Popular kids’ toy recalled due to ‘impalement’ safety risk

A toy maker has recalled 7.5 million copies of a popular bath toy after it impaled, cut and stabbed children, putting some kids in hospital.

A popular kids’ toy has been recalled due to ‘impalement’ and stabbing risks. Picture: Kmart.

A toy maker has recalled 7.5 million copies of a popular bath and water toy after it impaled, cut and stabbed children, putting some kids in hospital.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced this week that Zuru, a California-based company that imports the China-manufactured toys to Australia and the US, had chosen to recall 6.5 million full-size Robo Alive Junior Baby Shark Sing Swim Bath Toys and 1 million mini-size Robo Alive Junior Mini Baby Shark Swimming Bath Toys.

Zuru said it was aware of reports of 12 children who suffered “impalement injuries, lacerations and puncture wounds” after falling or sitting on the full-size version of the singing and swimming water toy.

The “Baby Shark” toys have been recalled after “impaling” children. Picture: CPSC.

“When using the recalled bath toys, particularly in a bathtub or wading pool, a child can slip and fall or sit onto the hard plastic top fin of the shark,” the company said in a media release.

The toy-related injuries were to the children’s “genital, anorectal and facial areas,” it added.

Nine of those injuries required children to receive stitches or other medical attention, according to the CPSC.

So far, there have been no reported injuries related to the recalled Mini Baby Shark bath toys, according to the news release.

In Australia, the toy is sold at Kmart. Picture: Kmart.

It’s unclear whether a recall will be conducted in Australia. Picture: Kmart.

In Australia, the toy, which sings and swims ‘Baby Shark’ when placed in water, is sold in-store and online at Kmart and online at Amazon.

According to a product description on Kmart’s website, the 18cm x 20cm toys are suitable for children older than 18 months.

“Bathing will now be a fun activity for your little munchkin with this baby shark toy that swims and sings!” the description reads.

News.com.au has contacted Kmart and Product Safety Australia to determine whether Zuru’s recall applies to Australia.

The CPSC advised shoppers who had purchased the toys to stop using them immediately and contact Zuru for a full refund.

The full-size recalled toys were sold at American retailers including Walmart and Target between May 2019 and March 2023, while the mini toys were sold from July 2020 to June 2023.