Consumers warned of possible safety risks with the use of baby bottle self-feeding devices and children’s car seat head straps

On "06/08/2024", the ACCC issued Safety Warning Notices for aftermarket children’s car seat head straps and baby bottle self-feeding devices, warning consumers of possible risks of injury or death to infants and children. The products were found to pose a risk of severe head, neck, and spinal cord injuries from the use of head straps in motor vehicle accidents.

The ACCC is investigating the safety of these products to determine if they will cause injury to any person and the extent of regulatory action needed to prevent their supply or mitigate safety risks. The investigation follows reports of fatalities overseas associated with these products.

Aftermarket children’s car seat head straps are predominantly supplied by third-party sellers via online platforms, while baby bottle self-feeding devices pose a risk of suffocation, aspiration pneumonia, choking, or ear infection due to the inability of babies to regulate liquid flow.

The ACCC strongly advises consumers to stop using and dispose of these products safely.