Hook on toy kitchen led to toddler’s death, triggering nationwide recall.
Nearly 200,000 play kitchens have been pulled from the market following the tragic death of a toddler. A 23-month-old boy in Oregon lost his life after becoming caught on a hook attached to one of the toy kitchen sets. The child had been crawling through an opening in the back of the unit when his shirt snagged on the hook. He couldn’t get free. Authorities confirmed the cause of death as strangulation and asphyxia. The incident took place in 2023 and led to a safety investigation that triggered the recall.
The play kitchen in question is the KidKraft Farm to Table Model, sold under Backyard Kids, LLC. Though most units were sold online through major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and KidKraft’s website, about 400 of the recalled kitchens came directly from Backyard Kids. A small number also made it into Canada.
The units sold for prices ranging from $120 to $270. They were marketed as safe, imaginative play spaces for children. But after the child’s death, that safety claim has been widely questioned. In a public statement, KidKraft confirmed the model presents serious hazards to young children who might climb on the structure or try to crawl through the open space at the back. The company advised families to stop using the toy immediately and to remove the hooks that come attached to the unit.
Replacement hooks are being offered by Backyard Kids, though the company has not made a public comment about the case. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued the official recall and advised parents to take immediate steps to prevent another incident. According to the CPSC, the hooks were meant for holding toy items like pots and pans, but their placement made them a danger if a child entered the structure from behind.
KidKraft stated in its recall that the design poses a risk of injury or death. The model number involved is 53411. The company has since filed for bankruptcy, though it has not been confirmed whether that move is directly tied to the child’s death or the resulting recall.
In product recalls involving children’s items, speed of response is critical. In this case, the delay between the child’s death and the public recall has raised concerns among safety advocates and parents alike. The kitchen sets were on the market for years—since 2018—without changes to this design.
Product safety experts often point to hidden dangers in items designed for children. Small parts, sharp edges, and strangulation risks are not new problems, but they continue to surface when designs are not thoroughly tested. Hooks, straps, and cords are known risk points, especially in items where children may climb or crawl.
Parents and caregivers are left with another reminder that even toys meant to encourage creativity and pretend play can carry real risks. Even something as simple as a hook, in the wrong place, can end in tragedy. Play kitchens are a staple in many homes and childcare centers. They encourage role play and help build motor skills. But this case makes clear that even widely used products can be dangerous when flaws go unnoticed or ignored.
Those who purchased the affected kitchen are urged to stop use immediately and contact Backyard Kids for replacement parts. The CPSC continues to monitor reports related to toy safety and urges the public to report any concerns. No additional injuries have been reported at this time, but the recall remains active.
This incident is a painful reminder that product testing cannot stop once an item hits the market. Safety reviews must evolve as real-world use uncovers hidden dangers. One life lost is already too many.
Sources:
Almost 200,000 play kitchens recalled after death of toddler who was strangled on hook
Nearly 200,000 kids play kitchens recalled after 1 reported death
Join the conversation!