Welcome to the March edition of Kidsafe Victoria’s e-news. This month we have some information on choking prevention, the recent Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expo and our range of free resources. We also have some information on the most recent product recalls. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook for regular safety tips and updates – happy reading and stay safe!

Pregnancy Babies and Children’s Expo

Last month we spent a very busy weekend at the Pregnancy Babies and Children’s Special Edition Expo at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. We had a great time speaking with thousands of new and expectant parents and grandparents, answering questions and handing out our free child safety resources.

We are looking forward to the next expo coming up later this year from 19th – 21st October!

Choke Check

Babies and young children are very curious and often explore their environments by placing items in their mouths – this, along with their smaller airways, underdeveloped cough reflexes and the fact they are still developing their teeth and the ability to chew and swallow, places them at greater risk of choking.

Common choking hazards include buttons, coins, small toys or small parts which can break off toys e.g. the eyes or nose from a stuffed toy, pen tops, hair ties and food – including nuts, popcorn, whole grapes, hard and sticky lollies and raw fruits and vegetables like raw carrot.

The ACCC has developed a free, do-it-yourself Choke Check tool to help you identify toys and other objects around your home that can pose choking hazards to young children.

Click here to download your free choke check tool today.

Order Free Kidsafe Vic Resources Online

Did you know that we have a wide range of resources, including fact sheets, posters and brochures available to order in hard copy? The majority of our resources are free and can be sent out for the cost of postage – or you can drop by and pick them up from our centre at the Monash Children’s Hospital. All you need to do to order copies for your home, workplace or early childhood centre is download and complete an order form here

Poisoning Prevention with ENJO

Kidsafe Australia has partnered with ENJO to help prevent childhood injuries within the home, with a particular focus on promoting poisons safety.

Approximately 33 Australian children are admitted to hospital every week due to an unintentional poisoning incident. Many common household products can pose a poisoning risk for children, including medications, detergents, cleaners and pesticides.

For more information and advice about how you can reduce the risk of poisoning in your home, please visit https://www.kidsafevic.com.au/home-safety/poisoning

Product Recalls

Wild and Wolf- Musical Jumbo Wooden Xylophone

The affected toys may not comply with the mandatory safety standards for toys for children up to and including 36 months of age. Small parts may detach from the products and pose a choking hazard to young children. Consumers are advised to stop using the product. Registered consumers will be sent a return address envelope for them to return the product. For further information, please click here.

Teeny Tot- Dummy Chain

The product does not comply with the requirements of the ban on baby dummy chains with unsafe decorations. The product exceeds the required length, and small parts are able to be detached and may pose a choking hazard for young children. Consumers should immediately stop using the dummy chain and contact Teenee Tot to receive a full refund. For further information, please click here.

Cherub Baby-Cherub Baby Car Bottle Warmer

There is a possibility the warmer may overheat during use and pose a burn or fire hazard. Consumers should immediately stop using the warmer and return to their place of purchase for a full refund.

Batch Number: 0517. The batch number can be found on the underside of the box. If you have discarded the box and need further assistance in identifying if your product is affected, please contact Cherub Baby.  

For further information, please click here.