A doctor has warned of the risk of suffocation from 'cute' baby face coverings.
The Bury, Rochdale and Oldham Child Death Overview Panel is urging parents not to put face masks on their babies, saying they 'greatly increase the risk of suffocation'.
The warning comes as a number of different baby face masks are being sold online.
Dr Rebecca Fletcher, chair of Bury, Rochdale and Oldham Child Death Overview Panel, said: "It is extremely dangerous to cover a baby’s mouth and nose and the design of the 'cute' baby face coverings that have been brought to our attention look like they would greatly increase the risk of suffocation.
"I would strongly advise parents not to use any form of face covering for their baby.
"If any parent has concerns or needs advice they should contact their community midwife or health visitor."
Face coverings are now compulsory on public transport, in shops, supermarkets and in public places.
But the rules do not apply to children under the age of three, with discretionary use of face coverings for children under 11.
The Lullaby Trust, which raises awareness of sudden infant death syndrome, is also urging parents to not put their babies in face coverings.
