Important points
- The CPSC finalized the first federal safety standard for nursing pillows, which are now in effect after nursing pillows have been linked to more than 150 infant deaths.
- The new regulations require nursing pillows to be firmer, have wider openings and include clear warning labels.
- Parents should only use nursing pillows during supervised awake feeding sessions, and never when the infant is sleeping or relaxing.
For many parents who breastfeed or breastfeed, a nursing pillow is a staple in their essentials for finding comfort during long, sometimes difficult sessions. The nursing pillow hugs the parent’s torso and provides the height needed to comfortably feed your baby without putting extra strain on your neck, arm, or back muscles.
These pillows double as a napping spot for your baby, as many feeding sessions end with the baby sound asleep (and the parent totally exhausted). But the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says parents should think twice about letting their babies sleep on these pillows.
After years of concern, the CPSC has enacted new federal safety requirements for nursing pillows. The rule, approved in fall 2024, aims to reduce the risk of choking for infants. The move comes after an NBC News investigation found that more than 160 infants have died in incidents involving nursing pillows since 2007.
According to the CPSC, between 2010 and 2022, 154 infant deaths were associated with nursing pillows, nearly all of them in infants under 6 months of age. Reported causes of death include asphyxiation, suffocation, overlay, sudden infant death (SUID), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or similar causes.
CPSC Nursing Pillow Recommendations
in a statement to parentsthe CPSC explained concerns about the safety of nursing pillows this way:
“Nearly all of those deaths are related to the use of pillows for sleeping. Our goal is to make nursing pillows safer and maintain their functionality while eliminating known hazards. Nursing pillows can be very helpful for parents and caregivers to help feed their babies. But the reality is that some nursing pillows are designed not only for breastfeeding, but also for infants to lounge or sleep, which we know is not safe.”
“Nursing pillows should be designed and used for breastfeeding infants, and infants should be placed to sleep only on a firm, flat surface, such as a crib or bassinet, without the use of pillows or other products that could cause suffocation. CPSC’s priority is to address safety issues with these and all products, especially when they endanger the most vulnerable children among us.”
Based on this, here’s what parents need to know about the new federal rules that go into effect in April 2025.
- Hardness standard: Nursing pillows must be “firm enough that the product conforms to the infant’s face and is unlikely to obstruct the airway.”
- wider opening: Nursing pillows should have a wide opening to accommodate the adult who will be using it, not the infant. This reduces the risk of your baby’s head getting stuck in the pillow opening or your toddler’s head becoming restrained.
- Prohibition of straps: The new rules prohibit the use of nursing pillows in infant restraint systems to address the possibility of infant entanglement.
- warning label: New strong warning labels should clearly inform caregivers of the potential choking hazards and fall risks associated with nursing pillows, and clearly warn parents not to use nursing pillows for infant sleep.
Dangers of nursing pillows
Harvey Karp, MD, FAAP, pediatrician and founder of Happiest Baby, explains that nursing pillows can be a safe and helpful tool for breastfeeding if they are used for breastfeeding purposes rather than sleeping or lounging, and only when the nursing parent is awake.
“The problem is that exhausted parents are using nursing pillows as sleep aids for their infants, or that parents accidentally fall asleep while using the nursing pillow. If they fall asleep while using the nursing pillow, their baby risks slipping between the cushions, rolling into a dangerous position, and falling to the floor,” Karp explains. “Infants who fall asleep on a nursing pillow may roll over or get into a position that restricts their breathing. Also, placing a nursing pillow under the baby’s head can cause the baby’s head to tilt towards the chin and against the chest, blocking the narrow airway.”
As for why previous safety standards for nursing pillows didn’t yet exist, Shelby Harris, M.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and sleep health director at Sleepopolis, says that’s because nursing pillows are a new product category, and safety standards are typically developed as the product becomes more popular and risks are recognized.
What if I have a nursing pillow?
Dr. Harris says if you’re currently using a nursing pillow, you should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe use, closely monitor your baby while using the pillow, and avoid letting your baby sleep on it.
“Whether you continue using it depends on your personal comfort and preference, but it’s important to follow safety tips and stay up to date with CPSC guidelines,” she added.
Dr. Karp believes all parents should leave the hospital with all the information they need about safe sleep. For example, always place your baby on his back when sleeping, and make sure your baby is always sleeping on a firm mattress in an empty crib or bassinet. He also understands that new parents are human and that “even great, caring parents make mistakes when they’re exhausted and desperate.”
Dr. Karp believes that infants can be kept safe by making sure that nursing pillows are firm enough that they don’t fit around infants’ faces, and that parents are properly educated on how to use nursing pillows.
“If you’re using a nursing pillow as a baby lounger or to help your baby sleep, you should stop immediately. However, if you have a nursing pillow and are using it as recommended, i.e. to support your nursing baby while you’re awake and awake, it’s okay to continue using it,” adds Dr. Karp.
However, if you find yourself falling asleep while using your nursing pillow, don’t hesitate to reevaluate your routine. Dr. Karp says to consider getting out of bed to nurse or choose a chair that’s not so comfortable that you can nod off.
“Avoid the couch, as falling asleep on the couch is more dangerous than falling asleep in bed with your baby. Drink water or have a snack during nighttime feedings,” says Dr. Karp. “However, if you find yourself falling asleep, set an alarm while breastfeeding or ask your partner to wake up with you to make sure you stay awake.”
If you’re concerned about continuing to use a nursing pillow due to CPSC recommendations, there are other options. Dr. Harris suggests the following alternatives:
- regular pillows and cushions
- boppy style pillow
- rolled up blanket
- Different breastfeeding positions that don’t require a pillow
- Furniture such as sofa armrests
- nursing chair
- Baby carriers that require supervision and attention
“Make sure your baby is comfortable and supported, and always consider safety,” she says. “If in doubt, please consult your doctor for personalized advice.”
