Skip Hop Elmo Teether Recalled: What COS Parents Need to Know Right Now

If your baby has a Skip Hop Sesame Street Elmo silicone teether in the toy bin, it's time to put it out of reach. The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall on September 3, 2026 for about 22,660 of these products in the United States due to a serious choking hazard: the black eyes on the teether can detach when the product is frozen.

No injuries have been reported, and the company has received four consumer reports of eye detachment. The CPSC and Skip Hop are asking families to stop using the product immediately and contact the company for a refund.

What the Product Looks Like

The recalled teether is shaped like Elmo's face — red, orange, and white, with black eyes — and comes with a textured key (blue) and a fabric crayon box (beige, blue, green, yellow, orange, red). If you're not sure whether yours is the recalled model, the model number 9R263210 should appear on the product or its packaging.

The teether was sold both in Carter's retail locations and at Carter's website, as well as directly on skiphop.com. If you purchased this product for around $12 during the timeframe above, it's likely the recalled item.

The Hazard and Why It Matters

The issue is specific to freezing the teether. Many parents freeze teethers to soothe a baby's sore gums during teething — it's a common approach, and it's why this recall is urgent. When the Skip Hop Elmo teether is frozen, the black eyes can loosen and detach. A detached eye from a silicone teether is small enough to be a serious choking hazard for an infant.

The CPSC has four confirmed reports of the eyes coming off. No injuries have occurred, which means acting now — before an injury happens — is exactly the right call.

How to Get a Refund

Skip Hop is offering a refund in the form of a gift card valid at Carter's, OshKosh B'gosh, Little Planet, and Skip Hop stores and online. To claim it, visit skiphoprecall.com or go to skiphop.com and click "Product Recalls" at the bottom of the page. You can also call 800-692-4674, Monday through Friday, between 9 AM and 5:30 PM ET.

You don't need to have a receipt. The company is working with the CPSC to process claims, so contact them with as much product information as you have.

What's Next

The safest move right now is to remove the teether from your home or at minimum ensure it's completely inaccessible to your baby. Even unfrozen, the CPSC recommends stopping all use until the refund process is complete.

If you have friends or family with young babies who might have purchased this product, please share this information. The recall covers teethers sold across a 15-month window, and not every parent will see a recall notice automatically. A quick text or share can prevent a serious moment.