Target recalls various weighted blankets after 2 children die from asphyxiation

Owners of weighted blankets under the Pillowfort brand should check to see if their item has been recalled after authorities say two children died in April 2022 in North Carolina by asphyxiation.

The two children who died were ages 4 and 6. Two other reports of entrapped children were also made to Target, which sold the blankets at stores nationwide and online.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 204,000 Pillowfort Weighted Blankets are being recalled due to a risk of asphyxiation if a young child is trapped inside the blanket after unzipping it.

The agency says the blankets were sold from December 2018 through September 2022 for $40. The blankets are described as weighing six pounds, measuring 60 inches long and 40 inches wide, and have a removable cover that is both waterproof and washable.

Item numbers and colors are as follows, and can be found on a fabric tag that is attached to the covers:

• 097-02-0140 (Unicorn-White)
• 097-02-3905 (Unicorn-Pink)
• 097-02-0148 (Space Navy)
• 097-02-0361 (Pink)
• 097-02-0363 (Blue)
• 097-02-0364 (Gray)
• 097-02-1603 (Buffalo Red Plaid)
• 097-02-3904 (Blue Constellation)

According to the CPSC, Target will directly contact all known buyers to arrange returns and issue a $40 refund in store credit. However, if you have one of the recalled items, you’re also able to return it in store or by calling 800-440-0680 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (CT) to get a prepaid return label. CLICK HERE for additional information about the recall.