A leading paediatric expert in the US has issued a warning to parents over inflatable neck ‘floaties’.
These floatation devices are ring-shaped and typically rest around the baby’s neck, to give them support as they float – supervised – in a swimming pool.
The floaties have risen in popularity in recent times, with adorable photos and videos emerging of tiny tots floating in swimming pools.
Kyran Quinlan – a paediatric specialist who previously served as the Chair of the American Academy of Paediatrics Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention – has issued a stark warning regarding their safety, however.
In an interview with WDSU News, Quinlan didn’t hold back as he said: “Neck floats for babies scare me to death, and I hope they scare parents.”
“These are potential death traps. To have your precious baby one poorly sealed seam away from going under at the pool, is frightening.”
Quinlan is not alone in warning parents. Previously, the American Academy of Paediatrics released a policy statement, urging parents of the dangers of improperly inflated floaties.
And just recently, authorities in Queensland, Australia banned certain brands of neck floaties from being sold.
According to the Queensland Officer of Fair Trading, these floaties were recalled after failing to meet basic safety standards.
The Authority’s Executive Director, Brian Bauer, said in a statement: “Baby neck aids were originally designed as medical aids for children with disability but have recently proliferated as more recreational items.”
“Unless baby neck floats are medically prescribed and professionally fitted, they can be very dangerous.
“If the float is too wide, the baby’s mouth and nose can become obstructed – if the float is too loose, the baby could slip through altogether.
“There are also concerns around the stability and the potential for the baby to tip over.”
The Authority went on to advise parents to go to a reputable brand if investing in a neck floatie.
Do you use a neck floatie? Have you ever experienced any issues with it? Be sure to let us know, mums!
