A young mother from Blackpool has been left traumatised and permanently scarred after a baby feeding bottle malfunctioned during preparation, resulting in severe burns to her chest. Leona Downie, 18, described her panic and pain as a MAM Baby bottle, which she had used without issue for months, “exploded” while she was mixing milk for her five-month-old son, Arlo Minles.
The incident took place as Leona followed her usual routine for preparing formula. She recounted boiling the kettle and allowing the water to cool for about 15 minutes before pouring it into the bottle and adding the powdered formula. However, when she went to shake the mixture, the bottle suddenly burst open from both the top and bottom, propelling hot milk onto her skin.
Speaking about her ordeal, Leona revealed, “I screamed instantly – it felt as if I was being stabbed repeatedly. The burning was excruciating and I was terrified; I really thought I was going to die from the pain.” She immediately jumped into a cold shower, hoping to alleviate the intense heat radiating from her skin.
Soon after, Leona rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital’s Accident & Emergency department, where doctors diagnosed her with second-degree burns. Images taken following the incident show a vivid red, raw area on the left side of her chest, with much of the skin having been damaged by the scalding liquid. Medical staff were required to remove dead skin before dressing the 11-centimetre-long wound and sending her home to recover.
The extent of the injury has had a lasting impact on Leona, who now feels self-conscious about her appearance. “Half of my nipple was peeled off by the burn,” she explained, “so I avoid wearing low-cut tops now. The scar makes me uncomfortable – it’s quite distressing.” Leona, who is a full-time carer, said she’d never experienced any issues with the bottle previously and is now determined to warn other parents of the potential hazards.
MAM Baby, the manufacturer of the bottle in question, expressed concern upon learning of Leona’s injuries and has begun an investigation into the accident. In a statement, the company emphasised that their bottles are rigorously tested and adhere to European safety standard EN 14350:2020. MAM further clarified that their instructions recommend allowing boiling water to cool for a minimum of 20 minutes before use and advise against pouring boiling water directly into the bottle.
A spokesperson for MAM stated, “The safety of families and their babies is paramount to us. We are arranging to collect the specific bottle to carry out a thorough examination. All our products come with clear usage instructions, including the recommendation never to use boiling water and to always exercise caution when shaking bottles, ensuring the base faces away and is wrapped in a cloth over a sink.”
Leona admits to using the MAM bottles consistently since her baby’s birth and insists she always ensures both the top and base are securely attached before use. Since the incident, she has switched to a different brand of bottle for Arlo, and is reaching out to other parents to ensure similar incidents are avoided. “I never imagined something like this could happen, especially with a product I’ve trusted for months,” she said, urging parents to heed manufacturer safety guidance.
This case highlights the ongoing importance of clear, accessible instructions for all baby care products and underlines the need for continual vigilance when preparing infant formula. With parents often juggling multiple tasks, even a small lapse in following guidelines can have unexpected and painful consequences.
As MAM Baby continues to investigate, Leona’s story serves as a powerful reminder for all parents and carers to always double-check safety instructions and remain vigilant whenever using potentially hazardous equipment, especially around hot liquids. The emotional and physical impact of such accidents can be profound and long-lasting, reinforcing the need for both care and awareness in everyday parenting routines.