New Safety Standards for Infant Support Cushions Go Into Effect

Parents already have a lot on their plates, and worrying about the safety of baby products shouldn’t be one of them. To help provide peace of mind and keep babies safe, new safety standards for infant support cushions have officially gone into effect.

From baby loungers to nursing pillows and tummy time support, infant support cushions have been used by parents in various ways for decades. Unfortunately with their use has come increasing preventable accidents. Between 2010 and 2022, the CPSC reported 79 child deaths and 125 injuries associated with these products. Most incidents occurred when infant support cushions were used inappropriately, such as in sleep settings without supervision. These dangerous settings along with product shortcomings can lead to a higher risk of suffocation, entrapment or falls.

To help address these specific issues and make infant support cushions as safe as possible the US Consumer Product Safety Comission introduced and has now enacted five new rules for manufacturers:

1. Firmness Testing: All surfaces that may come into contact with a baby must meet strict firmness standards to prevent suffocation caused by the cushion conforming to the baby’s face.
2. Sidewall Angle Testing: Any angle between the sidewall and the cushion’s surface must exceed 90 degrees to reduce the risk of suffocation and entrapment.
3. Incline Limitations: Cushions cannot have an incline greater than 10 degrees, aligning with the ban on inclined sleepers to reduce unsafe sleep conditions.
4. No Restraints Allowed: Infant restraints are prohibited, as they create a false sense of security that a baby can be safely left unattended.
5. Clear Warning Labels: Warning labels must be permanent, visible, and clearly state the risks and correct usage of the product.

In addition to these standards, the CPSC emphasizes outlines five things that parents should keep in mind when using infant support cushions:

• Infant support cushions should never be used for sleep. If your baby falls asleep, move your baby to a crib, play yard, or bassinet.
• Stay near and watch your baby during use.
• Only use an infant support cushions on the floor.
• Do not use on beds, sofas, or other raised surfaces. Do not place infant support cushions on soft surfaces or in other infant sleep products, such as cribs or bassinets, or anywhere a baby sleeps.
• Keep blankets and other soft items out of and away from the product.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reinforces this by recommending sleep areas remain free of pillows, blankets and other soft items to keep babies safe. Looking for more safety information? Dial in on safe ways to use baby loungers from the experts.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.