Parents beware: Pop-it fidget toys may prove fatal.

PARENTS should be aware that they may have purchased pop-it toys to entertain their children.

You might be looking for unique gifts for Easter, as you are likely to keep an eye on what gift ideas will work best for your child.

2

2

Pop-its may be tempting, as they are a poppable silicone blister-popping fidget toy.

However, first aids warn that infants could be fatally injured by the toy.

Posting CPR kidsSarah Hunstead (a paediatrician and the managing director of Pop-Its) said that parents should be aware pop-it is meant for older children.

After two of her followers shared how their baby almost choked from a pop-it made cheaply, she issued the warning.

Kendall, a follower of the story recounted that she noticed something pink inside Lincoln’s mouth while holding him on one night.

She initially thought it was a gumball. But Lincoln’s mom Ellie quickly realized that the odd object was actually a piece of rubber taken from a pop-it.

Kendall stated that the piece of toy was broken in some way and had suctioned on Kendall’s gums.

They shared photos of Lincoln’s mouth showing that one of the pieces had stuck to his gum, causing it to swell.

“We’re lucky it ended this way and not with him choking,” Kendall said.

Lincoln’s mom Ellie purchased the pop-it in a shopping mall kiosk. There were about four around her house.

Her baby could be left vulnerable to injuries if pieces of her toy break.

Ellie explained that even though they weren’t intended for infants they were very popular with older children as well as toddlers. She also said they don’t pose any danger to babies.

They are a favorite of my children,” she said. I didn’t know that the tiny bubbles could burst and prove so hazardous for toddlers and babies who put them in their mouths.

She pleaded, “Please take a look at your pop-its” and make everyone aware of it.

“I am so grateful it was caught at the right time and that my little boy is going to be fine.”

Kendall said that Lincoln’s gum swelling went away quickly and that Lincoln was now feeling great.

However, she advised parents of older children who bought pop-its to ensure that they were of good quality and keep an eye on their babies.

How to help your child choke if he or she is choking

Babies and young children are always at risk of choking because their airways are smaller, and they haven’t mastered chewing and swallowing properly, first aiders say.

It’s a parents worst nightmare to imagine a situation in which they have to save their child from choking.

But in that moment, it may be you who will have to step up and perform first aid.

The NHS says if you can see an object lodged in your child’s mouth, take care to remove it because blindly poking at it could make things worse.

You can encourage your child to keep coughing even though they might be trying to get the item up. Keep them close to you.

If the coughing isn’t effective (it is silent or they cannot breathe properly), shout for help immediately.

You can use blowback if your child is conscious.

First aiders at St John Ambulance give the following advice based on the child’s age.

Baby

1. It’s easy to do:

• Place the baby on your stomach and support them with your arms.
• Do five back-blows with their shoulders between them
• Every time you turn them, check the mouth.

2. Take it out!

• Face the baby upwards and support it along your thigh.
• Two fingers should be placed in the middle of the chest, just above the nippleline. Push down to make five quick chest thrusts
• Every time you check your mouth,

3. Call 999 for immediate help if your item is not loosening.

• Call the baby while you are gone
• Keep going with the previous steps until assistance arrives.
• Start CPR if the baby becomes unresponsive (unconscious)

Children

1. Take it all out

• Encourage the casualty to keep coughing, if they can

2. It’s okay to whack it!

• You can support them one-handed by supporting their forward motions.
• Five sharp, back-blows are required between your shoulder blades.
• Always check their mouths, but avoid putting your fingers into their mouths.

3. You can squeeze it out

• Standing behind them, wrap your arms around the waist and place one hand between your belly button & their bottom.
• Grab the other side of your fist and draw inwardly and upwardly, completing up to five abdominal thrusts
• Every time they speak, check their lips

4. Call 999 or 112 for emergency help if the object does not dislodge

• Continue to repeat steps 2 through 3 until you receive help
• If the person is unresponsive or unconscious, start CPR.

5. When abdominal thrusts were used, it is important to seek out medical advice.

Every child is at risk for choking, particularly those younger than three.

Never hesitate to call 999 in case of emergency. You can get help if you have any questions about performing CPR on your child.St John Ambulance.