The children’s products are under investigation because Australia’s consumer watchdog has serious concerns they could lead to the deaths of babies.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is investigating the safety of head straps on child safety seats and automatic bottle-feeding devices, after the deputy treasurer issued warning notices for both products.
Both products have been linked to deaths overseas, the ACCC said.
The straps attach to the top of car seats and are primarily marketed online by third-party sellers as useful accessories that help keep children’s heads upright while driving.
They come in multiple designs and colors.
Concerns have been raised with the ACCC that the products may “alter the alignment of a child’s head, neck and spine as the torso moves forward during a motor vehicle crash”.
This could increase the risk of possible spinal cord injury and possible death, and presents a potential risk of suffocation or strangulation if the head strap slips around the child’s mouth or neck.
The ACCC warned that head straps could cause injury or death to a young child.
Australian consumer law prevents child restraint suppliers from selling the product, but this does not prevent them from being sold online.
While there were no fatalities in Australia, the ACCC said an eight-month-old baby died in the UK in 2021 as a result of suffocation related to a head strap.
Australian consumer law prevents child restraint suppliers from selling the product, but this does not prevent them from being sold online.
Meanwhile, it is warned that bottle-feeding devices pose a potential choking hazard for babies who cannot regulate the flow of milk, and a risk of suffocation.
These products fall into two categories: “self-feeding pillows,” often referred to as “anti-spit pillows” or “baby feeding pillows/bottle holders,” and hands-free bottle holders that typically attach to bibs, strollers, or cribs.
Both types can cause the baby to choke because he or she cannot control the flow of the fluid.
The ACCC warns that they also increase the risk of suffocation if the baby’s head moves, which can lead to suffocation.
Self-powered devices are also being investigated.
Following Commonwealth, state and territory government advice, the use of bottle-feeding products is not recommended.
The ACCC is aware of four deaths associated with self-feeding and propped-up products in the US and UK since 2015.
There are currently no mandatory safety standards or product information that apply to these products in Australia.
Safety warning notices have been issued to alert consumers about the potential risks of injury or death to infants associated with the products.
“The ACCC is investigating the safety of both products to determine whether they will or may cause injury to anyone and the extent to which regulatory action is needed to prevent their supply or mitigate safety risks,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
ACCC warns parents not to use the products
“Child safety seat head restraints are marketed as a support for sleeping children, but the safety warning notice issued for these products warns of the potential risk that they can cause serious head, neck and spinal cord injuries in car crashes.”
Ms Lowe said automatic bottle-feeding devices are designed to feed babies without assistance, but can cause choking, aspiration pneumonia, choking or ear infection.
“While the ACCC is not aware of any reports where these products have been directly linked to injuries or deaths in Australia, it is alarming that there have been reports of deaths overseas,” it said.
“Protecting vulnerable young children and strengthening the safety of online products are priorities for the ACCC,” Ms Lowe said.