Warning for parents about ‘dangerous’ baby sleeping bags that pose suffocation risks.

Warning for parents

According to The Sun: Parents have been warned about 'dangerous' sleeping bags that could lead to their babies suffocating.

According to an investigation by Which?, over 30 baby sleeping bags found on online marketplaces, such as Amazon and eBay, pose a suffocation risk.

Which? reported that sleeping bags for children were sold on online marketplaces that resembled products that had been officially recalled by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) due to the risk of suffocation.

A common feature of the identified products was hoods that could cover a child's head and face, posing a safety threat.

The presence of hoods breaches the safety requirements of the British Standard.

Some of the sleeping bags that Which? investigated, such as a teddy bear blanket, did not have armholes despite being necessary to comply with safety standards.

Such bags may cause a child to fall inside, covering their face and creating a suffocation risk.

Additionally, Which? found a sleeping bag on eBay in which a baby was 'too stuffed' with the product.

The consumer organization also found five listings on Etsy that raised concerns. Two of them appeared identical to recalled products, while the other three were of a similar style and labeled as sleeping bags.

Which? urges buyers to avoid baby sleeping bags with hoods or excessive material, such as large bows, that could cover a child's head and face while sleeping.

It is best to choose sleeping bags with armholes, as they help prevent infants from sliding down inside the bag.

More concerns for parents

It is also advisable to avoid products marketed as multi-purpose, such as swaddles, stroller covers, and baby cocoons, to ensure these items meet safety standards.

Regulators conducted test purchases of a number of items offered online, including sleeping products for infants, and worked with online marketplaces to remove hazardous listings.

This method is used to prevent businesses from selling products that may threaten consumer safety.

However, according to Which?, four months later, another 35 potentially dangerous sleeping bags were found still being sold.

Sue Davis, head of consumer protection policy at Which?, stated: “It is outrageous that dangerous sleeping bags for infants are still being sold on online marketplaces.”

“Our previous investigations have shown that this is part of a larger picture: dangerous products are removed only to reappear again.”

“The only way to break this cycle is to hold online marketplaces legally accountable, with strict penalties for failures.”

An eBay representative emphasized: “Consumer safety is our top priority.”

“We work diligently to keep our site safe and prevent prohibited listings.”

An Amazon spokesperson stated: “We require all products offered in our store to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and Amazon’s policies.”

“Products in question are not part of the safety warnings provided by Which?. If customers have concerns about a product they purchased, we encourage them to contact our support service.”

The Sun reached out to Etsy for a comment.

This situation underscores the importance of parental vigilance when selecting products for their children. While online shopping can be convenient, it's always essential to check the safety of products. Alongside sleeping bags, it's important to monitor the quality and safety of other baby products that may not meet established standards.

Engaging organizations like Which? and active regulatory efforts help ensure safe conditions for consumers. However, parents are best advised to remain cautious and vigilant in their choices, as their child deserves the best.