On July 8, 2026, consumer group Which? reported that online marketplaces in the UK continue to sell 150 unsafe baby products, including self-feeding devices and sleeping bags, despite official safety alerts and recalls. The findings raise concerns about the safety measures in place on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and TikTok.
Unsafe Baby Products Remain Available
The investigation by Which? revealed that many of the unsafe products were still being sold by third-party sellers on major online marketplaces. Among the items flagged were:
- 59 sleeping bags with hoods or missing armholes
- 33 self-feeding devices with long straws
- 21 pillow bottle-holders designed to secure around a baby's neck
These products pose serious risks, including choking and suffocation, which have been highlighted in previous warnings from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
Calls for Accountability from Online Marketplaces
Sue Davies, head of consumer protection policy at Which?, emphasized the ease of finding these hazardous items online. She stated, "The lives of babies are at risk because these platforms won’t stop dangerous products from reaching their customers." Davies urged the government to impose legal responsibilities on online marketplaces to ensure product safety.
The investigation covered products that have been under scrutiny for safety violations and had been the subject of alerts since 2022. Despite the warnings, many listed items remained available for purchase, prompting calls for more stringent regulations.
Marketplace Responses to Safety Concerns
In response to the findings, several online marketplaces issued statements:
- Amazon: Removed flagged products and stated it takes customer safety seriously.
- Alibaba: Claimed to have removed non-compliant products and is educating sellers.
- eBay: Uses technology and expert teams to monitor and remove unsafe items.
- Etsy: Confirmed the removal of all flagged listings.
- TikTok: Notified customers and removed identified unsafe products.
- OnBuy: Worked closely with OPSS to expedite the removal of unsafe products.
The Department for Business and Trade expressed concern over the investigation’s findings, stating that any product endangering children should not be sold in the UK. They emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent unsafe products from being listed.
Experts like Ruth Watts, a registered health visitor, noted that parents are often the most vulnerable consumers. She advised caution when purchasing baby products and recommended checking for endorsements from trusted safety organizations like the Lullaby Trust.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Business. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
