Target Recalls 204,000 Weighted Blankets After 2 Girls Die

The New York Times, CNN, and other major news sources reported today, that Target has recalled about 204,000 of its weighted blankets after two young girls reportedly became entrapped in one and died from asphyxiation, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday.

The Pillowfort weighted blanket for children poses a risk of such deaths because a child can “become entrapped by unzipping and entering the blanket,” the agency said.

The agency and Target are encouraging customers to stop using the blankets immediately and contact the department store chain for a refund. The blankets, which weigh six pounds and are 60 inches long and 40 inches wide, come in eight colors and patterns, and have a removable, waterproof, washable cover.

According to the New York Times, Joe Unger, a Target spokesman, said that the company acted swiftly once it was alerted to the issues with the weighted blankets to remove them from the market.

“We send our deepest condolences and support to the family that lost their loved ones,” Mr. Unger said in an emailed statement. “In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the product manufacturer, we are also initiating a full product recall and are in the process of alerting consumers.”

 

The item numbers for the blankets that have been recalled, printed on the fabric tab attached to the removable blanket cover, are:

• 097-02-0140, Unicorn White

• 097-02-0148, Space Navy

• 097-02-0361, Pink

• 097-02-0363, Blue

• 097-02-0364, Gray

• 097-02-1603, Buffalo Plaid — Red

• 097-02-3904, Blue Constellation

• 097-02-3905, Unicorn — Pink