Circus America Playpens Modification by C&T International

Recall at a glance

What was recalled

Circus America Playpens Modification by C&T International NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 23, 1988 Release # 88-030 Playpens to be Modified Because of Hazards to Children WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, C&T International, Inc., Moonachie, New Jersey, today announced it is voluntarily making available to consumers a free modification kit for its mesh-sided playpen with drop sides, model number 585, "Circus America." Some of the playpens fail to warn users of a potential suffocation hazard if an infant is left in the playpen with one of the sides down. All of the playpens present a finger crushing hazard at two locations in the drop side locking system. In addition, when the playpens are folded for storage, it is possible for a child to remove the plastic feet which may present a choking hazard. The Commission is aware of a number of deaths and injuries involving mesh-sided playpens with drop sides produced by firms other than C&T. Eleven infants are known to have died when left unattended in playpens with a drop side down. These children suffocated when they rolled into a mesh pocket created by the lowered drop side. The Commission is also aware of several incidents in which children's fingers were crushed when they attempted to climb into a playpen grasping the folded drop side locking system. The playpens involved in these incidents were not manufactured by C&T; however, some of the playpens sold by C&T are similar to the playpens involved in the incidents and present the same hazards. The affected collapsible mesh-sided playpens may be identified by a self-adhesive label on the floorboard which states: Art. 585, CIRCUS AMERICA EX. The playpens measure 39 by 39 by 33 inches and contain a removable foam floor pad. The product has four plastic rings about three inches in diameter on the inside which can be used by a child to pull up on. Four hinges made of plastic must be pushed up in order to fold the playpen. The product, which is imported from Italy, retails for about $89.99. The "Circus Polo" playpen model number 582 is not affected by this action. Approximately, 2,500 playpens have been distributed nationwide since November 1984. Although some of the playpens have the suffocation hazard warning label, all of the playpens present a finger crushing hazard in the folded drop side locking system and a choking hazard in the removable plastic feet. C&T International will provide a free modification kit to consumers who call l-800-537-1922. New Jersey residents call 201-896-2555. The kit contains a Safety Alert warning of the potential suffocation hazard, plastic inserts to prevent the possibility of finger crushing incidents in the folded drop side locking system, and replacement plastic feet which can not be removed by young children. Children should never be left in playpens with the drop sides down. Until owners receive and install the modification kit, the plastic feet should be removed and discarded.

Is my product affected?

Compare your product with the details below, including model numbers where listed.

• Circus America mesh-sided playpen with drop sides
• Circus Polo playpen

Where it was sold

Companies named in the notice: C&T International/Sorelle; Circus America.

Recall history and context

C&T International/Sorelle appears in 2 CPSC recalls on record.

Since 2019 CPSC has recorded 238 recalls in the baby and nursery category, 59 recalls of them in the past 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

More recalls from C&T International/Sorelle

• C&T International/Sorelle Recalls Cribs
  May 6, 2010 · C&T International/Sorelle · Baby and nursery

  This recall involves C&T International, Sorelle and Golden Baby wood cribs. The full-size cribs were sold in natural, white and cherry finishes. The model number and/or…

Similar recalls in baby and nursery

• Costway Recalls Convertible High Chairs
  October 22, 2026 · Costway · Baby and nursery

  This recall involves Costway high chairs designed to convert into a table and chair set. They were available in several color combinations, including purple and white…

• Papablic, of USA Recalls Convertible Bedside Sleepers
  October 15, 2026 · Papablic · Baby and nursery

  This recall involves Papablic bedside sleepers, model PAPA03001AI. These convertible sleepers function as both a bassinet and a play yard and have a gray exterior with…

• ONTHEWEI Recalls Baby Bath Seats
  October 8, 2026 · ONTHEWEI · Baby and nursery

  This recall involves ONTHEWEI-branded baby bath seats. They are sold in gray, pink, blue and mist green and have detachable restraint arms and suction cups on the…

• Esjay US Recalls Toddler Busy Board Montessori Toys
  September 17, 2026 · Esjay US · Baby and nursery

  This recall involves Esjay Toddler Busy Board Montessori Toys. The busy boards are made of blue felt, have carrying handles, elastic cords and button closures. The front…

• Skip Hop Recalls Baby Sesame Street Elmo Silicone Teethers
  September 3, 2026 · Skip Hop · Baby and nursery

  This recall involves the Skip Hop Baby Sesame Street Elmo Silicone Teether. The product is in the shape of Elmo’s face (red, orange, and white, with black eyes) and…

• Kmaier Recalls Infant Walkers
  August 27, 2026 · Kmaier · Baby and nursery

  This recall involves Kmaier-branded infant walkers. The pink, green or white walkers have a tray, a fabric seat and a round base with six-wheels. The walkers can be…