When you pick out a car seat or stroller accessory, the goal is simple: keep your child safe and comfortable—especially in the heat. But one product marketed to cool little ones has done the opposite, leaving a child with serious burns and prompting a nationwide recall.

On Sept. 25, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and AMTRADING announced the recall of about 20,000 Hoovy Cooling Gel Insert Pads for car seats and strollers after a child suffered second-degree burns from the product.

Related: Thousands of baby and kids’ items sold on Amazon recalled—here’s what parents need to know

When comfort turns risky: the hidden danger of cooling gel pads

The pads contain a gel layer that activates under a child’s weight to keep them cool. But if left in a hot car or direct sunlight, the gel can dangerously heat up, creating a burn risk. 

Children’s skin is especially vulnerable, and cars can reach dangerous temperatures in just minutes. In this case, one child required medical treatment after sustaining second-degree burns on their back.

How to identify the recalled pads

If you’ve used a thin, black gel pad with your car seat or stroller this summer, double-check:

  • Black pads with the Hoovy logo printed in white on the bottom right corner.
  • Size: approximately 16.5 inches long by 14.25 inches wide.
  • Sold at Target stores nationwide, Target.com, and Walmart.com between March 2025 and July 2025 for $20–$25.

What parents should do

If you have one of these pads at home:

  • Stop using the cooling pad immediately.
  • Go to hoovyproducts.com/pages/product-recall to register for the recall and refund instructions.
  • For support, contact AMTRADING toll-free at 888-259-1411 (weekdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET) or email info@hoovyproducts.com.

Why this recall matters

It’s unsettling when something designed for your child’s comfort can actually cause harm. This recall is also a reminder to never leave car seat or stroller accessories—especially those with gel, liquid, or battery components—in hot cars, even if they’re marketed as “cooling.”

Related: Crib mobile sold on Amazon recalled over dangerous button battery risk

The bigger picture

Recalls like this one are a reminder that even everyday baby gear can come with hidden risks. Parents can bookmark the CPSC recall page or report safety concerns at SaferProducts.gov to catch issues early.

Parenting is already full of enough worry. By acting quickly when recalls are announced and keeping an eye on safety alerts, you’re doing exactly what matters most—protecting your child.

Source: 

  1. CPSC. 2025. “AMTRADING Recalls Hoovy Cooling Gel Insert Pads for Car Seats and Strollers Due to Burn Hazard.”