The safety of children’s clothing, particularly everyday items like hooded sweatshirts, is a concern of paramount importance for parents and guardians across North America. What might seem like an innocuous design feature – the simple drawstring – has, over decades, been identified as a significant, even deadly, strangulation hazard. Regulatory bodies in both the United States and Canada have consistently warned consumers about these hidden dangers, issuing strict guidelines and facilitating numerous product recalls to protect our youngest populations.
This article serves as an in-depth consumer report, designed to equip you with critical information regarding the inherent risks associated with drawstrings in children’s upper outerwear. Drawing exclusively from official recall notices and safety advisories issued by organizations such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada, we aim to shed light on why these garments pose a threat, illustrate the types of incidents that have occurred, and detail specific products that have been recalled due to non-compliance with established safety standards.
Our objective is to provide objective, factual, and actionable insights, empowering you to make informed decisions about the clothing your children wear. We will examine the regulatory framework that governs drawstring safety, dissect various recall scenarios, and, crucially, outline the immediate steps you can take to mitigate these identified hazards. By understanding the specifics of these recalls and adhering to safety recommendations, we can collectively work towards a safer environment for all children.
1. **The Fundamental Hazard and Regulatory Framework: Protecting Children from Drawstring Risks**The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has unequivocally determined that drawstrings in children’s upper outerwear represent a substantial product hazard. This determination is not made lightly; it stems from years of incident data and a clear understanding of the mechanics of strangulation and entanglement. Specifically, the CPSC identified hood and neck drawstrings on children’s upper outerwear in sizes 2T to 12, or their equivalent, as posing a direct strangulation hazard. This covers a wide age range, emphasizing the broad scope of the risk.
Beyond the neck and hood, the CPSC also established that waist and bottom drawstrings on children’s upper outerwear, when not meeting specific requirements, also present a substantial product hazard. To address this, clear limitations were set: the length of drawstrings at the waist and bottom of children’s upper outerwear in sizes 2T to 16 or the equivalent must be limited to 3 inches outside the drawstring channel when the garment is expanded to its fullest width. Furthermore, such garments must be free of toggles, knots, and other attachments at the free ends of drawstrings, as these can easily snag on objects. In cases where a waist or bottom drawstring in upper outerwear sizes 2T to 16 is one continuous string, it must be bar tacked, meaning stitched through to prevent the drawstring from being pulled entirely through its channel, thereby reducing the risk of a loop that could catch.
The genesis of these rigorous guidelines lies in tragic real-world incidents. CPSC staff are aware of a heartbreaking 26 deaths and 73 nonfatal incidents associated with neck/hood drawstrings on children’s outerwear between January 1985 and June 2019. These incidents involved children ranging from 18 months to 15 years of age, underscoring the pervasive nature of the danger across different developmental stages. The most common scenario involved drawstrings getting entangled on playground slides. Typically, as a child descended a slide, a toggle or knot on the drawstring would get caught in a small space or gap at the top of the slide, such as a protruding bolt or a tiny space between the guardrail and the slide platform. This situation presents a dire strangulation risk, tragically leading to fatalities.
Incidents have not been confined solely to playgrounds; other environments also pose risks. The CPSC has documented cases where a long, trailing drawstring at the waist of a jacket became caught on the closed door of a moving school bus, demonstrating how everyday situations can quickly escalate into life-threatening hazards. In response to these persistent dangers, the CPSC issued guidelines in February 1996, which were subsequently incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997. Recognizing the continued need for stringent enforcement, these guidelines and the voluntary standard culminated in a federal regulation issued in July 2011, solidifying the commitment to preventing children from strangling or getting entangled on neck and waist drawstrings in upper outerwear.
These comprehensive actions by the CPSC, mirrored by similar initiatives from Health Canada, highlight a critical emphasis on product safety, reliability, and performance. The regulatory framework is a testament to consumer advocacy, informing the public about important issues that affect the well-being and economic interests of families. By understanding these foundational safety principles and the documented hazards, consumers are better equipped to identify and address potential risks in their children’s wardrobes, ensuring adherence to best practices for child protection.
2. **Recall Spotlight: New Mode Sportswear’s 21 Pro USA Children’s Hoodies (2010)**Moving from the overarching regulatory context to specific instances of product non-compliance, we examine the voluntary recall announced on February 2, 2010, by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with New Mode Sportswear. This recall involved approximately 7,200 units of their 21 Pro USA Children’s Pullovers and Hoodies, which were identified as posing a significant strangulation hazard to children due to the presence of a drawstring through the hood. The firm, New Mode Sportswear, based in Garden Grove, California, initiated this recall to address the severe safety concerns associated with these garments.
The hazard, as clearly articulated by the CPSC, stemmed directly from the drawstring in the hood, which presented a risk of strangulation. This type of hazard aligns perfectly with the guidelines issued by the CPSC in February 1996 and the subsequent industry voluntary standard established in 1997. These guidelines were specifically designed to prevent children from strangling or becoming entangled by drawstrings in the neck and waist areas of upper garments like jackets or sweatshirts. The potential for the drawstring to catch on playground equipment, bicycle parts, or even bus doors was a key concern that necessitated this recall.
At the time of the recall, encouragingly, no incidents or injuries had been reported in connection with these specific New Mode Sportswear products. While the absence of reported incidents is positive, it does not diminish the potential for harm, which is why preventive recalls are crucial. The product description for these recalled items included children’s hooded pullover and zip hooded sweatshirts, available in sizes S-XL. They were sold in common colors such as black, navy blue, and heather gray. Consumers could identify the brand name “21 Pro USA” Sportswear along with the RN#92952 printed on a label sewn into the neck of the sweatshirts, providing clear identification for affected products.
These hazardous garments were sold at various T-shirt outlets and swap meets primarily on the West Coast, with sales occurring from January 2006 through July 2006. The price point for these sweatshirts was approximately $6, making them widely accessible to consumers. New Mode Sportswear manufactured these units in China. For consumers who had purchased these items, the remedy was straightforward and immediate: they were advised to remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts without delay to eliminate the hazard. Alternatively, consumers could return the garments to the place of purchase or directly to New Mode Sportswear for a full refund, ensuring that the hazardous product was removed from circulation and consumers were compensated. For additional information and assistance, consumers were directed to contact New Mode Sportswear toll-free at (888) 899-0888 or visit the firm’s website at www.21prousa.com, providing accessible channels for resolution.
3. **Recall Spotlight: Request Jeans Drawstring Hoodies (2007)**Another significant recall concerning drawstring hazards in children’s apparel was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with Request Jeans, a firm based in New York, N.Y., on March 28, 2007. This voluntary recall involved approximately 1,200 units of drawstring hoodies manufactured by Request Jeans, which were found to contain drawstrings through the hood that posed a substantial strangulation hazard to children. This action underscored the consistent application of CPSC guidelines to ensure the safety of children’s clothing products available in the market.
The identified hazard was, once again, the presence of drawstrings in the hood area, which could lead to strangulation or entanglement. This directly contravened the CPSC guidelines first issued in February 1996, which were specifically designed to prevent these types of serious injuries. The guidelines emphasized the critical importance of eliminating or modifying drawstrings in children’s upper garments to prevent them from becoming caught on various objects, which could result in a child being seriously harmed or killed. The proactive measure taken by Request Jeans, in conjunction with the CPSC, was a direct response to this known product safety risk.
Similar to the New Mode Sportswear recall, there were no reported incidents or injuries associated with these specific Request Jeans hoodies at the time of the recall announcement. This highlights the preventative nature of CPSC recalls, aiming to remove dangerous products from the market before harm occurs. The recall involved two distinct styles: the Short Sleeve Hoodie (identified by item number 11188SG) and the Long Sleeve Hoodie (item number 11218LG). The Short Sleeve Hoodie featured the word “REQUEST” printed all over the garment and was sold in olive green and light blue color options. The Long Sleeve Hoodie was characterized by a distinctive butterfly design on both the back of the hoodie and on the chest, available in white and olive green.
These affected drawstring hoodies were distributed and sold at various mass merchandisers and other retail stores nationwide across the United States. The sales period for these garments ranged from January 2007 through March 2007, and they retailed for approximately $36. The manufacturing origin for these products was China. For consumers who had purchased these items, the recommended remedy was clear and urgent: they should immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the inherent hazard. As an alternative, consumers had the option to return the garment to either the place of purchase or directly to Request Jeans to receive a full refund, ensuring that the hazardous products were removed from circulation and consumer safety was prioritized. For further information and assistance, consumers were encouraged to contact Request Jeans collect at (212) 302-0077 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, facilitating direct communication and resolution for affected individuals.
4. **Recall Spotlight: BRP Kids’ Hoodies (2014)**Continuing our review of significant product recalls, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in collaboration with BRP U.S. Inc. of Sturtevant, Wisconsin, announced a voluntary recall on December 19, 2014. This recall encompassed approximately 3,100 units of kids’ hoodies in the U.S. and an additional 5,100 units in Canada, all identified as posing a strangulation hazard to children due to the presence of a drawstring around the neck area. This action once again highlighted the consistent dangers associated with such design features in children’s apparel.
The hazard identified in the BRP kids’ hoodies was directly linked to the drawstring, which, as established by CPSC guidelines, can become entangled or caught on various external objects. These objects include playground slides, handrails, the doors of school buses, or other moving parts, each presenting a significant risk of strangulation or entanglement for a child. The CPSC’s ongoing commitment to preventing such tragic incidents is underscored by its federal regulation issued in July 2011, which codified earlier guidelines and voluntary standards specifically addressing drawstrings in children’s upper outerwear.
At the time of this recall, no incidents or injuries had been reported in connection with the BRP kids’ hoodies, which is a positive indicator of the recall’s preventative success. The recalled items consisted of 14 distinct styles of Ski-Doo or Can-Am branded kids’ hooded sweatshirts, designed for both boys and girls. These garments were available in children’s sizes 2 through 12, made from a comfortable cotton/polyester blend. The color palette included raspberry, yellow, heather, charcoal gray, and black, with either “Ski Doo” or “Can-Am” prominently printed on the front. Consumers could identify specific items by style numbers, such as 286485, 453215, 453265, and others, which were printed on a white care label sewn into the neck and side of each garment.
These hazardous hoodies were exclusively sold at BRP authorized dealerships nationwide and through the BRP online stores, www.can-am.brp.com and www.ski-doo.com. The sales period for these products spanned from April 2007 through December 2014, with prices ranging between $40 and $65. Manufacturing of these units took place in China. For consumers who had purchased these BRP products, the recommended remedy was immediate action: take the hoodie away from children and remove the drawstring from the sweatshirt to eliminate the hazard. Alternatively, consumers could return the garment to an authorized BRP dealer for a full refund, ensuring child safety through proper disposal or modification of the product.
5. **Recall Spotlight: RMP Athletic Locker Limited Children’s Upper Outerwear (2019)**In a further demonstration of continuous regulatory vigilance, Health Canada initiated a consumer product recall on December 20, 2019, targeting various children’s upper outerwear distributed by RMP Athletic Locker Limited, based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. This recall addressed a critical strangulation hazard posed by drawstrings located in the hood and neck area of these garments. Approximately 236 units of the affected products were sold in Canada, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring even for smaller distribution volumes.
The identified hazard aligned precisely with established safety concerns: drawstrings on children’s upper outerwear can become dangerously caught on playground equipment, fences, or other stationary objects. In more severe scenarios, entanglement in a moving vehicle could tragically lead to a child being dragged. While, as of December 16, 2019, the company had not received any reports of incidents or injuries in Canada, the preventative recall underscored the serious potential for harm, aligning with Health Canada’s commitment to proactive consumer protection.
The affected products comprised a range of children’s upper outerwear styles with hood/neck drawstrings and toggles. This included various jackets and hoodies under brands like RPZN, Ripzone, SMX Boardwear, Brooks, and Puresweats, identifiable by specific style numbers such as RPZN X5-Youth Hooligan Jacket (78938), Ripzone Youth Core Coach’s Jacket (7895606), Puresweats Canadiana – Youth Pull Over Hoodie (PSM1013020), and Brooks Youth Full Zip Polyester Hoodie (MS673ZY020T). These items were available in various sizes and colors, indicating a broad range of potentially hazardous apparel.
These products were sold from October 2019 to December 2019 at Athletic Locker retail stores located in Kitchener and Niagara Falls, as well as through warehouse sales in Oakville and Cambridge, Ontario. The garments were manufactured in both Bangladesh and China. Consumers who had purchased these specific items were advised to take immediate action: remove the drawstring from the children’s upper outerwear to eliminate the hazard. For further information or to arrange a full refund, consumers could contact RMP Athletic Locker’s customer service directly by telephone at 905-361-2390.
It is crucial to note that under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, any recalled products are strictly prohibited from being redistributed, sold, or even given away in Canada. This legal stipulation ensures that hazardous items are effectively removed from circulation and do not pose a continued risk to children. Health Canada consistently reminds Canadians to report any health or safety incidents related to consumer products, reinforcing the collective responsibility in maintaining product safety standards.
6. **Recall Spotlight: AKMI Kids Crop Top Plaid Long Sleeve Hoodie (2023)**Our latest examination of drawstring-related hazards brings us to a recent recall impacting products sold through prominent online retailers. An alert was issued for the AKMI Kids Crop Top Plaid Long Sleeve Hoodie, available via Walmart.ca, due to a confirmed strangulation hazard. This recall, prompted by Health Canada’s rigorous sampling and evaluation program, reaffirms the ongoing vigilance required to ensure children’s clothing safety, even in the realm of e-commerce.
The hazard, as identified by Health Canada’s program, is the drawstring in the hoodie, which presents a significant risk of entanglement. Such a drawstring could easily catch on playground equipment, fences, or other objects, potentially leading to strangulation. Furthermore, the recall highlighted more severe scenarios where, if caught in a moving vehicle, the drawstring could result in a child being dragged, underscoring the severe and potentially life-threatening nature of this design flaw.
The specific product under recall is a light green crop top hoodie, distinguishable by its checkered pattern adorning the sleeves and a distinctive pineapple embroidery feature. This item was sold and shipped by independent third-party sellers on Walmart.ca, with purchases occurring between August 2023 and October 2023. While, as of October 27, 2023, there were no reported incidents or injuries in Canada associated with this particular product, the recall serves as a critical preventative measure, reflecting a proactive approach to consumer safety.
With only a single unit of the affected product reportedly sold in Canada, this recall illustrates that even limited sales do not diminish the need for immediate action when a safety hazard is identified. The product was manufactured in China, with Walmart Canada Corporation (Mississauga, ON, Canada) listed as the retailer and Hangzhou Duoyimei Technology Co., Ltd (Guangzhou, Guangdong, China), also known as “askmiss” on Walmart.ca, identified as the importer. This instance further emphasizes the complex supply chains involved in modern retail and the broad reach of product safety regulations.
Consumers who have purchased the AKMI Kids Crop Top Plaid Long Sleeve Hoodie are urged to take immediate action. The recommended remedy is to either remove the drawstring from the garment to eliminate the inherent hazard or return the product for a full refund. For direct assistance or more information, customers can contact Hangzhou Duoyimei Technology Co., Ltd via email at helian9849@126.com. This recall, like others, is part of a broader international awareness effort, with information also accessible on the OECD Global Portal on Product Recalls website.
**Comprehensive Actionable Steps and Vital Resources for Consumer Protection**
The ongoing commitment to children’s product safety requires active participation from both regulatory bodies and consumers. The recalls discussed in this report—from New Mode Sportswear and Request Jeans to BRP, RMP Athletic Locker Limited, and AKMI Kids—underscore a persistent hazard that, though preventable, continues to emerge in various forms of children’s upper outerwear. It is imperative that parents and guardians remain vigilant and informed to protect their children from these identified risks.
First and foremost, immediately inspect all children’s hooded sweatshirts, jackets, and other upper outerwear for drawstrings, particularly those in the hood and neck area. If any are present on garments sized 2T to 12 or equivalent, they should be removed without delay. For drawstrings at the waist and bottom of garments in sizes 2T to 16, ensure they are no longer than 3 inches outside the channel when fully extended, and are free of toggles, knots, or other attachments. If a continuous string, verify it is bar tacked to prevent it from pulling through.
It is also critical to stay informed about product recalls. Regularly check official websites such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada for the latest recall announcements. These resources provide detailed information on affected products, identified hazards, and specific instructions for remedies, often including full refunds or safe disposal guidelines. Subscribing to their recall notifications can provide timely alerts directly to your inbox.
When purchasing new clothing for children, make it a habit to check labels and product descriptions carefully. Prioritize garments designed in compliance with current safety standards, specifically those that avoid drawstrings in the hood and neck, and adhere to length and attachment restrictions for waist and bottom drawstrings. Encourage manufacturers and retailers to prioritize child safety by choosing brands known for their adherence to strict safety protocols.
Should you encounter a product that you suspect poses a safety hazard, your report can be invaluable. For those in the United States, you can contact the CPSC Office of Compliance via e-mail at section15@cpsc.gov or by telephone at (800) 638-2772. For general assistance in understanding CPSC regulations, the Small Business Ombudsman can be reached via their Contact Form or at (888) 531-9070. Your input helps regulatory bodies identify and address potential dangers before incidents occur.
Canadian consumers have equally vital resources at their disposal. Any health or safety incidents related to consumer products or cosmetics can be reported by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form available on the Health Canada website. Additionally, for a broader overview of international consumer product recalls, the OECD Global Portal on Product Recalls website offers comprehensive information, enabling a global perspective on product safety. Your proactive engagement is a cornerstone of collective consumer protection.
By taking these actionable steps and utilizing the resources provided, parents and guardians can play a crucial role in safeguarding children from the hidden dangers of faulty drawstrings. Our collective vigilance and commitment to safety standards are the most effective tools we have in preventing preventable tragedies and ensuring a safer environment for all children to grow and thrive.
