Warning around 'baby sleep pillows' and risk of death

Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) are warning parents not to use baby sleep accessories like pillows.

They say many of the pillow-type products that are marketed as baby sleep accessories can cause death through suThe CCPC noted that these products are mostly available through online marketplaces and has issued takedown notices for many of them.

So far, there have been 1,115 listings removed from Amazon, Joom and AliExpress.

Noted by the CCPC, there is a significant risk of suffocation and cot death if something like these pillow covers their nose and mouth.

The HSE recommends placing babies on their backs and leaving their heads uncovered. Parents should also use cellular blankets or a sleeveless sleeping bag.

CCPC Director of Communications, Grainne Griffin, said: “Parents and caregivers buy these baby sleep pillows just hoping to help their babies sleep, but these products are potentially fatal.

“Pillows and cushions should not be marketed or sold for use in cots or cribs with sleeping babies. CCPC officers have secured the removal of several listings offering these unsafe products for sale and have acted quickly to get them off the market. The CCPC will continue market surveillance activities for these products and ensure that sales to Irish consumers are stopped.

“Businesses must ensure that the items they sell are safe. We encourage consumers to contact us where they have concerns about potentially unsafe products.”

Consultant in Public Health Medicine in HSE Child Health Public Health, Dr Fiona Cianci added: “Research has shown that there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of cot death or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This includes putting your baby on their back to sleep in a cot with a well-fitting, firm mattress and clear of all items, including soft objects or anything loose or fluffy.

“Pillows, cushions and similar products should not be in the cot as they could suffocate your baby. There is also a risk of a baby overheating if they are sleeping on a soft surface that their head can sink into. There is a higher risk of SIDS if a baby overheats.

“Some of these products are described to parents as helping babies with issues such as reflux or flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly). Our advice is to never use any pillow, cushion or similar product in your baby’s cot. Parents can find more advice on safe sleep on the HSE’s mychild.ie website.”