Bling dummies
Bejewelling your baby with a "bling" dummy is not only banned in Australia but could put the child at serious risk of choking, the Department of Consumer Protection has warned.
The product safety warning comes after federal and state crackdown to remove these dummies from sale.
Consumer Protection Commissioner Anne Driscoll said the "fashionable" pacifiers posed a major choking hazard to babies.
"The dummies and chains are decorated with small diamantes, crystals and beads which, if dislodged, could easily choke a baby or child," Ms Driscoll said.
"Tension testing carried out on the dummies failed with a number of the small decorations becoming detached.
"Parents who might be using these dummies are advised to discontinue their use and discard them.
"We would be keen to know if these pacifiers are being sold in WA and I urge parents who have bought these items to contact Consumer Protection.
"I also urge retailers and online suppliers of these items to comply with the ban."
Children under the age of three are particularly vulnerable to choking as they have not yet developed reflexes to automatically cough up objects that lodge in their throats.
Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O'Brien warned that a national ban on these products came into effect on July 14.
The dummies are sold mostly over the internet with around 30 Australian-based internet sites selling the products.
"Dummies are designed to settle and sooth babies, not to cause distress and injury," Mr O'Brien said.
"These dummies are dangerous and should not be given to any baby."
Facebook pages dedicated to the sale of the dummies that were found by WAtoday.com.au mostly came from home businesses in the United Kingdom, but one creator and seller in Sydney offered bling dummy packages ranging from $25 for a single dummy with with Swarovski crystal initials to $35 for a dummy completely encrusted with crystals, including its handle.
It spruiked "more colors & styles coming soon!" and also promoted a line of bling baby bottles and other accessories
But the creator, Jessica, has since said that she never sold any products.
"We opened the Facebook account but never sold or tried to sell anything due to the risk issues," she said. "I just have not closed the Facebook account, simply because I forgot."
Only two retailers warned against potential hazards with the product.
One based in the UK with 800 followers, Baby Dummy Bling, advised on their page: "On my dummies I use non-toxic glue. This will not harm your little ones.
"But there are a few things to mention: These are a novelty item and should be used under adult supervision. Buyers assume all responsibility."
While bling4urbaby wrote: "All dummies are produced using glue specifically made for the bonding of crystals to plastics. The crystals are bonded solid to the dummy so risk of the crystals coming loose is very low.
"However, these items are intended for decorative occasional use e.g for weddings, christenings, reborn dolls, keepsakes or just for show. They are not meant for every day use and a child should not be left unattended with them.
"To reduce damage to the crystals its advisable to use with a dummy clip to avoid dropping on the floor (also available- see my other listings). Do not use in a steam or microwave steriliser. Instead use a cold water sterilieser (sic)."
In response to these advertisements, an Australian retailers association spokeswoman said: "This is why people should not buy things online."
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and Kidsafe WA have so far not received any reports of children suffering injuries from the products.
