested. Alternatively, you may choose to communicate via email at sales@kreativekids.net. If you prefer digital communication or need more detailed instructions on how to proceed, you can visit their official website at www.kreativekids.net. Navigate to the bottom of the homepage and click on "Recall Information" to find specific guidance tailored to this recall event. When you contact Kreative Kids, be prepared to provide proof of purchase if available, although the recall notice does not explicitly require it for the refund process. Clearly state that you have one of the eight recalled styles: purple elephant, lion, pink bear, lady bug, blue puppy, duck, monkey, or princess cat. It is also helpful to mention the item number 2013NW081 printed on the label sewn into the robe, as this confirms the specific model involved. Follow any additional instructions provided by the customer service representative regarding shipping or return procedures if they require the item back. Keep records of all communications, including email confirmations or call logs, until your refund is fully processed and you have received the funds.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have one of the recalled Kreative Kids children’s robes, the good news is that the remedy for this recall is straightforward and consumer-friendly. Unlike some recalls that require you to ship items back at your own expense or wait weeks for a technician to arrive, this recall offers a full refund. This means you do not need to go through complex repair processes or hunt for replacement parts. Instead, Kreative Kids has committed to returning the entire purchase price to you, allowing you to replace the item with something safer if you choose. The company’s primary goal here is to remove the hazardous product from your home quickly and without financial penalty to you.
To initiate this process, you must contact Kreative Kids directly. They have established specific channels for consumers to reach out regarding this recall. You can call their dedicated consumer assistance line at 800-786-2919. It is important to note that this service is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or wish to have documentation of your inquiry, you can send an email to sales@kreativekids.net. For those who prefer navigating information online, Kreative Kids has set up a specific page for this recall. You can visit www.kreativekids.net and scroll to the bottom of the homepage, where you will find a link labeled "Recall Information." Clicking this link should provide further details on how to proceed with your refund.
When you contact the company, be prepared to provide specific details about the robe you own. This helps them verify that your item is indeed part of the recall batch. Specifically, look for the label sewn into the robe. You will need to confirm that the item number 2013NW081 is printed on the label along with the "Kreative Kids" brand name. Mentioning these details will help the customer service representative quickly identify your product in their system and process your refund efficiently. While the recall does not specify a deadline for when you must claim your refund, it is generally advisable to act sooner rather than later to ensure you do not miss out on the remedy.
The decision to offer a full refund rather than a repair or replacement reflects the nature of the hazard. Since the issue involves flammability standards for children's sleepwear, repairing the fabric to meet safety codes is often not feasible or safe. A refund allows you to return the item and purchase a different robe that meets current federal safety regulations. This approach prioritizes your child’s immediate safety and gives you the flexibility to choose a new product that feels right for your family. Remember, the company is there to help you through this process, so do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or difficulties contacting them.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why a parent might hesitate to stop using a beloved item like a children’s robe. These garments are often comforting favorites, used for cozy movie nights, bath time routines, or even as costume pieces during playtime. You might think that because the child has worn it before without issue, it is safe to continue. However, ignoring this recall carries a specific and serious risk that goes beyond simple inconvenience. The core danger here is not about durability or fit; it is about how the fabric reacts to fire. The Kreative Kids robes in question failed to meet federal flammability standards for children’s sleepwear. This is a critical distinction. Standard clothing fabrics are treated or woven to resist burning, but sleepwear regulations are much stricter because they must protect children during their most vulnerable state: sleep. When a garment fails these standards, it means the material ignites easily and burns rapidly. If this robe were to come into contact with a heat source—whether it be a candle, a space heater, a fireplace, or even a stray spark from a holiday decoration—it could catch fire almost instantly. The consequences of this rapid ignition are severe for a small child. Unlike adults, children have thinner skin and less body mass, which means they can suffer serious burn injuries much more quickly than an adult would in the same situation. A robe that burns fast can engulf the child’s legs and torso before they even realize something is wrong or can pull it off. This is not a hypothetical scenario; it is the exact reason the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) intervenes. The hazard is real, immediate, and physical. While the recall notice confirms that no incidents have been reported at this time, the absence of reported injuries does not mean the risk is low. It simply means that, so far, no one has had to test this theory in a home environment. Waiting for an incident to occur is never a safe strategy when dealing with fire hazards. The potential outcome of ignoring the recall is not just a ruined piece of clothing; it is the possibility of preventingable, life-altering burn trauma for your child. Furthermore, continuing to use the robe puts your entire household at risk. A burning garment can spread to nearby furniture, curtains, or bedding, turning a small accident into a major house fire. The fabric is 100-percent polyester, which, while comfortable and durable in normal conditions, melts and burns aggressively when exposed to high heat. By keeping the robe in your home and allowing your child to wear it, you are essentially leaving a potential accelerant within reach of common household hazards. The relief and safety that come from removing the item far outweigh the temporary disappointment of losing a favorite outfit. The real-world consequence of inaction is a gamble with your child’s physical safety against a known, unmitigated fire risk. It is not worth taking that chance when a simple refund is available to replace it with a safer alternative.Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a critical gap in the safety standards for children’s sleepwear, ensuring your child remains protected from fire hazards extends far beyond checking a single product label. Flammability is a silent but significant risk in any home environment, particularly for young children whose skin is more delicate and sensitive to heat than that of adults. Understanding how fabrics interact with common household ignition sources can empower you to make smarter, safer choices every day. It is helpful to remember that not all "soft" or "cozy" materials are created equal when it comes to fire resistance. Materials like fleece, flannel, and certain synthetic blends are known to be highly flammable and can ignite easily from small sparks, static electricity, or proximity to open flames. Therefore, when selecting sleepwear for your children, always look for the official "Fire Resistant" label. This designation indicates that the garment has been treated or constructed to self-extinguish quickly if it comes into contact with a flame, providing precious seconds for escape and reducing the severity of potential burns.
Beyond clothing, creating a fire-safe environment involves being proactive about other common hazards in the bedroom and living areas. Keep candles, space heaters, and smoking materials well away from any flammable items, including curtains, bedding, and yes, even loose robes or pajamas that may have been left on the floor. Static electricity, often generated by synthetic fabrics rubbing against carpets or upholstery, can theoretically serve as a minor ignition source in dry conditions, making it wise to choose natural fibers like cotton for everyday loungewear when possible. Additionally, ensure that electrical cords from nightlights or humidifiers are not draped over fabric items, as overheating wires can ignite nearby textiles.
Finally, make recall checks a regular part of your household maintenance routine, just like changing smoke detector batteries. Visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or subscribe to their email alerts to stay informed about new safety notices. Many recalls happen before any injuries occur, so acting on these warnings is a powerful way to prevent accidents. By staying informed and choosing products that meet rigorous federal safety standards, you create a safer, more secure home for your family without needing to live in fear of everyday items.