Safety Warning Notice
Baby bottle self-feeding devices are designed to prop or position a bottle so that the liquid flows into a baby's mouth without assistance from a caregiver. They generally fall into two categories:
1. **Self-feeding pillows:** These rest on a baby's chest, include a bottle attachment, and prop the bottle in their mouth. They may also be called 'Anti spitting pillows,' 'Baby feeding bottle holders,' or 'Multifunctional portable baby feeding pillows'.
2. **Hands free bottle holders:** These are designed to hold a bottle to a baby's mouth, allowing them to self-feed, and attach to caregivers, babies (such as bibs, slings, and props), or objects (such as strollers, prams, and cots).
Possible Risks Involved
Baby bottle self-feeding devices pose a possible risk to babies from:
* Choking.
* Aspiration pneumonia.
* Risk of suffocation.
* Ear infections.
The use of these devices is not recommended, as safe baby feeding advice from government bodies advises against propping up a bottle and feeding a baby unsupervised.
The notice details how the devices increase the risk of:
Choking: Babies cannot control the flow from the bottle, pull away, or signal distress, which can lead to gagging or choking. Choking can be silent.
Aspiration pneumonia: Babies can inhale liquid into their lungs instead of their stomach, which can cause a chest infection and potentially deadly aspiration pneumonia.
Suffocation: Self-feeding pillows may increase the risk of smothering the baby's face.
Ear infections: Feeding on their back can cause milk and bacteria to pool, which is connected to the ear, potentially leading to long-term damage and an increased risk of hearing impairment.
Urgent Advice
Immediately stop using the device and dispose of it safely so it cannot be used by anyone else. Always follow government safe baby feeding advice to never prop up a bottle and never leave an infant to feed unsupervised.
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