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,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
“Aftermarket children’s car seat head straps are marketed as a support for sleeping children, but the safety warning notice issued about these products warns about the possible risk that in motor vehicle accidents they may cause severe head, neck, and spinal cord injuries.”
“Baby bottle self-feeding devices are designed to position bottles so liquid can flow into infants’ mouths without the assistance of a caregiver, which the safety warning notice warns may increase the possible risk of suffocation, aspiration pneumonia, choking or ear infection. This is because babies are unable to regulate the flow of liquid,” Ms Lowe said.
“While the ACCC is not aware of any reports where these products have been directly linked to injuries or deaths in Australia, alarmingly there have been reports of fatalities overseas.”
“Protecting vulnerable young children and strengthening product safety online are priorities for the ACCC,” Ms Lowe said.
Examples of head straps
Examples of baby bottle self-feeding devices
Above is the first part of a media release from the ACCC (published 6/08/2024). The original media release; including specific advice for consumers and suppliers, background on the investigation, and more detail on the products covered under the safety warnings; is available here.
Consumers’ Federation of Australia engages with issues like this by working with member organisations and consumer advocates, and via our Standards Project which you can find out more about here.