Over 10,000 Pairs Of Kids' Socks Recalled Over Choking Hazard

A company is recalling more than 10,000 pairs of kids' socks because they could pose a choking hazard.

The issue with the Stance Kids Reiny Szn Mid-Cushion Crew Socks was that the bells attached to them may get detached, thereby posing "aspiration and choking" hazards to young children, a recall alert posted on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website noted.

Small items that can pose choking hazards for babies and small children should be kept away from them. This includes small items such as coins, buttons, marbles or other small balls, button-type batteries and even balloons and refrigerator magnets, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Some types of foods, including hot dogs, grapes and peanuts, can also cause choking in children.

Stance has received one report of the bells detaching, but fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or incidents of children putting the bells in their mouths.

The company has urged consumers to stop using the socks "immediately" and return the items to a Stance store. People can also contact the company at info@stance.com to find out how to get a pre-paid shipping label to return the product.

Recalled socks

The company is recalling some 10,800 pairs of socks. The recalled items were brown in color with black heels and toes, and had a reindeer design with bells attached around the ankle area, CPSC noted. They came in medium (UPC: 19107481113) and large (UPC: 190107481120) sizes. They were sold online and at Stance stores nationwide from November to December 2021.

Those who return the recalled socks will receive up to $20 in credit as a refund.

Preventing children from choking

Babies and young children tend to explore the world around them by putting objects into their mouths. Unfortunately, this may also pose choking hazards as small objects and food can "easily" get stuck in their windpipe, the Nemours Foundation said.

Apart from keeping small objects or foods that may pose choking hazards away from children, there are some key reminders that parents or guardians should keep in mind to prevent such events. This includes checking their toys for loose parts and also small spaces such as between cushions and under the rugs for small objects. It's also important to recycle batteries safely and to keep magnets out of children's reach.

Parents and guardians can also prevent children from choking on food by teaching them to chew thoroughly and to swallow their food before talking. They also shouldn't be allowed to run around or ride in cars with choking hazards such as lollipops or candy in their mouths. Older kids should be briefed about the types of foods that shouldn't be given to younger children.

For extra precaution, it's best for guardians to childproof their homes and learn how to do CPR in case of an emergency.