Product Recall: Baby Musical Instruments and Crochet Animal Rattle Set Can Be a Choking Hazard

The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) issues a recall notice for products that present high risk of choking such as the Baby Toddler Wooden Musical Instruments & Crochet Animal Rattle Toy 5pcs Gift Set Baby Shower Gift Baby Easter Gift Set 8 Styles sold on Etsy, according to Gov.UK.

It is a variety of wooden-shaped baby toys and five of which are rattles with painted colored shapes and a crocheted rabbit. The product presents a very high risk of choking due to small parts that can easily be produced if the rattle is sucked and used. The bell rattle bottom may also detach and gradually release the small wooden loops that parents may not easily notice, with the small part being able to block a child's airways. Moreover, this product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.

The product is one of the bestsellers found on Etsy; thus, it poses a danger for young children, especially babies. If the product is dropped or placed under tension at 60N, small parts can be created, which a young child may put in their mouth and choke.

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The dangers of the toys being recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) already issued a warning for parents, including caregivers to thoroughly inspect children or babies' toys particularly rattles before giving them to babies or kids. The CPSC added that defective toys present a choking hazard for infants and young children.

Parents must ensure that rattles are not too loud for young ones. When buying, consider the age of your child as there are also toys that are not suitable for your child's age. They should also consider the kid's sensitivity, as any sound that might be loud for adults, will be louder for young kids. The noise of some squeaking toys, electronic or musical, and rattles can be as loud as a car horn and may appear even louder if the child directly holds it to their ears, leading to hearing loss.

According to Wufiy, these types of toys can have a soothing texture that can help to calm children and encourages tactile stimulation at the same time. Babies can also learn to differentiate between bumpy, hard, soft, warm, and cold objects. Despite this, parents and caregivers must bear in mind that they can still pose danger.

Don't buy a toy that may contain a choking hazard

Ensure that the baby rattle is at least 2 inches in diameter so young ones can't choke on it. Check the product for sharp edges. Never accept a hand-me-down rattle for your child, especially babies, as the rattle may already be worn and have chips, or might also have rough edges. There's also a possibility that some parts may break off and pose a choking risk.

Kids Health suggests not buying any toys that may contain a choking hazard, just completely avoid buying them. The small parts that are 1.75 inches or 4.4 centimeters in diameter or less can become lodged in the child's throat above the windpipe and can eventually cause trouble with breathing.

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