Baby bottle self-feeding devices have been permanently banned in Australia over concerns it can lead to head injuries or strangulation of infants.
The devices are essentially products that position a baby bottle or teat so a baby can feed themselves without an adult’s help.
Baby bottle self-feeders are often tied around a baby’s neck, act as a pillow or attach to their crib.
Leaving babies to feed themselves can increase the risk that caregivers are missing important signs that their child is in distress.
Babies also can’t regulate the flow of liquid from the bottle or remove it from their mouths.
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It causes risks such as head injuries, strangulation, ear infections that can lead to hearing loss, tooth decay, overfeeding, developmental issues and an incorrect latch that can cause air swallowing, digestive discomfort and colic.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission announced on Tuesday that these products are now permanently banned in Australia.
Why did the ACCC ban the self-feeding devices?
It’s no surprise that the products have been banned after the ACCC issued a safety notice about the devices in 2024, and then launched an investigation into them.
“Each year, we set our product safety priorities to target and increase awareness of high-risk unsafe consumer goods. This year, our focus has been on unsafe products sold in digital markets and product safety issues for young children,” said the ACCC’s deputy chair Catriona Lowe.
“Baby bottle self-feeding devices pose an unacceptable risk of injury or death to infants as a result of choking, suffocation and aspiration, as babies do not have the ability to regulate the flow of milk or remove the bottle from their mouth themselves.
“This permanent ban makes clear that products which undermine safe infant feeding practices will not be tolerated in the Australian market.”
The ban means it’s now illegal to supply these products in Australia, and businesses that don’t comply could face massive penalties.
It is also illegal for businesses to manufacture or possess the devices.
“We urge consumers to stop using these devices immediately and to always actively supervise babies during feeding,” Catriona said.
The ban does not include supplemental nursing systems used to support breastfeeding, sippy cups, trainer cups and straw cups used for drinking rather than being a child’s sole source of nutrition.
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