Wal-Mart Recalls Baby Bibs

Wal-mart stores have pulled baby bibs from their shelves after acknowledging that they may be dangerous to children because of high levels of lead.

Parents who have bought or received bibs for their infants or small children from Wal-mart stores should stop using them immediately and throw them away. If you have any bibs that sound similar to the ones sold at Wal-mart and are not sure where they originally came from it's better to be over cautious and discontinue use of them immediately.

The bibs were made by Hamco Inc. and sold under the name Baby Connection. These part vinyl and part cloth baby bibs were packaged in 2-7 per set and many had embroidered or printed Sesame Street characters on them. The recalled bibs were sold between 2004 to Wednesday when they were pulled off the shelves after testing positive for dangerously high levels of lead.

The vinyl or plastic like portion of the bib is what poses a risk to humans, especially small children. The plastic has the potential to leak lead also known as PVC into the body. Babies often put everything in their mouths and when teething chew on objects and a bib hanging across their chest is an easy item to suck on.

Lead exposure is dangerous as it can cause brain damage, learning disabilities, cause attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity to name a few harmful outcomes. There is also a highly possible connection between PVC and cancer which is why many adults avoid plastics especially when purchasing baby products. PVC is used in vinyl and other soft plastics as a stabilizer but can easily be replaced by something that is not known to be dangerous. In fact many other countries have banned PVC for use in baby and juvenile products yet the USA continues to allow stores to sell baby bottles, teething toys, balls, training sippy cups and such that contain this harmful leaching chemical.

Wal-Mart has said they are trying to join the fight against PVC in children's products and they were reportedly notified that the bibs contained high levels of lead after a lawsuit was filed against the manufacturer by Center for Environmental Health. The levels found in the bibs were 16 times the amount of lead that is allowed in paint. This is frightening because of the high chance that a small child will put the corner of the bib in their mouth to chew or suck on. If a portion of the bib were to deteriorate and accidentally be swallowed the levels in the child's blood would be dangerously high.

Tags will likely say made in china on the recalled baby bibs but again if you are unsure, stop using them.

Baby Connection 2-Pack Easy Wipe Bibs - UPC 01468152705.

Baby Connection 7-Pack Feeder Bibs - UPC 01468151077

Baby Connection 2-Pack Feeder Bibs - UPC 01468102732

Refunds and exchanges are only currently being given for those purchased in the state of Illinois. This is where the initial recall occurred and it's not clear why it is still the only place where replacements are being met since it is clear that the bibs were sold across the country. Contact your local wal-mart if you have any concerns or questions if you do not live in Illinois. For IL residents who may have these dangerous baby bibs, call this number for assistance: 1- 877-373-3812