‘Awake and alert’: Heartwarming update on Gold Coast toddler Dusty Wildman after horror baking tragedy

A Gold Coast toddler who suffered a life-threatening reaction after inhaling a metallic cake decorating powder is continuing to recover in hospital, with family now sharing a reassuring update as his condition steadily improves.

Fourteen-month-old Dustin “Dusty” Wildman remains at Queensland Children’s Hospital, almost two weeks after the incident that left him in an induced coma and requiring emergency surgery to clear the substance from his lungs.

His mother, Kate Robinson, said the latest developments have brought relief after days of uncertainty, with the toddler now breathing unaided and showing encouraging signs of recovery.

“Our beautiful boy is awake and alert, playing and smiling,” Ms Robinson said.

“This morning he had all breathing assistance taken out and is breathing completely on his own.

“He just has the feeding tube in while we try and get some food in orally.”

While Dusty is no longer reliant on breathing support, doctors are still monitoring inflammation in his lungs caused by the material, which solidified into a paste-like substance after being inhaled.

Ms Robinson said he is beginning to regain more strength, though his voice remains affected.

“He’s trying to talk but still has a very raspy voice,” she said.

“We’re hoping he proves the doctors wrong and there’s no permanent damage.”

The update follows an earlier critical period in which the toddler was placed in intensive care after the substance caused severe respiratory distress and required surgical intervention.

Medical testing later confirmed the powder contained copper and zinc compounds, prompting questions over product labelling and its placement alongside edible decorating ingredients.

The supplier has since withdrawn the product from sale and instructed retailers to destroy remaining stock.