This popular toy could be putting your child’s life at risk

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When you’re spending time with a baby, you expect to have nothing but a great time.

Kendall was playing with her young nephew like it was any other day.

But when she held him, she spotted something that could have quickly ended in tragedy.

In an Instagram post from Tiny Hearts Foundation, a woman issued a warning about a children’s toy that could double as a choking hazard after a scary experience with her nephew.

“Tonight, while holding my nephew, I saw a bit of pink in his mouth, so I investigated further and saw what I thought was a gumball,” Kendall explained.

However, when her sister felt around the boy’s mouth, they realized it wasn’t a gumball.

The mom “realized it was rubber” and pulled it out. “This piece of the toy had broken off somehow and it suctioned to his top gums,” the post continued.

Images attached to the post were of the crying toddler’s mouth, with the pink silicone lodged in between his back teeth.

The toy in question was a “common pop-it fidget” toy shaped like a butterfly.

In another photo, Kendall held the broken piece of the toy in her hand, showing how small and dangerous it can be if swallowed.

Kendall was lucky enough to spot the broken toy in her nephew’s mouth before he could choke.

Once they removed the rubber, the swelling “immediately went down,” and he went “back to normal”.

The post cautioned other parents of infants and toddlers who may have similar toys in their homes.

“We just wanted to inform others that these toys can have faulty parts as this piece must have broken off and fallen on the floor for the baby to have gotten it,” Kendall explained.

“I know these toys are very popular nowadays, so sharing this story to raise awareness.”

“This could have easily been swallowed and become a choking hazard.”

Parents have quickly resolved to remove the toys from their young children, especially at the age where they “eat everything.”

“Honestly, would not have even thought about this have so many lying around the house,” one mom wrote.

“I will have to keep an eye out on all of ours! That’s scary,” a concerned parent added.

“I was thinking about buying one of these,” another pondered. “New fear unlocked…”

Others recounted their own experiences with a broken pop-it toy.

“My daughter suctioned one to her face and gave herself a ‘suction bruise’ (hickey) for about three weeks,” one mom wrote about the “non-life-threatening” situation.

One parent asked their partner if they remembered when a pop-it got stuck “on the roof” of their daughter’s mouth. “Yep!” the person replied. “No more in our house.”

Some suggested that the toy should “be checked out by the ACCC” and highlighted that these toys aren’t suitable for children under three. “When buying toys, always check if it’s suitable for [their] child’s age,” they said.