A kit for collecting breast milk should not be used to feed babies due to a serious risk of choking, parents have been warned.

The SteriFeed Colostrum Collector is a syringe-style device manufactured by Medicare Colgate and is used by expectant and new mothers to collect colostrum, which is the first milk produced by pregnant women. It is not designed for feeding.

Parents have been warned against using it to feed babies directly due to the “serious risk” of choking if the cap is not removed.

It follows six incidents of a cap from a SteriFeed device becoming lodged in the back of a baby’s throat when it was not removed before feeding.

All the infants survived but one required emergency surgery.

The device is only designed to collect and store the highly nutritious milk, which is produced to kickstart a newborn baby’s gut and boost immunity. It can be frozen and later fed to a baby when required.

The kits are often available to buy online for use at home – with some even supplied by local trusts.

SteriFeed declined to comment on the government warning.

Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: “We strongly advise anyone using the SteriFeed Colostrum Collector to contact their healthcare provider for advice on how to collect colostrum and feed an infant safely.”

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She added: “This device is not intended to be used to directly feed your baby due to the risk of choking if the cap is not removed.

“Seek medical attention immediately if your child or a child in your care ingests an object and please report any incidences involving these devices to our Yellow Card scheme.”

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