SINGAPORE: A shocking investigation has unveiled serious safety hazards lurking in several baby products sold on the popular e-commerce platforms Lazada and Shopee.

The Consumer Product Safety Office (CPSO) carried out rigorous inspections on baby bouncers, baby walkers, and toys, as part of market surveillance efforts in the first half of 2024. Following the inspections of 23 products purchased from these platforms, it was revealed that a staggering 15 items failed to meet essential product safety standards.

The safety risks identified include baby bouncers with small detachable parts posing choking hazards, unstable baby walkers leading to possible falls, and dangerous toys that present choking and strangulation risks due to small or magnetic components.

Here’s the Breakdown of Unsafe Products:

Baby Bouncers:

1. SG Stock 2023 Upgrade Baby Rocking Chair (Seller: Unk.sg) - Risks: Choking on small removable parts and falling from insecure restraints.

2. Mas Baby Mesh/Netted Baby Bouncer (Seller: Baby's Hyperstore) - Risks: Choking hazards, fall risks due to lack of secure restraints, and trapped fingers.

3. Foldable Baby Bouncer Rocker (Seller: Mumchecked) - Risks: Choking and insecure restraints.

4. Rocker Chair (Seller: CradleBB) - Risks: Similar to the others, with added potential for finger entrapment.

5. iBaby Baby Bouncer Deluxe (Seller: LittleBabyBernice) - Risks: Choking and falling from weak restraints.

Baby Walkers:

1. “Cherry Baby” Baby Walker with Music Toy (Seller: Celine House) - Risks: Tipping over on stairs and entrapment of fingers and torso.

2. Baby Walker with Toys (Seller: IdealSource) - Risks: Similar hazards as the first.

3. “ALB” Baby Walker (Seller: AnQi Trading) - Risks: Choking and instability leading to falls.

4. "Baby" Baby Walker with Music Toys (Seller: Juzz4baby) - Risks: Entrapment and tipping hazards.

5. “BeileDi” Baby Walker (Seller: BABYSPA) - Risks: Finger trapping and tipping over when on stairs.

Toys:

The investigation revealed that various toys also present risks, particularly those with small or magnetic parts.

Following these alarming findings, the affected products have been removed from sale by retailers after CPSO intervention. Consumers who bought these items are strongly urged to cease usage immediately. EnterpriseSG has emphasized the importance of vigilance when making online purchases, particularly as these items cannot be inspected physically before buying.

The alarming trend of safety incidents involving such children’s products continues in Singapore. The KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) reports over 10 child injuries annually related to baby walkers and bouncers, including serious injuries such as fractures and head trauma.

In a startling revelation, incidents involving toys with small components have peaked, with KKH registering an average of 46 cases per year over the past two years, some resulting in life-threatening situations.

The Bottom Line:

EnterpriseSG underlines that both consumers and manufacturers share equal responsibility for ensuring safe products. General consumer goods suppliers must adhere to international safety standards, and negligence in this area could lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines or jail time.

Stay alert and protect your children from dangerous products lurking in your home! Don't miss out on critical updates—make sure to stay informed about the safety of your purchases!