“We send our deepest condolences and support to the family that lost their loved ones,” says Joe Unger, a spokesperson for Target. The CPSC and Target issued this critical recall just two days before Christmas and some parents may even have these popular blankets wrapped up as gifts. Here’s what you need to know about the Target weighted blanket recall and how to find out if you have one of them in your home.
Target Recalls 204,000 Pillowfort Weighted Blankets
The CPSC and Target are warning parents to take immediate action and stop using Pillowfort Weighted Blankets. Officials say children can unzip the covers of the blankets, crawl inside and become at risk of suffocation. According to the CPSC, a 4-year-old girl and a 6-year-old girl got entangled inside the cover of the blanket and died of asphyxiation. This happened at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in April of 2022. Target has also received two other reports of children getting stuck inside these blankets. “As soon as we became aware of the situation, we acted quickly to begin removing Pillowfort Weighted Blankets from our assortment and have pulled all of these items from sale,” adds Unger.
Where Can I Find the Item Number of the Weighted Blanket?
If you think you may have these Pillowfort weighted blankets in your home, here’s how to check. The model number is printed on the fabric tag attached to the blanket’s removable color. You should then compare the model number of your blanket with those in the chart below. The Pillowfort blankets weigh six pounds and are 60 inches long and 40 inches wide—and come in eight different prints and colors. They were sold exclusively at Target stores across the country and on Target’s website. You may have bought one of these blankets between December 2018 and September 2022 and cost $40.
Recalled Pillowfort Weighted Blankets
You can contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT. A Target representative will help issue you a prepaid return label to send the blanket back by mail. You can also return it to any Target store. Customers will receive a refund in the form of store credit.
Are Weighted Blankets Safe for Children?
Weighted blankets can be comforting for many children. While not scientifically proven, they are known to help ease anxiety and help with sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, weighted blankets are not safe for young children under age 3 or who weigh less than 50 pounds, But older children could use a weighted blanket as long as parents choose the proper weight. A general rule of thumb is that the weight should not exceed 10% of a child’s body weight. So if a child weighs 50 pounds, the blanket should only weigh 5 pounds. If you are considering a weighted blanket for your child, consult with their pediatrician or healthcare provider first. There was an error. Please try again.
