Recall: My Pet Bear Ride-On Toy - Safety Warning

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Nychell White
Originally issued June 26, 1996, Revised October 22, 2004	(301) 504-7063
Release # 96-151

CPSC, Hedstrom Issue Safety Warning for My Pet Bear Ride-On Toy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hedstrom Corporation of Bedford, Pa., warned owners of approximately 9,400 Hedstrom My Pet Bear ride-on toys to remove the foam covering from the two horizontal, metal support tubes in order to eliminate any risk of children choking on the foam.

Hedstrom has received four reports of children biting off pieces of the protective foam. No injuries have been reported.

My Pet Bear, model number 2-551, is a bouncing/rocking toy recommended for children ages nine months to 36 months. The ride, measuring 21 inches high, 36 inches long, and 22 inches wide, resembles a bear with a seat attached to its back. Four heavy springs attach the bear to a metal frame with two horizontal bars covered with light tan foam padding.

Retail stores sold the My Pet Bear ride-on toy nationwide from January 1995 through May 1996 for about $45.

The firm is out of business and can no longer be contacted.