Today, the Commission advanced a strong new, proposed rule to stop a pattern of infant deaths in support cushions. Seventy-nine babies who were placed in these products died from 2010 to 2022. What’s even more concerning is that 34 of those deaths occurred in 2020 and 2021 alone, indicating a quickly growing risk.
The proposed rule would make these products, firmer, flatter, and thinner. If this rule is finalized, infant support cushions will be less likely to be used for sleep and children will be far more likely to survive in them.
Support cushions on the market, including baby loungers, bottle proppers, and head positioner or wedge pillows, are NOT safe for infant sleep. These products can pose a suffocation risk during sleep due to their plush, pillowy nature.
Parents and caregivers: NEVER put your baby to sleep on a soft, pillowy surface like a support cushion. Only a firm, flat surface is safe for sleep.