Warning issued after baby chokes on faux fur blanket

Solihull Council is advising people to be cautious when buying cheap goods online.

The warning comes after their Trading Standards officers were contacted by a local mother who bought a faux fur baby blanket from a retailer advertised on social media.

When using the blanket, the lady’s baby started to choke – she noticed fibres on the blanket were loose and came away very easily, especially around the edges. It also had no labelling.

Although the blanket was advertised in pounds, it was sold by an American company, shipped direct from China.

While there is no specific test for baby blankets, Trading Standards had the blanket expertly examined and advised the product is not suitable for children under 12 months as pile shedding in large quantities, like in this case, can cause vomiting and choking in small children.

People are encouraged to take the following advice when buying products online:

* Ensure you are buying from a recognised retailer and check their reviews online

* Check where the retailer is based as you have less rights if you purchase outside the European Union

* Ensure that the goods are appropriately labelled with a CE mark and safety warnings

* If in doubt, don’t use it

To report concerns of unsafe products, sellers or websites call the Citizens’ Advice Consumer Helpline on ‪03454 04 05 06‬

Read more: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/news/ArtMID/820/ArticleID/1540/Warning-after-baby-chokes-on-blanket