The ACCC is investigating the safety of aftermarket children’s car seat head straps and baby bottle self-feeding devices, after the Assistant Treasurer issued Safety Warning Notices for each of the products.
The safety warning notices warn consumers of the possible risks of injury or death to infants and children associated with the use of these products.
The ACCC is investigating the safety of both of these products to determine if they will or may cause injury to any person, and the extent to which regulatory action is needed to prevent their supply or mitigate safety risks.
Aftermarket children’s car seat head straps (head straps)
Head straps come in various designs and typically feature a forehead strap that attaches to the top of a child car seat. They are marketed as a support for sleeping children.
Concerns have been raised with the ACCC that these products may alter the alignment of a child’s head, neck, and spine while the torso moves forward during a motor vehicle accident. This may increase the risk of possible spinal cord injuries and potential death and presents a possible risk of suffocation or strangulation should the head strap slip or drop around a child’s mouth or neck.
Further information is provided in the Safety Warning Notice.
Baby bottle self-feeding devices
Baby bottle self-feeding devices fall into two categories – self-feeding pillows, which are often referred to as ‘anti spitting pillows’ or ‘baby feeding pillows/bottle holders’, and hands-free baby bottle holders which commonly attach to bibs, prams, or cots.
Both types may cause babies to choke as they are unable to regulate the flow of liquid. The self-feeding devices may also increase the risk of suffocation if the baby’s head moves, leading it to be smothered, and may cause ear infections if the baby is fed while on their back.
The use of baby bottle self-feeding products is not recommended according to Commonwealth, and state and territory government advice, which advises against propping up a bottle for a baby to feed and feeding a baby unsupervised.
Further information is provided in the Safety Warning Notice.
Advice for consumers
Consumers who have purchased or own these products should immediately stop using them and dispose of them safely so that they cannot be used by anyone else. Consumers should check the car seat manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing and fitting aftermarket accessories. For self-feeding products, consumers should always follow government safe baby feeding advice to never prop up a bottle and never leave an infant to feed unsupervised.
Advice for suppliers
Suppliers are advised to conduct a risk assessment and take any action necessary to address any safety issues, which could include removing the products from sale, initiating a voluntary product safety recall and notifying the ACCC via the online form on the ACCC website.
Further information
You can find more information about the Safety Warning Notices on the Product Safety Australia website.
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