We tend to think ‘If I can buy it for my child, it must be safe’. But sadly, that isn’t always true.
To help you spot which products to avoid this summer the Child Accident Prevention Trust have highlighted some of the big risks to your child’s safety below. Plus scroll down for some top tips on how to shop safely.
1. Magnetic water balloons
Water fights are a brilliant fun. But some reusable water balloons contain high-strength magnets which can pop out easily.
High-strength magnets like these can rip through a child’s gut if swallowed, causing very serious and even life-threatening injuries.
If you have a product like this with accessible magnets, please stop using it straight away, check for any stray magnets and keep out of reach of small children.
2. Neck floats
Neck floats are inflatables that sit around a baby’s neck. They’re intended to allow babies to float freely in the water but can be a serious risk of drowning and suffocation. As well as strain and injury to a baby’s neck. These products should be avoided.
If the float pushes up against or gets caught on something this could put pressure on the baby’s airways which is dangerous. There’s also a risk that if the float flips over the baby’s face could be submerged under the water.
Neck floats could give parents a false sense of security that their child is safe out of reach. That simply isn’t true.
It’s scary to think about but drowning happens quickly and quietly, often with no noise to alert you it’s happening. That’s why we advise that babies and small children are in arms’ reach in the water at all times so that you can act fast to keep them safe.
Visit CAPTs drowning page to learn more about water safety.
3. Mermaid tails and monofins
In recent years a number of these products have been removed from sale due to the high risk of drowning. Many of these products are aimed at small children but do not carry any hazard warnings about the risks. So, parents may unknowingly be putting their children in danger.
Mermaid tails and monofins can stop a child being able to swim properly. Children need to be able to kick their feet to get back up to the surface. So, anything that restricts their movement is a big drowning risk and should be avoided.
4. Swim vests from unknown sellers
It’s scary to think that something you’d buy your child to keep them safe could in fact do the very opposite. But many swim vests and buoyancy aids sold on online marketplaces come from abroad and haven’t been safety tested to our standards. This makes them a serious drowning risk.
In recent years we have seen many swim vests from online marketplaces recalled as they do not provide the minimum level of buoyancy required. This means the product may not perform as expected when relied upon as a buoyancy aid and could give families a false sense of security.
When purchasing swim vests and buoyancy aids opt for well-known brand names and retailers if you can. Always be cautious when shopping online and remember to check who is selling the item and where they are based.
Discover more ways to avoid dodgy dealers selling unsafe products on online platforms
5. Toys with easy-access button batteries
Whether you buy them online as a cheap way to keep the children entertained this summer, or find them at a funfair or family event, light-up toys provide great fun for children.
But many of these flashing toys contain easy-access button batteries which can kill if swallowed.
For example, this light-up unicorn wand and these flashing rings were both recalled.
So, if you buy any button battery powered items remember to check the battery compartment is secured with a screw or similar fastener to prevent children gaining access. If it isn’t secure please keep it out of reach of children.
Learn more about button battery safety
6. Water beads
With their bright colours and squishy feel, water beads are especially appealing to young children. But they can be really dangerous if swallowed.
As they bathe in stomach fluids, they can expand to many times their original size, posing a serious risk of blockage in a child’s bowel.
So, please keep water beads away from babies and young children.
If older children are using water beads, use a large tub with plenty of free space so stray beads can’t escape onto the floor and make sure all beads are safely cleared away after use to prevent little ones getting their hands on them.
Learn more about the dangers of water beads
Top tips for shopping safely this summer
