What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a significant recall involving the Skip Hop Baby Sesame Street Elmo Silicone Teether. This specific product line, which blends beloved children’s television characters with functional baby care items, is being pulled from the market due to safety concerns that necessitate immediate attention from parents and caregivers. The recall centers on a silicone teether designed in the shape of Elmo’s face from the popular educational program Sesame Street. Visually, the product is quite distinct, featuring a color palette dominated by red, orange, and white to mimic Elmo’s characteristic appearance. It includes black eyes as part of the facial design, along with additional playful elements such as a textured blue key and a fabric crayon box that incorporates beige, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red colors.
To help consumers identify whether they possess the affected item, it is crucial to check the specific model number attached to the product. The model number for this recalled Baby Sesame Street Elmo Silicone Teether is 9R263210. A definitive way to confirm if you have the recalled unit is to look for a red tag bearing the Skip Hop brand name and the teether’s model number, which is attached directly to the side of the fabric crayon box portion of the toy. This identification step is vital because while the product may look appealing and familiar, only those with this specific model number are part of the official recall notice.
The scope of this recall is defined by the agency as involving a certain number of units, though the precise total quantity of affected teethers was not specified in the provided recall facts. These items were sold at various retail locations, but the specific dates and stores where they were available are not detailed in the current record. However, the urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that Skip Hop Inc. has already received four consumer reports indicating that the black eyes on these teethers can detach, particularly when the product is frozen to soothe a baby’s gums. While no injuries have been reported to date, the potential for a choking hazard is serious enough to warrant this widespread precautionary measure. Consumers who own this item should treat it as part of the recall until they can verify otherwise through the official channels provided by Skip Hop.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a seemingly minor design vulnerability that becomes dangerous under specific conditions. The Skip Hop Baby Sesame Street Elmo Silicone Teethers feature black eyes attached to the red, orange, and white silicone face. Under normal use at room temperature, these components remain secure. However, when parents freeze the teether to provide cold relief for sore gums, the physics of the materials change dramatically. Silicone, while flexible, can become stiffer when frozen, and the adhesive or mechanical attachment point holding the black eyes may not be robust enough to withstand the stress caused by the expansion of ice or the rigidity shift that occurs at low temperatures.
The critical failure mode here is detachment. According to reports received by Skip Hop Inc., the black eyes have been known to pop off or detach from the teether body after it has been frozen. This is not a slow wear-and-tear issue; it is a sudden separation of a small, hard object from the main product. Once detached, these eyes become loose foreign objects in your child’s environment. Because they are small and fit easily into a toddler’s mouth, they transform from a harmless decorative feature into a severe choking hazard. This is particularly alarming because many parents intentionally freeze these items to soothe teething pain, meaning the very action taken to comfort the child creates the risk.
To understand why this is so dangerous, it helps to look at how choking injuries occur in infants and toddlers. Young children explore the world by putting objects in their mouths. Their airways are significantly smaller than those of adults, and their cough reflexes may not be strong enough to dislodge a small object that blocks the trachea. If a detached eye becomes lodged in the windpipe, it can completely obstruct airflow. This blockage prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs, leading to suffocation. The risk is not just about swallowing the object; it is about the physical barrier it creates in the airway. Even if the child does not immediately choke, having small detachable parts available during play or sleep increases the likelihood of accidental inhalation or aspiration.
Skip Hop Inc. has documented four consumer reports where the eyes detached from the teether. While there have been no reported injuries to date, the potential for serious injury or death is real and immediate. The hazard is not theoretical; it is a confirmed mechanical failure that occurs when the product is used in the manner most commonly intended by caregivers—freezing it for relief. This underscores why the CPSC has issued this recall: the risk is inherent in the use of the product as designed, making it impossible to mitigate through careful supervision alone. If the eyes can detach, they are a hazard that requires the product to be removed from the home entirely.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk for this specific recall consists of infants and toddlers who are currently in the teething stage or who enjoy mouthing objects as a way to explore their environment. These products are designed specifically for babies, typically between the ages of four months and two years, who use silicone teethers to soothe sore gums. Because the product is marketed toward this demographic, it ends up in the hands of young children who lack the physical coordination and cognitive awareness to avoid putting small objects in their mouths. This age group is inherently vulnerable because their airways are significantly smaller than those of older children or adults, making even tiny detached parts potentially life-threatening.
The specific hazard here involves the black eyes of the Elmo face design. While these features add to the product’s appeal for parents and caregivers looking for recognizable characters, they create a critical danger point when the teether is frozen. Many parents freeze silicone teethers to provide extra relief for swollen gums during intense teething episodes. However, the extreme cold can cause the adhesive or attachment mechanism holding the black eyes to weaken or fail. If these eyes detach while the child is chewing on or sucking the teether, they become loose choking hazards. For an infant or toddler, who may not yet have the gag reflex developed enough to protect their airway effectively, swallowing or inhaling such a small object can lead to immediate and serious injury or death.
While no injuries have been reported at this time, the risk remains highest for children who are active chewers or who place objects in their mouths frequently. It is important to note that the danger does not disappear once the child outgrows the primary teething phase. Toddlers and young preschoolers often continue to mouth toys or carry them in their pockets, where small parts can detach unnoticed. Even if a child is older than the typical teething age, the presence of small, detachable components in any toy they handle poses a choking risk that caregivers must actively monitor.
Parents and caregivers should be particularly vigilant if they have chosen to freeze this item for comfort relief. The act of freezing introduces a variable that can compromise the structural integrity of the eyes. Therefore, anyone who owns this product, regardless of their child’s current age or teething status, should treat it as a potential hazard until it is properly disposed of or replaced. The vulnerability lies not just in the object itself, but in the common parenting practice of modifying how the toy is used (i.e., freezing it), which directly triggers the failure mode that leads to the choking risk.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you are unsure whether the teether in your home matches the specific product being recalled by Skip Hop Inc., do not guess. Because this recall involves a physical defect that can occur during normal use (such as freezing), relying on memory or general appearance is not enough. You need to verify the exact model number and inspect the item for the specific visual markers described below. The recalled product is the Skip Hop Baby Sesame Street Elmo Silicone Teether, and identifying it requires a careful look at both its design features and its labeling.
First, examine the teether itself. It is designed to look like Elmo’s face from Sesame Street. You should be looking for a product that is primarily red, orange, and white, featuring distinct black eyes. The item also includes additional accessories: a textured key that is blue in color, and a fabric crayon box attached to the side. This fabric box will have multiple colors, including beige, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. If your teether does not match this specific color palette and design combination, it is likely not part of this recall.
The most critical step is to find the model number. Look for a red tag attached to the side of the fabric crayon box on the teether. The Skip Hop brand name and the specific model number are printed on this tag. For this recall, the affected model number is 9R263210. If you see this number on the red tag, your product is included in the recall. If the tag is missing, worn off, or displays a different number, check the packaging if you still have it, as the model number should also be listed there.
Keep in mind that this recall was announced on September 3, 2026, and products may have been sold at various retailers carrying The William Carter Company brands. However, the date of purchase is less important than the physical characteristics of the item. Even if you bought it years ago, if it matches the description above with model number 9R263210, it poses a risk. Do not rely on the age of the product or where you bought it to determine safety. The only reliable way to know is to check for the red tag with the correct model number and confirm the Elmo face design with black eyes. If you find this item, stop using it immediately and follow the remedy steps provided by Skip Hop.
What to do — step by step
If you have the Skip Hop Baby Sesame Street Elmo Silicone Teether in your home, please pause what you are doing and take immediate action. This is not a situation where it is safe to wait for a convenient moment. Because the hazard involves a choking risk that can lead to serious injury or death, time is of the essence. The first and most critical step is to stop using the product immediately. Do not attempt to freeze the teether again, as freezing exacerbates the defect that causes the eyes to detach. More importantly, do not leave the product within reach of your child under any circumstances. Young children are naturally curious and may try to pull at the black eyes on Elmo’s face, especially if they have been previously frozen or handled roughly. Remove the teether from your child’s play area, diaper bag, and crib right now.
Once the product is safely out of reach, do not throw it in the regular household trash while it is still attached to its packaging or if there is any chance a child could access it. Instead, contact Skip Hop Inc. to initiate the remedy process. You have two primary ways to reach them: call their toll-free number at 800-692-4674 or visit their dedicated recall website at www.skiphoprecall.com. The phone line is available from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If you call, have your model number ready (9R263210) and the red tag attached to the side of the crayon box visible, as this helps customer service verify your unit quickly. If you prefer online support, navigating to www.skiphop.com and clicking on “Product Recalls” at the bottom of the page will also guide you to the necessary resources.
When you contact Skip Hop through either method, follow their instructions carefully to obtain a refund. The company is offering a refund in the form of a gift card rather than a traditional cash return or direct replacement unit. This gift card is not limited to just Skip Hop products; it can be used at any brand store owned by The William Carter Company, including Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh, and Little Planet. This provides some flexibility for your future purchases, but please note that the specific terms of the gift card will be provided during your interaction with the company. Ensure you complete all steps required by Skip Hop to receive this compensation.
Finally, you must dispose of the recalled teether safely. The instructions from Skip Hop Inc. will provide further details on how to destroy or discard the product so that no one else can accidentally use it. Typically, this involves cutting away the hazardous parts (the eyes) or otherwise rendering the item unusable before placing it in the trash. Do not donate the item to secondhand stores, friends, or family, even if you think they might be careful. The defect is inherent to the manufacturing process and affects all units of this model. By following these steps—stopping use, contacting the manufacturer, securing your refund, and disposing of the item—you are protecting your child from a potentially fatal choking hazard.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that the Skip Hop Baby Sesame Street Elmo Silicone Teether in your home matches the details of this recall, your next step is straightforward but requires immediate action. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Skip Hop Inc. have established a clear remedy to address the choking hazard posed by the detachable black eyes. It is important to understand right away that there is no repair option available for this specific product. Because the safety issue involves the structural integrity of the toy’s facial features when frozen, fixing it is not a viable or safe solution. Instead, the company has opted to provide a full refund to all affected consumers. This approach ensures that you are made whole financially while simultaneously removing the dangerous item from your household.
To initiate this process, you must contact Skip Hop Inc. directly through their dedicated recall channels. You have two primary ways to do this: by phone or online. If you prefer speaking with a representative, you can call their toll-free number at 800-692-4674. These customer service lines are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. This window allows ample time during the workday for support staff to assist you with your claim. Alternatively, if you prefer to handle the process digitally, you can visit www.skiphoprecall.com. This dedicated webpage is designed specifically to guide you through the recall procedure without navigating the general site’s complex menu structure.
Upon contacting Skip Hop or visiting their website, you will be issued a refund in the form of a gift card. It is crucial to note that this is not a cash reimbursement sent to your bank account or credit card statement. Instead, the compensation comes as a digital or physical gift card that can be redeemed at any store owned by The William Carter Company. This network includes several well-known brands such as Carter’s, Skip Hop, OshKosh B’gosh, and Little Planet. While this limitation means you cannot use the funds at your preferred retailer outside of this family of stores, it does provide flexibility if you shop for baby clothes or accessories from these specific retailers.
Along with your refund instructions, Skip Hop will provide further guidance on how to safely dispose of the recalled teether. Do not simply throw the item in the regular trash while it is still intact, as someone else might retrieve it and unknowingly expose a child to the choking hazard. Follow the specific disposal instructions provided during your claim process carefully. By completing these steps promptly, you ensure that your child is protected from the risk of serious injury or death associated with the detached eyes, while also receiving fair compensation for the product.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why a parent or caregiver might hesitate to discard a beloved toy, especially one that has provided comfort during those long, difficult months of teething. The Skip Hop Baby Sesame Street Elmo Silicone Teether is designed to be soothing and engaging, with its bright colors and textured elements. When you see the familiar red face of Elmo and feel the soft silicone in your hand, it can be easy to rationalize that “it’s probably fine” or that the risk is minimal. However, ignoring a recall notice for this specific product carries a grave potential consequence that goes far beyond simple inconvenience: the very real possibility of choking.
The core danger here lies in the construction of the toy’s eyes. As confirmed by the CPSC and Skip Hop Inc., the black eyes can detach from the teether if it is frozen. Many caregivers freeze teethers to help numb a baby’s gums, believing this makes the toy more effective. Unfortunately, the cold temperatures can compromise the adhesion or material integrity of the eye components. Once detached, these small black pieces become loose objects within reach of an infant. For a baby who naturally mouths everything they touch, a small, detachable part like an eye is not just a lost accessory; it is a fatal hazard. The airway of an infant is narrow, and even a small object can completely block breathing.
You might be thinking that since Skip Hop Inc. has received four consumer reports of eyes detaching but no reported injuries yet, the risk must be low. It is crucial to understand that the absence of reported injuries does not mean the danger is absent. In cases of choking hazards, the worst outcomes are often prevented only by luck or immediate intervention. Every instance of a piece detaching is a warning sign that the structural failure has occurred. If you continue to use the teether, even if it appears intact today, the risk remains because the defect is inherent to the design and material when exposed to freezing conditions. The next detachment could happen at any moment, without visible warning.
Choosing to keep this teether also means exposing your child to an unpredictable environment where they are constantly putting objects in their mouth. A small plastic eye can easily slip past a gag reflex or be inhaled before a caregiver notices it is missing. The consequences of such an event are severe and irreversible. Unlike a broken zipper on a jacket or a loose button on a shirt, which might just require sewing, a choking incident requires emergency medical response and can lead to brain damage or death within minutes. Ignoring the recall effectively means betting your child’s safety against a known, verified mechanical failure. There is no upside to keeping the toy, only a significant downside that could change your life forever.
Furthermore, continuing to use recalled items can sometimes complicate matters if an incident were to occur. While the primary concern is physical safety, there is also the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have taken every possible step to protect your child. By disposing of the item and obtaining a refund as instructed, you are not just following rules; you are actively removing a known threat from your home. The inconvenience of contacting Skip Hop Inc. or visiting their website is negligible compared to the profound relief of knowing your baby is no longer at risk from a detached eye. Please do not wait for a piece to fall off before acting. The potential outcome of ignoring this recall is far too high to gamble with.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a defect in a particular batch of silicone teethers, the underlying principle—that small parts can detach and become choking hazards—applies to many items in your home. Silicone toys, bath products, and even certain types of pacifiers are designed to withstand significant stress, but they are not immune to wear and tear over time. To maintain a safer environment for infants and toddlers, it is helpful to understand how these materials degrade and what routine checks can prevent accidents before they happen.
One often overlooked aspect of toy safety is the impact of temperature extremes on silicone and rubber components. As seen in this incident, freezing a teether can cause structural changes that weaken the bond between different parts of the product. When you freeze toys to soothe gums, you are subjecting them to thermal shock. Over time, repeated freezing and thawing cycles can make adhesives brittle or cause molded pieces to separate more easily than they would at room temperature. It is a good practice to inspect any frozen item for cracks, discoloration, or loose attachments before giving it back to your child. If the texture feels unusually hard or if you notice any separation around eyes, noses, or other appendages, discard the item immediately rather than risking a minor repair.
Regular visual and tactile inspections are your first line of defense against choking hazards. Make it a habit to squeeze, pull, and wiggle every part of a toy during bath time or playtime. Pay close attention to areas where different materials meet, such as where fabric attaches to plastic or where painted features are applied to silicone. If you feel any roughness, sharp edges, or loose components under your fingers, the item is no longer safe. Children explore with their mouths first; if a part can fit through a toilet paper roll tube, it is too small for a child under three years old, regardless of how securely it seems attached.
Beyond physical inspection, staying informed about product safety is crucial. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) maintains an online database of recalls that is freely accessible to the public. Consider subscribing to email alerts from the CPSC or following their social media channels for immediate notifications regarding high-risk items. Additionally, register your new purchases with the manufacturers whenever possible. This ensures that if a latent defect is discovered after you have bought the product, you are among the first to know and can take action quickly. Combining proactive registration with regular home safety audits creates a robust layer of protection for your little ones.
- Inspect silicone toys monthly for signs of wear, especially around glued or molded parts.
- Avoid freezing items that have multiple components attached by adhesives unless the manufacturer explicitly states it is safe.
- Register all new baby products with the brand to ensure you receive direct communication in case of future recalls.