Red Kite 3 Way baby carrier recalled over safety fears

Parents are being advised toreturn a baby carrier from baby brand Red Kite, because of a faulty clip that could mean babies are dropped.

The carrier in question in Red Kite's 3 Way Baby Carrier. The affected products were sold between November 2017 and April 2018 and have the following batch codes:

• RK 2899
• RK 2900
• RK 2901
• RK 3003

The batch reference can be found on the label in the bottom of the baby carrier.

A spokesperson for Red Kite said: 'We have become aware that some 3 Way Carriers from the above mentioned batches may have a manufacturing defect.

'This defect can cause the clips to fail and poses a risk to the user of the product.'

Red Kite has advised anyone who has one of the affected carriers to stop using the item immediately and to call 01454 326555. It also highlights that proof of purchase is needed to receive a refund.

Which? consumer rights expert Melissa Massey said: 'When returning faulty products, you may be asked to provide proof of purchase. Proof of purchase, like a bank statement, is enough evidence to provide you purchased the goods - it doesn't have to be a receipt.

'In many cases it would be unreasonable for a retailer to expect you to have kept your receipt, especially if the goods develop a fault after several months.

'If you didn't buy the product, but a family member or friend did, you'll need to ask them to reach out to the retailer on your behalf with proof of purchase. This is because the contract is between the retailer and purchaser of the goods.'

Find out more about your rights with faulty products.

How Which? tests the safety of baby carriers

We haven't tested this particular baby carrier. But for each baby carrier that we test, we put it through a range of tests and checks to ensure they're safe.

• We check that the carrier or sling passes the relevant British Safety Standard.
• We scrutinise the instructions to make sure they contain all the relevant and correct safety advice.
• We also run a series of durability tests to find out which slings and baby carriers will keep your little one safe and secure without breaking. These include strapping the baby carrier to a test dummy, loading it with a 15kg test baby dummy, and then jolting it up and down around for around 50,000 cycles to check that the carrier remains secure when it's being used. This is designed to replicate the most dynamic movement you could make when using it - equivalent to going down the stairs at quite a pace.
• We also scrutinise the openings of the carrier where your baby's legs sit, to make sure the gaps aren't so big that you could accidently drop your baby through them when putting him or her into the carrier.
• We check for any parts that could strangle or become detached and could pose a choking hazard for your baby.

Read our baby carrier and sling reviews to find a Best Buy that will keep your baby safe, secure and comfortable.