Public Health England has urgently warned parents not to buy face masks or coverings for babies and young children due to the risk of choking and suffocation.
It comes after the agency became aware of masks being sold for young children and even babies ahead them being made mandatory in shops from tomorrow.
Government guidance has however said all children under 11 are exempt.
Professor Viv Bennett, chief nurse at the agency, said: "PHE has been made aware that face coverings for babies and very young children are available for sale in England.
"Guidance is clear that children under the age of three years should not wear face coverings or masks.
"These masks should not be used as they are potentially dangerous and can cause choking and suffocation.
"If you or your child is unwell with the symptoms of Covid-19, then you should get a test and stay at home until you get the result.
"If you are worried then you should call 111 or speak to your doctor."
Charities have also warned against children being made to wear masks de to risk of suffocation.
The Pendle Family Zone Facebook group, which represents ‘Children and Family Wellbeing Services’ in Lancashire, shared a picture of the worrying trend.
They said: “One of ELHT's [East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust] amazing Community Midwives has brought this to our attention, after seeing this promoted as a cute idea for babies.
“Please, please, please do not do this!
“Babies are too little to wear a mask, and this design looks like it would increase the risk of suffocation.”
They also quoted The Lullaby Trust - a charity raising awareness of sudden infant death syndrome, who say: "We are not aware of any advice for babies to wear masks, whether they are infected or not.
"There is potential risk of suffocation and other hazards with doing this."
