CPSC recall 00-141, announced July 6, 2000, covers The First Years Sesame Street "Elmo Nightlights" (about 123,000 units). The faceplate on these nightlights can be broken off, exposing wiring and posing shock and electrocution hazards. The notice cites 3 incident reports. Consumers should immediately remove the "Elmo Nitelights" from their sockets and throw them away. Recall contact: call (800) 533-6708.
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Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
Which products are included?
The "Elmo Nitelight" shows the Sesame Street character Elmo, who is red, hanging onto a green lamp post set on a blue background. A moon and stars surround the light part of the lamp post, which illuminates when the light is plugged in. It measures 4.25 inches long by 2.75 inches wide and fits over the entire standard outlet coverplate. "Henson" and "the first years" are imprinted on the back of the nightlights. The cardboard packaging shows a picture of the Sesame Street character Big Bird, and includes the writing, "SESAME STREET" and "nitelight."
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- When sold
- July 1997 through March 2000
- Price paid
- $5 to $6
Why it was recalled
The faceplate on these nightlights can be broken off, exposing wiring and posing shock and electrocution hazards.
Incidents and injuries
CPSC and The First Years have received three reports of the faceplates on these nightlights breaking off resulting in two 1-year-old girls and an adult receiving an electrical shock when touching the exposed wires.
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately remove the "Elmo Nitelights" from their sockets and throw them away. If wires are exposed, turn off the power before removing. Consumers should contact The First Years to receive a free replacement nightlight.
What to do now
- Check the product. This notice lists no model numbers. Compare yours with the description and photos in the official notice.
- Contact the firm. Call (800) 533-6708.
- Read the official notice. The CPSC notice is the final word on which units are included and what to do.
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Product and sales details
- Brand
- The First Years
- Manufacturer
- The First Years Inc., of Avon, Mass.
- Product type
- Night lights
- Recall number
- 00-141
- Units
- About 123,000
- Sold at / sales period
- Discount, drug, grocery and toy stores sold these nightlights, from July 1997 through March 2000, for between $5 and $6.
Sesame Street "Elmo Nightlights"
CPSC product type: Lights & Accessories
This recall in context
Compared with the 26 night light recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 123,000 units: the 12th-largest of 23 night light recalls that state a unit count. The median is 123,000 units.
- Hazard
- Electric shock: named in 14 of 26 night light recalls.
- Brand history
- The First Years is named in 2 CPSC notices in this index, from 2000 to 2003. This recall is the earliest.
- Time on sale
- About 3 years. Recalled 4 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
Consumers may contact The First Years at (800) 533-6708 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers also can write to The First Years, One Kiddie Drive, Avon, MA, 02322-1171.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
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