Parents are being warned not to put face coverings on their kids after people online spotted 'baby facemasks' that are attached to dummies.
Although for adults it's now compulsory to wear them on public transport, as well as in shops as of 24 July, people are being reminded that children under the age of 11 are exempt.
Anyone who doesn't wear one, in line with coronavirus prevention guidance, will face a fine, however there are certain 'legitimate reasons' for not wearing one - and being a child under 11 is one of them.
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The Pendle Family Zone facebook group, based in Lancashire and part of the 'Children and Family Wellbeing Services' in the area, shared a photo of the concerning products, which have actually been on sale since 2014.
It said: "One of ELHT's [East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust] amazing Community Midwives has brought this to our attention, after seeing this promoted as a cute idea for babies.
"Please, please, please do not do this!
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"Babies are too little to wear a mask, and this design looks like it would increase the risk of suffocation."
It then quoted advice from The Lullaby Trust, which says: "We are not aware of any advice for babies to wear masks, whether they are infected or not.
"There is a potential risk of suffocation and other hazards with doing this. The latest Government guidance says that children under three years do not need to wear masks.
Parents were shocked at the products.
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One commented: "Why would they even produce these knowing the dangers? Let's make money but risk lives. And who allowed production and the right to sell?"
Another replied: "It's bad enough for us to have to wear masks while on public transport as its the ones that have breathing difficulties let alone having to invented for infants in which would be a big issue as this looks to be. Money making racket."
A third said: "I cannot believe what I am seeing, how ridiculous and dangerous."
However, one follower doesn't believe these exact ones are on sale, writing: "I have seen this pic multiple times since March. I think it started out as a joke fashion accessory. Then people actually liked the idea and thought it would work. And it just keeps getting shared."
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The official advice from the UK government advises: "Face coverings should not be used by children under the age of three or those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly."
Featured Image Credit: FacebookTopics: UK News