Today the Commission voted unanimously to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to set  performance requirements for nursing pillows.  

The Commission has long warned against the use of pillow-like infant products, including a  specific warning in 2020 about nursing pillows. At that time, the agency announced it was  investigating the entire class of products, stressing that when infants fall asleep or are left unattended  on nursing pillows, they are at risk for death or serious injury. 

Nearly three years have elapsed since that warning. Although I certainly would have  preferred to see action much earlier, I welcome the fact that we are now considering regulatory  options to help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries associated with these products. 

I believe the proposal recognizes the utility of nursing pillows, while also underscoring that  when it comes to our most vulnerable consumers, safety must remain paramount. Striking the right  balance between those sometimes competing concerns can be difficult, but I am optimistic that we  are moving in that direction—ensuring useful products are also safe. 

I look forward to reviewing comments from the public on this proposal.