Baby, parenting and birthing products brand Munchkin, is voluntarily recalling about 180,000 pacifiers due to concerns that the product could pose a choking hazard.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the clip cover on Munchkin’s LatchTM lightweight pacifiers and clips can detach from the pacifier. The company says it has received 10 reports of the small parts coming detached so far.
The pacifier and clip sets were sold between April 2014 and March 2016.
The pacifiers were sold at Babies R Us, Target Walmart, Amazon and other stores. The recall includes model numbers MKFE0391, MKFE0392 and MKFE0393.
Choking hazards on these pieces is one main risk for this recall as babies from 2 months to 3 years old tend to put things in their mouth first, then ask questions later.
Other risks of pacifiers include:
- If a baby is given a pacifier too soon, he or she may have trouble learning to breastfeed properly. It is probably best to wait to use a pacifier until your baby has learned how to breastfeed well and is at least 1 month of age.
- A baby who needs a pacifier to fall asleep may wake up many times during the night until he or she is old enough to put the pacifier back in when it falls out of his or her mouth.
- Babies who use a pacifier may be more likely to develop middle ear infections. Also, regular pacifier use after 2 years of age may cause problems with your child’s teeth. These problems are more likely if your child uses a pacifier after he or she is 4 years of age.
There have been 10 reports of the clip cover coming off in the U.S. and Canada.
Customers are advised to stop using the pacifiers and contact the company for a refund or replacement. More information is available on the company’s website, or call 877-242-3134.
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