Kidsafe today called for a greater awareness of the purchase of imported baby rattles. This followed the ACCC?s latest national recall of FIVE musically-themed baby rattles, because they presented a choking hazard to children.

All five rattles failed the shape, size and strength requirements of the Australian Standard.

These rattles are of a shape which could be swallowed by an infant and cause them to choke or suffocate.

Small parts which presented a choking hazard fell off four of the rattles during testing, according to the NSW Office of Fair Trading, who alerted the ACCC to the issue. 

Dr Stokes said according to the NSW Office of Fair Trading, nearly 4200 of the rattles have been distributed to discount stores across the country, with 825 of them on NSW shelves.

All parents who have purchased these rattles should remove them immediately from use to protect their children and others, by taking them back to the store for a refund.

"We are concerned that this is the second recall of rattles this year, and that despite the consequences, importers are failing to stop bringing these dangerous toys into the country. This makes it extremely difficult for parents to make an informed choice regarding the purchase of a safe rattle for their child.
Dr Stokes said "Parents should carefully assess any rattle they are buying for safety."
Parents can find further information regarding these recalls on the ACCC website: http://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/969080