Product recalls ahead of Child Safety Week 2022

Amazon, John Lewis and Banwood have each announced recalls of children’s products in May 2022 due to safety concerns. These recalls have been published on the Office for Product Safety & Standards website, but unless alerted to these recalls, it can be difficult for parents and carers to be aware of them. For Child Safety Week 2022, it is important to raise awareness of these product recalls so that parents and carers can remain informed about potential risks to children.

Child Safety Week is an annual campaign run by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) to raise awareness of the risks of child accidents and how they can be prevented. For Child Safety Week 2022, commencing Monday 6 June, the theme is Safety in Mind and the CAPT are keen to ensure that conversations regarding child safety are happening nationwide.

In relation to product safety, it is important to have Safety in Mind and to raise awareness about product recalls. People who care for children might not be familiar with the fact that children’s toys and equipment can be recalled and might not know where to look for this information.

A number of products related to babies and children, such as a highchair and a teething toy, have been recalled throughout May due to potential risks posed to children.

Scooter: At the beginning of May 2022 KTM issued a recall and immediate sales stop of its Radical Scooter with part numbers 3PW210023000 and 3PW210023090. The recall notice followed internal quality inspections relating to the stability of the scooter. It was found that the pin, which secures the connection between the steering stem and the running board does not meet specifications. This issue can lead to increased play in the steering stem and, in extreme cases, to a breakage at the connecting point with the running board.

Highchair and 2-in-1 pushchair and carrycot: On 5 May 2022 it was announced that John Lewis Safari highchairs (product code 31341125) are being recalled. The product is a grey and white highchair with a ‘safari themed’ seat and was sold by John Lewis between 2 May 2021 and 25 April 2022. The Office for Product Safety and Standards reports a potential risk that the tray arm caps can break off ‘creating a potential choking risk for small children’. On 18 May John Lewis also issued a recall concerning its John Lewis & Partners’ 2-in-1 Pushchair and Carrycot (product code 31400701 and 31400702) due to a ‘tipping issue’ with the carrycot, creating a potential risk for the child to fall out when in use. Parents have been advised to stop using the product and to return it for a full refund or exchange.

Teether: On 19 May 2022 it was reported that there had been an urgent product recall for silicone mushroom teethers sold via Amazon due to a risk of suffocation. It is understood that “the product presents a risk of suffocation as the head of the mushroom may flip around creating a tight suction”. The teether product was available to purchase from Amazon from 24 September 2021. Amazon has removed the product from its marketplace, and consumers have been asked not to use the product and to keep it out of reach of children.

Bicycle helmet: The month ended with a recall issued for a Banwood Children’s helmet due to safety concerns posed by the product’s insufficient impact absorption capacity, which could lead to head injuries for a child in the event of an impact. The specific model which has been recalled is the Banwood Children's Bicycle Helmet (Model ENW0121).

Jill Paterson, Leigh Day partner in the product safety team, said:

“Injury prevention is a hugely important part of the child safety message. It is encouraging that big retailers such as Amazon and John Lewis seem to be reacting quickly to recall products that could cause a risk to children and babies. Parents and carers are often unaware of recalled products and so it is an important part of injury prevention to spread the word about affected products.”

For further information about product safety alerts, reports and recalls, parents and carers can check the website of the Office for Product Safety and Standards and subscribe to their updates.

Click here for more information about Child Safety Week 2022 and useful fact sheets and safety tips.