Changes force a dummy spit

TWO local MPs are doing anything but spitting the dummy.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan and Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley have welcomed new mandatory Victorian safety standards for dummies.
New legislation will make it illegal for traders to supply dummies that don’t comply with the Australian Standard regulations.
The changes have come into effect to help keep newborns and infants safe from potential choking, suffocation and strangulation hazards.
Statistics show about 400 Victorian children require hospital treatment each year for injuries related to infant and nursery products.
“Death or serious injury can be the tragic result of using an unsafe product, or using products incorrectly,” Mr Donnellan said.
“The changes means suppliers caught selling babies’ dummies that fail to meet the new standards face fines of up to $25,783 for an individual and $64,458 for a corporation,” Ms Graley said.
About 400 Victorian children require hospital treatment each year for injuries related to infant and nursery products.
Parents should look for dummies which:
HAVE a shield with ventilation holes that will stop suffocation if the shield enters a baby’s mouth;
HAVE a shield that is smooth, rigid and large enough to prevent the whole dummy entering the baby’s mouth;
HAVE no loose parts, are strong and will not break apart and create small parts that can cause a baby to choke;
HAVE no strings or ties, as these can wrap tightly around a baby’s neck and cause strangulation.
The Bracks Government’s safe products for your baby guide will be updated to include information on the new mandatory safety standards for babies’ dummies.
Safe products for your baby guide and a fact sheet on the new safety standards for babies dummies can be downloaded from www.consumer.vic.gov.au or by calling 1300 558 181.