Dangerous Lamaze Toy

[Kirky]

I just want to ledt everyone know about my concern regarding a Lamaze toy.

I recently purchased "Spike the Dinosaur" for my five month old son and he absolutely loves it.

However, this morning he was playing with it, when I heard some choking noises. I rushed over to check him and he'd actually swallowed the ribbons attached to Spike's tail and was choking on them. He then started vomiting as he was choking and I had to physically pull Spike's tail with the ribbons from out of his throat.

I have a friend who also has the same toy and the exact same thing happened to her six month old daughter.

We have both now cut the ribbons off Spike's tail, as well as the Lamaze label.

We strongly suggest that this product be recalled for this reason, as it may be the case that these ribbons cause a choking fatality in the future, so we have written to the distributor, as well as the Office of Fair Trading.

Apart from this, the toy is excellent, perhaps they can manufacture it without the ribbons on the tail?

Just thought I'd post this in case anyone has this toy. If you do, then I really recommend you cut the ribbons off the tail.

[jaz]

I am glad you baby is ok,

jaz
xoxo

[nemosmum]

How scary is that :eek: I am very glad both bubs are alright. Keep us posted about how the company responds eg recalling the product etc

[Kirky]

This is the letter I wrote to the distributor, and the response I got.

Dear Kirsty,

Thank you for your Email.

I have looked into our records and have found that the mentioned product has passed an Intertek Lab test on March 17th 2005, Test number 254577. This test is to ensure products reach Australian Guidelines.

Despite this we will however take your views on board and ensure that this matter is looked into.

Thank you very much for your valuable feedback. I will be sure to pass this onto our manufacturers as soon as possible.

If you have any further queries regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards

Tanya Kilgower
Receptionist
RC2 Australia Pty Ltd T/As
Learning Curve Australia
P : 03 9550 3600 F : 03 9550 3670
Email : tanya@rc2aust.com.au



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From: Kirsty Rousell [mailto:krousell@bigpond.net.au]
Sent: Tuesday, 20 September 2005 12:12 PM
To: service@rc2aust.com.au
Subject: Dangerous Lamaze Toy


Hi There,

I wished to express my concern regarding one of your Lamaze products.

I recently purchased "Spike the Dinosaur" for my five month old son and he absolutely loves it.

However this morning he was playing with it when I heard some choking noises. I rushed over to check him and he'd actually swallowed the ribbons attached to Spike's tail
and was choking on them. He then started vomiting as he was choking and I had to physically pull Spike's tail with the ribbons from out of his throat.

I have a friend who also has the same toy and the exact same thing happened to her six month old daughter.

We have both now cut the ribbons off Spike's tail, as well as the Lamaze label.

We strongly suggest that this product be recalled for this reason, as it may be the case that these ribbons cause a choking fatality in the future.
Apart from this, the product is good, perhaps you can manufacture it without the ribbons on the tail?

Your earliest repsonse would be much appreciated.

Thank you

Kirsty Rousell

At least I got a response! I also lodged a complaint with the Dept of Fair Trading, who rang me yesterday to obtain more information. They said they would be in touch again shortly.

[Chickadee]

I"m glad you got a response, but more glad that the dept of fair trading is following up. I'd be interested to know which Australian Guideline they were testing to. I couldn't find anything very relevant on the lab's web site.

And good for you for taking action!!