Nearly 200,000 kitchen set toys recalled after one reported death: Safety tips for parents |
Nearly 192,000 KidKraft “Farm to Table” play kitchen sets (model 53411) have been recalled after a tragic incident in which a 23-month-old child died when their shirt got caught on a hook on the back of the toy set.The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall on July 31, warning of strangulation and asphyxiation risks, in coordination with Backyard Kids, LLC. Although the kitchens are labeled for children age 3 and up, younger children can climb or crawl through the back opening and get trapped. Parents have been urged to stop use, remove the original hooks, and request free replacement hooks immediately.
What happened?
In February 2023, a toddler in Oregon climbed or crawled through the back opening, got his shirt caught on one of the accessory hooks. He was unable to free himself and suffocated, and tragically died of strangulation and asphyxia. No other incidents have been reported after that tragic death.Though marketed for ages 3 and up, children under three often explore in unpredictable ways. The toy’s rear hooks, intended to hold pretend pots and pans, pose a strangulation risk if a child climbs onto the counter or crawls through the back; their clothing may catch on those hooks, creating a serious strangulation risk. The clear design flaw becomes deadly when a small child becomes entangled.Additionally, the size and placement of the opening at the back encourage climbing, which means children might end up in risky positions they weren’t meant to be in.
The recall details
Announced in July, the recall covers every KidKraft Farm to Table Play Kitchen, model number 53411, sold online and in stores like Amazon, Walmart, and KidKraft.com from 2018 through July 2025, priced between $120 and $270.
Though originally made by KidKraft, Inc., which filed for bankruptcy in 2024, the recall is managed by Backyard Kids, LLC, which has agreed to provide free replacement hooks for any affected unit, even though only about 400 of the nearly 192,000 units were sold directly by them.
What parents should do now
The accident shows how even well-intentioned design features (such as hooks to organize accessories) can become hazards when real-world play isn’t strictly supervised. Parents, with kids at home, are urged to:Stop using the play kitchen immediately.Carefully remove all original accessory hooks from the back of the play kitchen.Take a clear photo showing the hooks removed.Parents should also check whether younger siblings or visiting children might still interact and climb on the toy, even if the primary user is older.Request free replacement hooks. Fill out the recall form and upload your photo proof and supply details. Visit kidkraft.com/pages/recall or call Backyard Kids or email recall@kidkraft.com to submit the form and request free replacement hooks.
Other homemade safety checks to consider
Children don’t follow rules; they explore, climb, and crawl. That makes it essential for caregivers to look at toys from children’s eye-level and remove anything that can entangle or trap. This tragic incident should be a wake-up call, and parents must take steps beyond recalling this product to make their homes safer:Inspect other toys: Look out for loops, protruding pieces, or climbing hazards.Anchor large toys: Use wall straps or anti-tip kits to prevent climbing accidents.Supervise playtime: Especially when children are using new or large toys.Follow age guidelines carefully: Children’s curiosity often exceeds recommended age limits.Stay updated on recalls through trusted sources like CPSC.gov or Kids In Danger.
