The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning to consumers regarding the dangers related to the use of nursing pillows. Infant deaths have been linked to the use of these pillows for sleeping purposes.
Dangerous Nursing Pillows
Nursing pillows such as the Boppy and My Brest Friend, are popular with new parents. They are intended to be used as support while a mother is breastfeeding the baby. The mother wraps the pillow around her body and then holds the baby on it while feeding. However, some people use these pillows for other purposes. They are commonly used as pillows for sleeping infants. This use can be dangerous to infants and may even result in death by suffocation. Consumer Reports found that there were 28 infant deaths linked to the use of nursing pillows for infant sleep.
The CPSC warning comes while the agency conducts an investigation into the safety of the products. There were a number of infant deaths that may be related to the safety of nursing pillows. According to CPSC, infant deaths occurred when babies were left on or near the pillows while sleeping. When infants are positioned on the soft pillows, there is the potential that they will roll over on their stomach or side. This can position their head against the soft fabric and lead to suffocation. Propping an infant on the pillow at an incline can also lead to a blocking of the airway if their head falls forward.
Should They be Recalled?
Over the last few years, there have been several campaigns and recalls related to safe infant sleep environments. Most recently, Fisher-Price’s Rock n Play inclined sleeper was recalled after infant deaths related to sleeping in the product. While nursing pillows are not intended for sleep, it is a common use of the product. CPSC’s investigation into nursing pillows may result in a recall of the product. If a product is dangerous and leads to deaths or serious injuries, then a recall may be necessary to protect consumers.
Contact a Product Liability Attorney
If you’ve been injured by a dangerous product, you should have your case evaluated by an experienced product liability attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have been helping the victims of dangerous products for over 50 years. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.