INPAA’s Safety Advocacy Has Paid Off

In a significant win for infant safety, the Assistant Treasurer has issued Safety Warning Notices regarding aftermarket children's car seat head straps and baby bottle self-feeding devices. This decisive action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) marks a critical step forward in protecting our youngest and most vulnerable consumers from potential harm.

According to the ACCC’s media release, these notices highlight the serious risks of injury or death associated with the use of these products. The ACCC is currently investigating these items to determine the extent of their potential danger and to decide on the necessary regulatory actions to prevent their supply or mitigate safety risks.

Key Messages from the ACCC:

• Immediate Action for Consumers: If you have purchased or own aftermarket children's car seat head straps or baby bottle self-feeding devices, stop using them immediately and dispose of them safely to ensure they cannot be used by anyone else.

• Car Seat Safety: For aftermarket car seat head straps, always refer to the car seat manufacturer's instructions before purchasing and fitting any aftermarket accessories.

• Safe Feeding Practices: When it comes to baby bottle self-feeding devices, always adhere to government safe baby feeding advice. Never prop up a bottle or leave an infant to feed unsupervised.

• Supplier Responsibilities: The ACCC strongly advises suppliers to conduct thorough risk assessments of these products. Necessary actions could include removing the products from sale, initiating a voluntary product safety recall, and notifying the ACCC via the online form on their website.

Amplifying the ACCC’s Safety Messaging

At INPAA, we are committed to amplifying the ACCC’s safety messages and raising awareness about these critical warnings. Our stakeholder toolkit, available to all members, contains key messages, social media content, Q&As, and ACCC contact details to help spread this urgent information.

We urge all our members to:

• Share the ACCC's warnings across your platforms and with your customers.

• Engage with the ACCC if you are a supplier of these products to understand the necessary steps to address any potential safety issues.

• Stay informed about the ongoing investigations and be prepared to implement any recommended safety measures.

Continuing the Fight for Infant Safety

The issuance of these Safety Warning Notices is a testament to the effectiveness of INPAA’s advocacy efforts. It underscores the importance of our ongoing mission to ensure that every baby product on the market meets the highest safety standards. We commend the ACCC for their proactive stance and remain committed to supporting their efforts to safeguard our children.

As we continue to work closely with regulators, experts, and our member organizations, we remain dedicated to promoting safe, reliable, and high-quality baby products. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every baby is given the safest possible start in life.

ACCC - Safety Warning Notices - Aftermarket children's car seat head straps and baby bottl

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Thank you for your continued commitment to infant safety.

Feel free to contact us for any further information or assistance regarding these updates. Your support and proactive engagement are invaluable in this crucial endeavor.