Babies' dummies – safety alert

dummy; dummies; pacifier;

 

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a safety alert about dummies.

Dummies are designed to comfort and settle babies. However they can be a hazard to babies and toddlers.

• The teat or small pieces from the dummy may break off and become stuck in a child's throat.
• The whole dummy may become stuck in a child's mouth and might block the air supply. The shield that the teat is attached to should have holes so that the airway does not get blocked.
• Attaching the dummy to a child's clothing or the cot with a ribbon that is long enough to go around the child's neck can be a strangulation risk. Always use a ribbon that is no more than 10cm long.
• The most common injuries related to dummies are cuts and abrasions that happen when children fall over with a dummy in their mouth.

For more information and a safety checklist have a look at the ACCC brochure 'Babies dummies – keep baby safe (safety alert)'.

The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).

This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.