Sydney childcare centre investigated after toddlers’ mouths taped during ‘baby yoga’ session

A Wahroonga early childhood service is under investigation following a disturbing incident in which toddlers’ mouths were taped shut during a ‘breathing exercise’ described by educators as part of a ‘baby yoga’ session.

Photos of the session, taken in January 2024, were uploaded to Heritage House’s parent communication app. The images, showing children with masking tape over their mouths, were discovered by a prospective parent who had been granted access to the app while considering enrolment.

The parent, who works in child protection, lodged an immediate complaint and withdrew her child before their start date.

The NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority confirmed it investigated the incident after receiving the report, issuing a compliance action against the service.

A spokesperson for the regulator labelled the mouth-taping practice “inappropriate” and stated it should not take place in an early learning environment. No children were harmed during the activity.

The centre has since vowed never to repeat the practice and self-reported the incident to the Department of Education.

In a statement, Heritage House said the breathing exercise was a “well-intentioned activity” led by an educator who is also a qualified yoga instructor. The service said it had initially received positive feedback through its internal parent portal.

“It is well known that yoga is a popular and well-supported activity in early childhood education,” the centre stated. “However, we accept the department’s findings and have ensured that the activity will not be repeated. We take our duty of care seriously and remain committed to the safety and trust of our families and communities.”

Mouth taping, which has gained popularity online as a wellness trend, is promoted by some advocates as a way to encourage nasal breathing. However, health experts warn the practice carries serious risks, including asphyxiation.

Recent studies have found little evidence to support claims of benefits, particularly for young children, and emphasise that such techniques are not appropriate in early learning settings.

The incident comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for Australia’s early childhood sector, following high-profile cases that have intensified calls for stronger safeguarding practices.

While there is no suggestion that Heritage House was involved in any other wrongdoing, regulators have reiterated that child safety remains the paramount consideration under the National Quality Framework, and that all activities must comply with the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations.

This article is based on reporting from the Daily Mail Australia.