RC2 recalls potty and feeding seats

The RC2 corporation recalled two of its First Years products today because they pose a hazard to young children. A recall of 100,000 reclining feeding seats intended for newborns and toddlers was made after the company received 12 reports of children falling out of the seats and 38 more of the safety strap pulling out of its slots. The second recall involves 160,000 potty chairs with a decorative plaque tainted with lead paint. RC2, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, is the same company that made two recalls of Thomas and Friends railway toys—totaling  1.7 million items—earlier this year because the toys violated federal lead paint standards.

The First Years newborn-to-toddler reclining feeding seats
The made-in-the-U.S.A. feeding chairs were sold by various retailers nationwide from November 2006 through October 2007 for about $30. The seat can be adjusted between reclining and upright positions and includes a tray, reversible cushion and a three-point safety belt. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, which announced the recall, said the seat's restraining straps can pull out of the waist strap slots, posing a fall hazard to its young occupants. Consumers should stop using the feeding seat immediately and contact RC2 to obtain free replacement straps.

The First Years 3-in-1 Flush and Sounds potty seats
The recalled potty chairs have a Winnie the Pooh themed plaque on the back on which the orange paint violates federal lead paint standards. The seats were sold at mass and specialty retailers nationwide from April 2006 through August 2007 for between $20 and $25. RC2 is offering owners of the seat a permanent clear protective shield that covers the plaque and cautions parents not to let children use the seat until the cover is put in place.

Parents with questions about the recalls can contact RC2 toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.recalls.rc2.com.