THE CONSUMER WATCHDOG has warned parents not to buy pillows being marketed as sleep aids for babies that can cause death through suffocation or overheating. 

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said the so-called baby sleep pillows are sometimes sold as soothing pillows, baby sleep positioners, baby patters or sleep companions, and are soft, cushioned products that are often animal-shaped.

The products, which are being sold primarily online, pose a risk when placed with sleeping or unattended babies.

Around 1,115 listings of the products have been removed from online marketplaces AliExpress, Amazon, Fruugo and Joom. 

The CCPC said product safety officers are continuing to engage with online marketplaces to ensure that any of these products marketed for sleep and use in cots with babies are removed from relevant platforms.

“Babies can suffocate if something covers their nose and mouth, such as pillows, cushions or other soft items. These items should never be placed in a baby’s cot or left with an unattended baby,” it said in a statement. 

The HSE recommends always placing babies on their backs to sleep with their feet to the end of the cot and keeping their heads uncovered.

Parents should use cellular blankets (the tiny holes allow air to circulate) or a sleeveless sleeping bag, and make sure the cellular blanket is tucked loosely but securely below the baby’s shoulders.

CCPC director of communications Grainne Griffin said pillows and cushions should not be marketed or sold for use in cots or cribs with sleeping babies.

“The CCPC will continue market surveillance activities for these products and ensure that sales to Irish consumers are stopped,” she said. 

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

SIDS risk

Consultant in public health medicine Dr Fiona Cianci said pillows, cushions and similar products should not be in a 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.”

Cianci said there is a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) if a baby overheats.

“Research has shown that there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of cot death or sudden infant death syndrome.

“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.”

She added: “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.”