The UK Government has issued a product safety warning over 35 baby sleeping bags sold through popular online marketplaces including Etsy, Vinted, Wish and Amazon, stating they present a risk of asphyxiation and overheating to infants.
In an official product safety report, the government said: "These sleeping bag products present a risk of asphyxiation and overheating. The products do not incorporate arm openings and/or incorporate a hood, which may allow an infant to slip down inside the product during use."
Products marketed for newborns
The bags are marketed as suitable for use from birth to 12 months. The official government product safety report website lists several different bags sold by a wide variety of shopping websites, including Etsy, Vinted, Wish and Amazon.
Among the flagged products is a Blue Starfish Shaped Baby Sleeping Bag sold via Joom, described as a "light-blue crocheted, star-shaped baby sleeping bag with an integrated pointed hood and button fastening at the front". The Joom item number is 6a842c1ba915f4015c4feffd.
Etsy listings removed
A total of 14 baby sleep bags sold through Etsy have been listed on the government's product safety website, with the online marketplace having since removed them. The UK Government warned: "These sleeping bag products present a risk of asphyxiation and overheating. The products do not incorporate arm openings and/or incorporate a hood, which may allow an infant to slip down inside the product during use. Excess fabric may then cover the infant's nose and mouth, obstructing breathing and leading to asphyxiation. Infants are particularly vulnerable as they may be unable to remove the obstruction themselves."
The specific Etsy products include a Personalized Rabbit Ears Flannel Swaddle (listing ID 4422308994), a Crochet Star Baby Sleeping Bag (listing ID 4570549714), a Hooded Bunny Split Leg Newborn Swaddle Sack (listing ID 4581620159), and a Soft Teddy Fleece Baby Swaddle Wrap (listing ID 4581615861), among others.
Listings on other platforms
Other flagged products include a Crochet Baby Sleeping Bag sold via Vinted (listing ID 10028153509), described as "a cream-coloured knitted infant sleep garment marketed as a sleeping bag" with a pointed hood and button fastenings along both sides.
Two Baby Sleeping Bags were flagged on Wish, while four were listed on OnBuy and several on AliExpress. Amazon listings include a 3 in 1 pillow Sleeping Bag (ASIN B0H37631M5) and a Sleeping Bag & Carry Nest Cotton (ASIN B0H2VQV9BH), among others.
