Kids II Recalls Oball Rattles Due to Choking Hazard

What was recalled

In early March of 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving Oball Rattles produced by Kids II. This recall is specific to certain manufactured batches of these popular infant toys, which are designed for young hands to grasp and shake. The product in question is the classic Oball Rattle, available in four distinct colors: pink, blue, green, and orange. These rattles are easily identifiable by their unique spherical design, which measures exactly four inches in diameter and features 28 finger holes distributed around the surface to facilitate gripping for small children.

To determine if a specific toy is part of this recall, you must look closely at both the physical item and its original packaging. The model number 81031 is printed on the inner surface of one of the plastic discs that make up the ball, as well as on the product’s packaging. However, the model number alone is not enough to confirm inclusion in this recall. You must also check the date code, which is located on a small triangle sticker or imprint on the inner surface of the rattle itself. The specific date codes included in this recall are T0486, T1456, T2316, T2856, and T3065. It is important to understand how to read these codes: the first three numbers indicate the day of the year the item was produced, while the final digit represents the year of production. For example, a code starting with T145 would indicate production on the 145th day of that year.

The structural composition of the recalled rattles is also a key identifier. These toys contain embedded plastic discs filled with beads to create the rattling sound. Specifically, this recall affects rattles that have one clear plastic disc containing all orange beads, as well as those with two clear plastic discs featuring beads of varying colors arranged on the perimeter. While the CPSC recall notice does not specify the total number of units sold or the exact geographic locations where they were purchased beyond general U.S. distribution channels, the scope is defined by these precise manufacturing codes and physical characteristics. If your Oball Rattle matches the color options (pink, blue, green, or orange), bears model number 81031, and has one of the listed date codes, it falls under this safety alert.

This recall was officially initiated on March 2, 2017, following internal reviews by Kids II. The decision to recall these specific items was driven by safety data indicating that the clear plastic discs on the outside of the ball could break during normal use. When this disc breaks, it releases small beads that pose a serious choking hazard. Because infants and toddlers often explore objects by putting them in their mouths, the release of these loose beads creates an immediate danger. Therefore, identifying whether you possess one of these specific recalled items is the critical first step in ensuring the safety of your child. If you are unsure whether your toy is included, checking the date code on the inner triangle is the most reliable method provided by the manufacturer.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, the Oball Rattle is designed to be nearly indestructible and completely safe for little hands. It features a unique open-grid structure with 28 finger holes, allowing babies to grip it easily while letting air and water flow through for easy cleaning. However, the specific design flaw in this recall lies in the internal components that create the rattling sound. Inside each ball are clear plastic discs embedded with small beads. In the recalled units, these discs are constructed in a way that makes them vulnerable to stress fractures during normal play. When a child bites, squeezes, or throws the toy with typical toddler force, the clear plastic disc on the exterior can crack or shatter. This is not a gradual wear-and-tear issue but a structural failure where the integrity of the plastic barrier gives way.

Once that outer plastic disc breaks, the containment system fails completely. The small beads, which are meant to rattle safely inside the ball, are suddenly released into the environment. These beads are tiny enough to fit entirely into a young child’s mouth. For infants and toddlers under the age of three, who naturally explore the world by putting objects in their mouths, this presents an immediate and severe choking hazard. The danger is not just that the toy breaks, but that it transforms from a safe rattle into a collection of small, swallowable objects.

The reports associated with this recall illustrate exactly how this mechanism leads to injury. Consumers have reported 42 instances where the plastic disc broke and released beads. More concerning are the specific incidents where beads were found inside children’s mouths or where children experienced gagging. While a single bead might not always cause permanent harm, the risk of airway obstruction is real. Young children have smaller airways than adults, making even small objects significantly more dangerous. If a bead blocks the trachea, it can prevent breathing entirely. The fact that there were reports of beads actually being in mouths highlights how quickly a play session can turn into a medical emergency if the toy fails.

This type of hazard is particularly insidious because the toy looks intact until the moment it breaks. There are no visible cracks or warnings before failure; the plastic disc appears solid and smooth right up until the point of fracture. Parents might not notice the breach immediately, allowing a child to continue playing with loose beads nearby. The combination of a seemingly durable exterior and an internal failure mode creates a silent trap. Understanding this physical process is crucial because it explains why simply inspecting the outside of the ball is not enough—you must rely on the model and date codes to determine if your specific unit contains this faulty component.

Who is most at risk

When we talk about safety recalls involving toys like the Oball Rattle, it is important to be specific about who is actually in danger. The primary group at immediate and significant risk here is infants and toddlers, typically those under the age of three. This is not just a general guideline; it is a biological reality tied to how young children explore their world. At this developmental stage, putting objects in their mouths is a fundamental way they learn about texture, shape, and taste. The recalled Oball Rattles are designed with finger holes and contain small, colorful beads inside clear plastic discs. For an adult, these beads are harmless decorative elements that make the rattle noisy and visually interesting. However, for a young child, those beads represent a potent choking hazard. If the clear plastic disc breaks, as it is prone to do during rough play or dropping, the beads are released. A toddler’s airway is incredibly narrow—roughly the size of a drinking straw. Any object that fits into that space can block breathing completely and quickly.

The severity of this risk is highlighted by the 42 reports received by Kids II regarding the plastic discs breaking. More alarming are the specific incidents where beads were found in children’s mouths and three reports of gagging. These are not abstract statistics; they are real moments of panic for parents and caregivers. The vulnerability of this age group is compounded by their lack of coordination and judgment. They do not understand that small parts can be dangerous, nor do they have the fine motor skills to remove a bead from their mouth if it becomes lodged there. Unlike older children or adults, infants cannot reliably cough up an obstruction if it blocks their windpipe. This makes the presence of small, loose components in any product used by this demographic particularly critical.

While the primary concern is for the child using the toy, caregivers and parents are also at risk, but in a different way: the risk of emotional distress and the potential for rapid emergency response situations. The design of the Oball, with its 28 finger holes and four-inch diameter, makes it appealing to small hands, encouraging prolonged use. This extended interaction increases the likelihood of wear and tear on the plastic discs. Parents who purchase these items may not realize that "tough" plastic can still fracture under the specific stress patterns created by young children’s grips and drops. Therefore, the risk is highest in households with children who are in the oral exploration phase and active enough to drop or squeeze toys frequently. If you have a child who puts everything in their mouth, this particular hazard moves from a theoretical concern to an urgent priority for removal.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action or contact the manufacturer, it is essential to confirm that your specific Oball Rattle is part of this recall. Because Kids II produced these items in various colors and with different production codes, not every ball looks identical on the outside, but the internal structure and specific markings are what matter most for identification. The first step is to visually inspect the toy itself. You are looking for a four-inch diameter ball featuring twenty-eight finger holes. These rattles were manufactured in four distinct color variations: pink, blue, green, and orange. While the exterior colors may vary, the internal components are critical to identifying the risk. Inside the ball, you will find embedded clear plastic discs containing beads. Specifically, recall this includes units with one clear plastic disc filled entirely with orange beads, as well as those with two clear plastic discs that have beads of varying colors arranged around the perimeter.

The most definitive way to verify if your toy is subject to this recall is by checking for specific printed codes and model numbers. You must look closely at the inner surface of one of the plastic discs inside the rattle. On this inner surface, you should find the model number 81031 printed clearly. This same model number will also appear on the original packaging if you still have it. However, the model number alone is not enough to confirm the recall status, as production batches vary. You must also locate a small triangle on the inner surface of the rattle. Within or near this triangle, there will be a date code consisting of five digits.

Understanding how to read this date code is crucial for determining if your specific unit is included in this safety notice. The code follows a specific format where the first three numbers represent the day of the year (from 001 to 365) and the last digit represents the year of production. For this recall, only rattles with the following exact date codes are affected: T0486, T1456, T2316, T2856, and T3065. If your rattle has model number 81031 but a date code that does not match one of these five specific codes, it is not part of this particular recall. Double-check the triangle area carefully, as the markings can be small. If you are unsure or cannot locate the inner surface due to wear and tear, do not attempt to force the ball open. Instead, rely on the external packaging or contact the manufacturer directly with any photos or descriptions you have to confirm eligibility.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

When you encounter a product recall involving a safety hazard like the one issued by Kids II for their Oball Rattles, your immediate financial concern is often valid: “How do I get my money back?” It is important to understand that in this specific instance, the remedy provided by the manufacturer is straightforward and consumer-friendly. There is no need to attempt any DIY repairs or seek third-party fixes. The clear instruction from both the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Kids II is that you should receive a full refund for the recalled items. This means that if you purchased these rattles in pink, blue, green, or orange with model number 81031, you are entitled to have your entire purchase price returned to you, without having to keep the potentially dangerous product.

The process to claim this refund is designed to be accessible, but it requires you to take two distinct steps to ensure the transaction is completed correctly. First, and most critically for safety, you must immediately remove the recalled rattles from the reach of young children. Do not wait for your refund to process before doing this; the risk of choking on the small beads that can escape from the broken plastic disc is immediate. Once the item is safely out of the home or secured away from children, you need to initiate the contact with the firm. Kids II has established specific channels for consumers to handle these returns and refunds efficiently.

You have two primary options for reaching the company to arrange your refund. You may call their dedicated toll-free number at 877-243-7314. This line is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Speaking with a representative can provide immediate confirmation of your eligibility and guide you through any specific shipping or return label instructions they may provide. Alternatively, if you prefer digital communication or wish to review the details at your own pace, you can visit the official website at www.kidsii.com. On the homepage, scroll to the very bottom of the page and click on the link labeled “Recalls.” This section will contain the specific recall notice for the Oball Rattles and further instructions on how to proceed with your claim.

It is worth noting that the recall does not offer a repair kit or a replacement unit. The hazard involves the structural integrity of the clear plastic disc, which can break and release small beads. Because this is a fundamental design flaw related to safety rather than a minor cosmetic defect, the manufacturer has determined that a full refund is the only appropriate remedy. There are no conditions attached to this refund other than the verification that you possess one of the affected date codes (T0486, T1456, T2316, T2856, or T3065). You do not need to prove the item broke; simply possessing the recalled product is sufficient to qualify for your money back. This approach prioritizes your safety and peace of mind over any potential restocking fees or partial credits.

If you have lost your receipt, do not panic. The recall process generally relies on the product’s date code and model number rather than a paper receipt to verify eligibility. However, having proof of purchase can sometimes speed up the administrative side of the refund. If you are unsure about the date code printed on the small triangle on the inner surface of the rattle, take a clear photo of it before contacting support. This will help the customer service team quickly identify your specific unit and ensure you are directed to the correct refund protocol. Remember, the goal here is to remove a choking hazard from your home and recover your funds seamlessly.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why a parent or caregiver might hesitate to stop using a beloved toy like the Oball Rattle. These balls are designed to be engaging, with their bright colors and tactile finger holes that encourage grasping and shaking. When a toy has been part of a child’s daily routine for months, discarding it can feel like an unnecessary inconvenience, especially when the defect is hidden inside the structure of the ball. However, ignoring this recall carries significant risks that extend far beyond mere frustration or the loss of a favorite plaything. The core issue here is not just that the toy is broken; it is that the broken pieces become immediate, accessible dangers to a developing child.

The specific hazard lies in the clear plastic disc embedded within the rattle. Over time, with regular shaking, dropping, and chewing—which is natural behavior for infants and toddlers exploring objects—the structural integrity of this disc can fail. When it breaks, it releases small beads into the environment where the child can reach them. These are not large, easily visible chunks; they are small enough to fit entirely into a young child’s mouth. For an adult, picking up a tiny bead is a minor annoyance that might be swept away or thrown in the trash. For a toddler, whose airway is significantly smaller than that of an adult, that same bead can become lodged in the throat.

The consequences of ignoring this hazard are grounded in real-world incidents reported to the manufacturer. Kids II has documented 42 separate reports where the plastic disc broke and released beads. Among these reports, there were two instances where beads were found inside children’s mouths and three cases where children experienced gagging. While these numbers may seem small in isolation, each report represents a moment of genuine panic and potential medical emergency for a family. Gagging is the body’s instinctive attempt to clear an airway obstruction; it is a distressing and frightening event for both the child and the caregiver. In more severe scenarios, if the bead were to slide further down, it could cause complete airway blockage, leading to choking, suffocation, or even death. This is not hyperbole; it is the standard medical reality of small object ingestion in young children.

Beyond the immediate physical danger, there is also the risk of secondary injury. A child who gags or chokes may instinctively thrash or fall, potentially hitting their head or body on nearby furniture or floors. Additionally, if the plastic disc shatters into sharp fragments rather than just releasing beads, there is a risk of cuts to the mouth, tongue, or gums. These injuries can become infected if not treated promptly, adding a layer of medical complexity to what started as a simple toy defect.

Furthermore, continuing to use the recalled item normalizes the presence of broken plastic in the play environment. Children are adept at mimicking adult behaviors; if they see a caregiver ignoring a broken part of a toy, they may learn to handle broken toys themselves, increasing their risk of injury from other sources. The silence of the defect—beads rattling inside the ball until they escape—means you cannot rely on sound or visual cues to know when the danger has materialized. By the time you notice the beads are missing, they may already be in the child’s hands, mouth, or pocket. The only way to eliminate this risk is to remove the hazard entirely, ensuring that your child’s playtime remains a source of joy and development, not anxiety and potential harm.

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