CPSC Recall in 1988: K Mart Recalls Squeeze Toys & Telephone Rattles

Updated on March 25, 2026.

See the recall details below. You can also see similar information for other consumer product recalls in 1988.

Data Source: CPSC.

Recall Number: 88-083

Date: October 10, 1988

Product Name: "Baby's First Squeeze Toys," "Baby's First Playball" squeeze toys, and "Telephone Receiver Rattle" toys

Recall Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- K Mart Corporation of Troy, Michigan, is voluntarily recalling an estimated 81,000 "Baby's First Squeeze Toys" and an estimated 75, 000 "Baby's First Playball" squeeze toys, which sold for less than $1.00 at K Mart stores since November 1987, and also an estimated 33,000 plastic "Telephone Receiver Rattles" which sold for less than $2 in stores since December, 1987. Consumers should immediately take the squeeze toys and rattles away from infants and return them to any K Mart store for a full refund of the purchase price. The squeakers in the squeeze toys may come out and could present a potential choking hazard to children under three years of age. The "Baby's First Squeeze Toys" came in three shapes: a telephone receiver, a barbell, and a dumbbell. The package was labeled "Baby's First Squeeze Toys", product code "#28-17-93." The playball squeeze toys came in the form of a baseball, a basketball, and a soccer ball. The package was labeled "Baby's First Playball," product code "#28-17-96." The rattles are shaped like a telephone receiver. They may break and produce plastic pieces and beads, which could present a choking hazard and may cut infants. The package was labeled "Plastic Telephone Receiver Rattle," product code "#28-17-86." U.S. Customs Service and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission identified the rattles and squeeze toys during their joint surveillance program at the ports of Charleston, Dallas and Savannah.

Hazard Description:

The squeakers in the squeeze toys may come out and could present a potential choking hazard to children under three years of age. The rattles are shaped like a telephone receiver. They may break and produce plastic pieces and beads, which could present a choking hazard and may cut infants.

Consumer Action:

Remedy Type:

Refund

Units: Approximately 81,000 "Baby's First Squeeze Toys," 75,000 "Baby's First Playball" squeeze toys, and 33,000 plastic "Telephone Receiver Rattles"

Incidents:

Sold At:

The "Baby's First Squeeze Toys" and "Baby's First Playball" squeeze toys sold for less than $1.00 at K Mart stores since November 1987, and the "Telephone Receiver Rattles" sold for less than $2 in stores since December, 1987.

Manufactured In: