Giant toy store Toys R Us have made the move to urgently recall thousands of infant toys over the risk that pieces can detach and pose choking hazards to babies.
Initially the recall, which affects the popular Bruin Infant Wiggle Ball, was in the US, after six reports were made (including four occasions in which a baby had put one its mouth) because the parts are small enough for infants to swallow and choke on.
Almost 30,000 units of the toy have been recalled in the US and a further 30,000 in Canada. It is currently unclear how many people in the UK are affected by the defect, but the company has taken the decision to extend the recall across the country.
The Bruin Infant Wiggle Ball - also known as the Giggle Ball - is aimed at infants aged six months and up. The website claims the activity toy is 'enhances sensory development' and is 'great for encouraging interaction.'
It requires 2 AA batteries and has 'easy-grip' textured bumps to help babies little hands to hold on to the toy. It also features bright orange, green and yellow rubber knobs around the outside, and it is these knobs that have been found to detach.
The toy itself wiggles, vibrates and plays three different musical tunes, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission - but now the product has been removed from the company's UK website after a recall was made in both the US and Canada.
A spokeswoman for the company confirmed to The Sun: 'This item is now off sale and we ask customers who have bought this item to return it to a Babies R Us or Toys R Us for a full refund.'
In a notice posted on its website Toys R Us said the recalled wiggle balls have model number 5F6342E and Toys R Us printed on the product.
The store has asked customers to stop using the products immediately and return them to stores for a full refund.
