Whether he sits in the middle of the living room or in a child’s bedroom, this flexible, colorful and fun decoration accessory is not without danger for the youngest. Warnings before adopting it, unless it is already done.
It moves easily and turns in turn into a seat, an improvised bed or a play area. Children love it, parents find it practical … And yet, this piece of furniture hides a very real risk, which has remained unknown for a long time.
The problem does not come from its form or its use, but from what it contains. A detail that few families notice, and which generally does not arouse any concern at the time of purchase. However, the composition of the padding and the quality of the cover are crucial for the safety of the little ones. Nevertheless, domestic safety experts sound the alarm: a serious accident can occur in seconds …
The risks are not limited to the simple suffocation: according to some studies, the synthetic padding treated (anti-suits, fireproof, etc.) can also issue chemicals potentially harmful to health (endocrine disruptors, VOCs …), especially if the cover is damaged.
A simple gesture is involved: opening the cover, playing with the zipper or damaging the fabric, which can release its content. Children can thus find themselves in respiratory distress after inhaling or swallowing this material. Light, malleable, it can also cause suffocation if it gets stuck in the throat or the airways. The situation is all the more worrying since, for the majority of the models sold, no serious protection prevents a curious child from accessing it.
This piece of furniture is the pouf filled with polystyrene balls. Praised for its comfort and lightness, it contains thousands of small white balls, which can escape if the cover is tearing or if the closure is open. Easy to vacuum through the nose or mouth, they can cause immediate suffocation. The Australian and American authorities have published specific alerts on this subject, recommending that any zipper be blocked by a special device and that access to the garnishing is impossible without tools.
In France, no major reminder has taken place, but it is recommended to choose labeled poufs (OEKO-TEX®), with double-round or secure closure, and to check the state regularly. Never let a child play with a damaged model; Replace it or repair it if necessary. In short, this decorative seat remains safe and decorative if it is well maintained.
