A POPULAR baby toy has been urgently removed from Amazon over fears that it could present a chocking hazard or cause serious injury.
The Office for Product Safety & Standards said parents should stop using the MiniDream Tummy Time Activity Pillow for Babies immediately.
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The rounded pillows, which resemble a travel pillow, are designed to support babies when lying on their front by providing support for their arms and shoulders.
MiniDream’s model comes with four detachable toys, including a soft plush bunny, a star-shaped silicone teether, a crescent moon and a mirror.
The toys on the reversible pillow are attached via small fabric loops.
However, the Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) found that the loops were big enough for a child’s finger to fit in – raising fears of serious finger injuries.
Read more on Product Recalls
More seriously, the product also comes in plastic packaging thicker than is legally allowed, meaning it could be a serious choking risk to a baby.
The OPSS found that the product, which is made in China, presented a ‘serious’ risk of ‘entrapment’.
The OPSS’ s report said: “The product presents a risk of entrapment, as the pillow, pillowcase and detachable moon toy include fabric loops sewn into the side of one of the seams.
“The loops are large enough that a young child could easily insert their finger into them and twist, causing injuries.
“Additionally, the plastic packaging bag has a thickness lower than the minimum permissible, presenting an asphyxiation hazard.
“The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.”
The product retailed for £21.99 but is no longer listed on Amazon’s website following its recall.
OPSS instructed those who have purchased the toy to stop using the product immediately, and to seek a refund from the point of purchase.
Other recent product recalls
While the laws around toys are stringent, products still make it to market that present a danger to children.
The Nail Art Studio kit, by the brand Girls Creator, is a nail art set that includes nail varnish, a battery-operated nail dryer and a range of nail accessories.
However, a warning was issued after a product safety report found a risk of suffocation for children.
Another recent example was the Joycat Baby Float, sold on Amazon.
The blue and yellow sea-themed swim seat, intended for babies and toddlers, was blocked from entering the country at the border.
The float was branded a safety risk after authorities found that its attachable canopy could lift the float from the water in windy conditions, putting children in danger.
The report also raised concerns that the float’s colours do not provide enough contrast with the water, making it harder to spot in an emergency.
