Caution urged over ‘bling’ baby dummies
Product safety alert
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is urging caution over the use of jewel-encrusted ‘bling’ baby dummies, which present a potential choking hazard.
The baby dummies are decorated with crystals, beads or other similar ornaments, or may have the ornaments on an attached lead. These decorations are sometimes known as 'bling'.
Such dummies present a potential choking or inhalation hazard, as the decorations are easily dislodged, says Ministry of Consumer Affairs Principal Product Safety Advisor Martin Rushton.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has been alerted to the product’s existence by its overseas counterparts. The products do not appear to be readily available in New Zealand, and Consumer Affairs is liaising with a number of child safety and retail agencies to determine if the product is being used or sold here.
“So far we are aware of several of these items being offered for sale, on the internet and are working to remove them from sale.
“If you own a dummy like this, we recommend you immediately stop using it. If anyone owns or has seen a bling dummy for sale in New Zealand, we would appreciate them contacting the Ministry of Consumer Affairs with the supplier details on 0508 627 774.”
Mr Rushton says parents should exercise caution when purchasing items for a baby or small child. “As with all items intended for use by small children, always check for small parts that may dislodge and pose a choking hazard.”
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