Toddler chokes (From Barry And District News)

Toddler chokes

A NATIONAL safety alert has been issued after a Barry toddler nearly choked to death after swallowing a piece of her new plastic toy.

The parents of the eight-month old girl, who do not wish to be identified, were horrified when a plastic ball on her Mamas and Papas 'Beep Beep Steering Wheel' came off in the youngster's hand.

Her mother said: "I had just bought the toy. I unwrapped it and put it on her highchair before briefly leaving the room."

The red top on one of the two levers had not been secured, and came off as soon as the child held it. She put it in her mouth and swallowed it.

The child's father was doing paperwork and heard her choking.

He rushed over and slapped her back. Luckily, the ball flew out of her mouth.

Her mum added: "We are so lucky, but it was horrible, terrifying. I'm still having nightmares about it."

The 35-year-old called the Mamas and Papas helpline, which advised her to phone the Nursery Shop in Llantwit Fardre, where she bought the toy.

She also called Vale of Glamorgan trading standards staff, who investigated and, with another authority, issued an urgent recall notice on the product.

The relieved mum added: "I must thank trading standards for their help.

They were incredibly helpful and extremely supportive. Anyone in this type of situation should use trading standards."

A spokesman for Mamas and Papas said: "We have identified a potential problem relating to the Beep Beep Steering Wheel.

Products that may be affected were part of a batch delivered in August 2003.

As a further precaution, we ask that if people have purchased this product from January 2003, they return it to the store from which it was purchased for a full refund."

Contact the Mamas and Papas customer care helpline on 01484 438222.

Further information is available from Trading Standards on 01446 709105.