Herbie Murray
Boppy pillows are marketed as nursing pillows to aid mothers during breastfeeding. However, some parents use them as a sleeping surface for their babies. While this may seem like a good idea, it is dangerous and may lead to suffocation, asphyxiation, choking, developmental issues, or even death. Boppy has always maintained that their pillows are for awake time only and should never be used for infant sleep. The company has also provided clear warnings and instructions for the safe use of their products. Despite this, Boppy pillows have been linked to several infant deaths, leading to the recall of the Boppy Newborn Lounger in 2021. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for safe sleep practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can newborns sleep on a boppy pillow | No, boppy pillows are for supervised awake-time only to prevent positional asphyxia and the risk of choking or suffocation |
| Safe sleep environment | A firm, flat surface, alone, on their back, with no blankets, pillows, or plush toys |
| Boppy pillow use | Can be used to feed newborn babies in the 'football hold' until they outgrow it |
| Boppy pillow safety | Boppy pillows should not be used as a sleeping surface for babies. Improper use can lead to serious injury or death |
| Boppy lounger | Voluntarily recalled in 2021 due to instances of misuse |
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What You'll Learn
Safety guidelines for newborn sleep
Boppy pillows are not recommended for newborn sleep. Boppy's products, including nursing pillows and loungers, have been linked to infant deaths. The company has issued warnings that their products are for ""awake time only"" and that infants should not be left unattended or unsupervised on their pillows.
Room-sharing without bed-sharing:
It is recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as their parents or caregivers but on a separate sleep surface, such as a bassinet or crib. This arrangement can help facilitate breastfeeding and provide peace of mind for new parents.
Use a firm, flat sleep surface:
Always place your baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface, such as a safety-approved crib mattress or bassinet. Avoid soft surfaces such as adult beds, sofas, or cushioned chairs, as they can increase the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Keep the sleep area clear:
Remove all loose items from the baby's sleep area, including blankets, pillows, plush toys, and padded bumpers. These items can pose a risk of suffocation or entanglement. Instead, use a fitted sheet to cover the mattress and consider dressing the baby in a sleeper or wearable blanket to keep them warm.
Supervise awake time on the Boppy pillow:
While Boppy pillows are not recommended for sleep, they can be used for supervised awake time. These pillows provide a comfortable and slightly elevated position for newborns, allowing them to interact with their surroundings. However, it is crucial never to leave your baby unattended on a Boppy pillow, as it could lead to positional asphyxia or choking hazards.
Be mindful of temperature and comfort:
Maintain a comfortable temperature in the baby's sleep environment. Newborns can easily overheat, so keep the room well-ventilated and avoid overdressing them. Additionally, ensure they are comfortable by addressing issues such as acid reflux, which can interfere with their sleep.
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The Boppy Pillow is for awake time only
The Boppy Pillow is designed for adult-supervised awake-time only and should never be used for sleep. Boppy nursing pillows are created to support the baby's head and body during breastfeeding in a sitting position. They are not designed for long-term sleep or bed-sharing with a baby. Nursing pillows are intended for short-term use and should be used while breastfeeding to aid the mother's comfort.
Boppy Pillows are not a safe sleep option for babies. The company has always stressed that their products are for awake time only. As clearly noted on all products, packaging, and promotional materials, infants should not be unattended or left to sleep on or with any Boppy product. The Boppy Company strictly adheres to the guidelines set forth by The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and several other organizations regarding these safe sleep points.
The company has also promoted the AAP's Safe Sleep guidelines, which recommend that newborns sleep alone, on their back, and on a firm, flat surface free of blankets, pillows, nursing pillows, and plush toys. The CPSC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommend that caregivers always place infants to sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface.
Improper use of Boppy Pillows could result in serious injury or death. One of the most significant dangers of letting your baby sleep on a nursing pillow is suffocation. When a baby is placed on a nursing pillow to sleep, their face can become buried in the soft cushioning, preventing them from taking in enough oxygen. This can lead to suffocation, which can cause serious injury or even death. Positional asphyxia is another dangerous risk, as babies lack the reflexes and muscle strength to move their heads and necks if they become stuck in a particular position.
In 2021, the Boppy Newborn Lounger, a product designed for parents to place infants during supervised awake-time only, was voluntarily recalled due to instances of misuse where caregivers used the product against Boppy's instructions and warnings, and in some instances for sleep. Seven recent infant deaths have been tied to nursing pillows and infant loungers made by Boppy.
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The dangers of letting your baby sleep on a nursing pillow
Boppy nursing pillows are intended for adult-supervised awake-time only and should never be used for sleep. The company has provided clear warnings and instructions for safe use on all products, stating that infants should not be left unattended or left to sleep on or with any Boppy product. Despite these measures, there have been several reported instances of improper use of Boppy pillows, which have been linked to infant deaths.
- Positional asphyxia: Nursing pillows are designed to support the baby's head and body during breastfeeding in a sitting position. However, when a baby is placed on a nursing pillow to sleep, their face can become buried in the soft cushioning, blocking their airway and preventing them from taking in enough oxygen, which can lead to suffocation and even death.
- Choking: Sleeping on a nursing pillow increases the risk of choking if the baby turns their head, gets too close to the edge of the pillow, or if their mouth and nose become obstructed. This poses a choking hazard as the baby can aspirate vomit, regurgitated milk, or other foreign objects, leading to breathing difficulties and, in severe cases, death.
- Developmental issues: Sleeping on a soft surface like a nursing pillow may impact the development of your baby's skull shape, which can later affect their cognitive abilities. This can lead to conditions such as positional plagiocephaly, especially if the baby spends prolonged periods sleeping on the pillow.
- Discomfort: Nursing pillows are not designed for long-term sleep or bed-sharing. Allowing your baby to sleep on a nursing pillow for extended periods may cause neck, back, and shoulder pain due to the lack of firm support.
- Unsafe sleep environment: A baby's sleep environment should be kept bare, with no blankets, pillows, or other soft surfaces, as recommended by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Nursing pillows can pose a risk of entrapment or suffocation if the baby becomes trapped between the pillow and another object or if their face becomes buried in the pillow.
It is crucial for parents and caregivers to follow the safe sleep guidelines provided by organizations like the AAP and the CPSC, which recommend that babies sleep alone, on their back, and on a firm, flat surface free of blankets, pillows, and other soft objects.
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The Boppy Newborn Lounger recall
Boppy pillows and newborn loungers are products that should only be used during awake time and with adult supervision. The company's guidelines for safe sleep for babies recommend that infants sleep alone, on their back, and on a firm, flat surface free of blankets, pillows, nursing pillows, and plush toys.
Despite these warnings, instances of misuse have been reported, with parents and caregivers using the Boppy Newborn Lounger for sleep. In 2021, The Boppy Company recalled over 3 million Original Newborn Loungers, Boppy Preferred Newborn Loungers, and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers due to infant deaths associated with the product. There were eight reported deaths between December 2015 and June 2020, with two additional deaths reported shortly after the recall. The infants reportedly suffocated after rolling, moving, or being placed on the lounger in a position that obstructed their breathing, or rolling off the lounger onto an external surface such as an adult pillow or soft bedding.
The recall applies to all models and colors of the Boppy Newborn Lounger, including the Preferred Newborn Lounger and the Pottery Barn Lounger. The Boppy Company urges consumers to immediately stop using the recalled loungers and participate in the recall by contacting the company for instructions on how to dispose of the product and receive a refund.
To participate in the recall, consumers can contact The Boppy Company at 800-416-1355 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit their website at www.boppy.com and click on "Product Recalls" or "Recall & Safety Alert" for more information.
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Tips for getting your newborn to sleep in a bassinet
Boppy pillows are not designed for babies to sleep on. They are "awake-time only" products and should never be used for sleep. The Boppy Company itself promotes the AAP's Safe Sleep guidelines, which recommend that babies sleep alone, on their back, and on a firm, flat surface free of blankets, pillows, nursing pillows, and plush toys.
Swaddle your baby
Swaddling your baby can help them sleep in a bassinet because it mimics the coziness and security of the womb. Make sure to swaddle them nice and tight (but not too tight), and use white noise and a completely dark room to create a womb-like environment.
Put your baby in the bassinet 5-7 minutes after they fall asleep
If you put your baby in the bassinet too soon, they won't be in a deep enough sleep. If you wait too long, they will have had enough sleep to count as a "nap" and be ready to wake up.
Take shifts with your partner
If your baby only sleeps when being held, taking shifts with your partner can help you both get decent chunks of sleep. For example, you can alternate taking 2-3-hour shifts so that each of you gets about 5-6 hours of sleep overnight.
Use gradual separation methods
Place the bassinet next to your bed, where your baby can still see and smell you. Then, gradually move it farther away as your baby becomes more accustomed to it.
Implement the pick-up, put-down technique
When your baby fusses, pick them up to soothe them, then put them down in the bassinet again once they're calm. This reassures your baby that the bassinet is a safe place.
Remember, establishing new sleep habits takes patience and persistence. It's important to stay consistent with your methods and understand that your baby will need time to adjust to their bassinet.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Boppy pillows are not designed for sleeping. They are meant for supervised awake-time only. Sleeping on a Boppy pillow can lead to suffocation, asphyxiation, choking, or even death.
The recommended safe place for a baby to sleep is alone, on their back, and on a firm, flat surface free of blankets, pillows, nursing pillows, and plush toys.
One of the most significant dangers of letting your baby sleep on a nursing pillow is suffocation. Nursing pillows are designed to support the baby's head and body during breastfeeding in a sitting position. However, when a baby is placed on a nursing pillow to sleep, their face can become buried in the soft cushioning, preventing them from taking in enough oxygen.
Yes, a bassinet is an excellent, safe sleep option for babies until they are about 4-6 months old. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborns sleep in the same room as their parent or caretaker but on a separate surface for the first six months.
