Baby bottle self-feeding devices position a baby bottle or bottle teat so a baby can feed without another person holding the bottle or without adult supervision.
Baby bottle self-feeding devices are dangerous because they may be used without active adult supervision. This increases the risk of caregivers missing important signs that a baby is in distress, such as gagging or discolouration of the lip, tongue or nose that may signal respiratory problems.
Babies can’t regulate the flow of liquid from a bottle or remove the bottle teat from their mouth. The liquid from one of these devices can be dispensed faster than a baby can swallow. This can cause choking, aspiration, vomiting or suffocation.
Using these devices can also lead to:
- facial or head injuries
- strangulation
- ear infections which might result in hearing loss
- tooth decay
- overfeeding
- developmental issues
- an incorrect latch onto the bottle teat, causing air swallowing, digestive discomfort and colic.
Products the ban applies to
The permanent ban applies to baby bottle self-feeding devices that are designed for use without active adult supervision. They include:
- products that position a bottle in an infant’s mouth (bottle propping)
- products designed to be worn on a person’s body, that hold a bottle in place while it is used for feeding a baby
- flexible straw devices that connect a baby bottle to a teat to allow an infant to feed.
Images show examples of banned baby bottle self-feeding devices. They do not show a complete list of products the ban applies to. Images sourced from websites selling the products.
View the full details of this ban at Consumer Goods (Baby Bottle Self-feeding Devices) Permanent Ban 2026.
Products the ban does not apply to
Supplemental nursing systems. These products allow babies to receive milk from a tube while latched onto a breast. They are typically used to support breastfeeding and supplement a baby’s feeding.
Products known as ‘sippy cups’, including trainer cups or straw cups. Sippy cups are more likely to be used for drinking rather than feeding.
What to do if a banned product is being sold
If you are supplying the product
If you become aware that you are supplying a banned product, you must immediately stop supplying the product.
You should conduct a product recall and let consumers know.
You must notify the ACCC within 2 days of taking recall action.
If you find the product for sale
If you’re aware of any banned or unsafe products being supplied in Australia, you can report the unsafe product to the ACCC.
Penalties for supplying banned products
Supplying a banned product can result in the ACCC taking action. This may result in a:
- fine
- court enforceable undertaking
- disqualification from being a company director
- court action with penalties
- product recall.
Media Release: Australian Consumer and Competition Commission
