Evie Summers
Nursing pillows are designed to help mothers feed their babies. They can be used for both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are meant to be used with an adult present. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether or not it is safe for babies to sleep on nursing pillows. While nursing pillows provide comfort and support during breastfeeding, they should not be used as a sleeping surface for babies. The soft surface of nursing pillows can cause positional asphyxia by blocking the infant's mouth, nose, or airway, leading to suffocation and even death. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies are safest when sleeping on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe for newborns to sleep on | No |
| Safe for newborns to sleep next to | No |
| Safe for newborns to sleep on for short periods | No |
| Safe for newborns to sleep on under supervision | No |
| Safe for newborns to sleep on once they can hold their heads up independently | No |
| Safe for newborns to sleep on if used correctly | No |
| Safe for newborns to sleep on if placed on a flat surface | No |
| Safe for newborns to sleep on if placed on a chair with armrests | No |
| Safe for newborns to sleep on if placed on their back | No |
| Safe for newborns to sleep on if placed on their side | No |
| Safe for newborns to sleep on if used as directed | Yes |
| Safe for newborns to sleep on if used according to manufacturer's instructions | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Nursing pillows are not recommended for sleeping babies
Nursing pillows are designed to help mothers feed their babies. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used for both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. They provide comfort and support during breastfeeding, allowing the baby to rest comfortably on the pillow and easily access feeding. However, despite their benefits for breastfeeding, nursing pillows are not recommended for sleeping babies.
Nursing pillows are not designed for long-term sleep or bed-sharing with a baby. They are intended for short-term use during breastfeeding to aid the mother's comfort. Allowing a baby to sleep on a nursing pillow for prolonged periods may cause discomfort, leading to neck, back, and shoulder pain.
Most importantly, letting a baby sleep on a nursing pillow poses a significant risk of suffocation. Nursing pillows are soft and not flat, and babies can become buried in the cushioning, preventing them from breathing properly. Their faces may become too close to the edge, or their mouths and noses may become obstructed, leading to breathing difficulties and even death. Babies can also twist into a position where their airway is blocked, causing positional asphyxia, which can be fatal.
To ensure the safety of your baby, it is recommended to follow safe sleeping practices. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that babies sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface, such as a crib, bassinet, or pack-and-play that meets current federal safety standards. Place your baby on their back for every sleep session, including naps, and ensure there are no soft objects, loose bedding, or pillows in the crib.
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They can cause suffocation and asphyxiation
Nursing pillows are designed to help mothers feed their babies. They are meant to be used with an adult present, who can keep an eye on the baby and ensure they do not slide down the pillow or roll sideways and block their airway. However, they should not be used as a sleeping surface for your baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface. Nursing pillows are not flat and can cause suffocation by blocking the infant's mouth and nose. Babies lack the reflexes and muscle strength to move their heads and necks if they become stuck in a position where their airway is blocked. This can lead to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain and body, resulting in suffocation and even death.
In addition, sleeping on a nursing pillow increases the risk of choking if the baby turns their head or gets too close to the edge of the pillow. The soft cushioning of the nursing pillow can cause the baby's face to become buried, preventing them from taking in enough oxygen. This can also lead to suffocation and serious injury or death.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 3,500 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly in the United States each year. Many of these deaths occur while the infant is sleeping in an unsafe sleeping environment. Nursing pillows can pose a significant risk of suffocation and asphyxiation, so it is crucial to follow safe sleep guidelines and only use these pillows as intended for feeding.
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They can lead to positional plagiocephaly
Nursing pillows are not recommended for newborn babies to sleep on. They can lead to positional plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome. This is a condition where an infant's skull becomes deformed and flattened on one side due to continuous application of external force. The condition can be caused by various factors, including birth order, assisted labour, multiple pregnancies, prematurity, congenital muscular torticollis, and head position.
Positional plagiocephaly can occur when a baby's head is consistently positioned in the same direction, causing a flattening of the skull over time. The incidence of this condition has increased significantly, with cases rising by approximately 600% in recent years. It is important for parents to understand the causes and take preventive measures to ensure their baby's safety.
To prevent positional plagiocephaly, it is recommended to vary a baby's sleep position and limit their time spent lying on their back or with their head resting against a flat surface. This includes reducing the use of "containers" such as car seats, strollers, swings, and bouncy seats. By alternating the baby's head position from right to left on alternate days, parents can reduce the risk of plagiocephaly.
Additionally, providing supervised "tummy time" helps strengthen the baby's neck muscles and encourages them to push up on their arms, promoting the development of muscles needed for crawling and sitting up. It is also beneficial to create a safe sleep environment for newborns, ensuring they are placed on their back on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface without any pillows, blankets, or toys that could interfere with their breathing.
By following these recommendations, parents can help prevent positional plagiocephaly and ensure their baby's skull develops symmetrically. It is important to consult with healthcare professionals for specific advice and guidance on safe sleeping positions for newborns.
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They are designed to support mothers during breastfeeding
Nursing pillows are designed to support mothers during breastfeeding. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including crescent-shaped and C-shaped, and are made of foam or are inflatable. They are placed on a flat surface, such as a chair with armrests, to provide optimal positioning and comfort for the mother and baby during feeding time. Nursing pillows act as a cradle for the baby's head while lying flat on their tummy or side, allowing easy access for feeding. They reduce strain on the mother's arms, shoulders, and neck, and some come with adjustable straps to accommodate caregivers with limited mobility.
Nursing pillows are intended for short-term use during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding and should not be used as a sleeping surface for babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface, such as a crib, bassinet, or pack-and-play that meets current federal safety standards. Nursing pillows are not flat and can cause suffocation by blocking the infant's mouth and nose or positional asphyxia by dropping their chin to their chest, compromising their airway.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning about the dangers of pillow-like infant products, including nursing pillows, which have been associated with infant deaths. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and never leave a baby unattended on a nursing pillow. Safe sleeping environments for infants include placing them on their back on a firm, flat surface with a tight-fitting sheet and no soft objects or loose bedding that could interfere with their breathing.
While nursing pillows are designed for breastfeeding support, they can also be used for development support for infants during tummy time and when they are learning to sit. It is important to ensure that the nursing pillow is used correctly and that there is enough room between the mother and baby to prevent the baby from rolling off. Additionally, the pillow should be placed on a stable surface to prevent tipping over.
Overall, nursing pillows can provide significant benefits for mothers during breastfeeding by offering comfort, support, and optimal positioning. However, it is crucial to use them only during feeding time and not as a sleeping surface for infants to ensure the baby's safety and well-being.
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They should only be used when the baby is awake
Nursing pillows are designed to help mothers feed their babies. They can be used for both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can provide optimal positioning and comfort for the mother and baby during feeding. However, it is important to remember that nursing pillows should only be used when the baby is awake and should not be used as a sleeping surface.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface, such as a crib, bassinet, or pack-and-play that meets current federal safety standards. Nursing pillows are not flat and can cause suffocation by blocking the infant's mouth and nose, or positional asphyxia by dropping their chin to their chest, compromising their airway. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 3,500 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly in the U.S. each year, many of which are due to unsafe sleeping environments.
Additionally, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reported that nearly 1,000 infants suffocate in their sleep each year in the U.S., and pillow-like infant products, including nursing pillows, have been implicated in some of these deaths. The CPSC warns that children should not be left on or near pillows, as they may roll over, fall off, or fall asleep and block their airway.
It is crucial to follow safe sleep practices for infants, such as always placing them on their back on a firm, flat surface with a tight-fitting sheet and nothing that could interfere with their breathing. This means keeping soft objects, loose bedding, pillows, blankets, and bumper pads out of the crib. Nursing pillows should only be used under adult supervision when the baby is awake and should never be used as a sleeping surface to prevent any potential risks to the infant's safety.
Furthermore, allowing a baby to sleep on a nursing pillow for prolonged periods may also cause discomfort and neck, back, and shoulder pain. It may also impact the development of the baby's skull shape, which could later affect their cognitive abilities. Therefore, it is important to use nursing pillows only when the baby is awake and under supervision, and to follow safe sleep guidelines for infants at all other times.
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Frequently asked questions
No, nursing pillows are not safe for newborn babies to sleep on. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface. Nursing pillows are not flat and can cause suffocation by blocking the infant’s mouth and nose, or positional asphyxia by dropping their chin to their chest, compromising their airway.
One of the most significant dangers of letting a newborn 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. This can lead to suffocation, which can cause serious injury or even death.
A safe sleeping environment for a newborn baby is a firm, flat, non-inclined sleep surface, such as a crib, bassinet, or pack-and-play that meets current federal safety standards. The sleep surface should be tight-fitting and free of any soft objects or loose bedding, including pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or toys.
Some alternatives to nursing pillows for newborn babies include swaddling the baby in a thin, lightweight blanket or cloth until they are able to roll over, or using a firm sleep surface such as a crib or bassinet without any soft objects or loose bedding. It is also recommended to place the baby on their back for every sleep session, including naps, and to provide supervised awake "tummy time" to strengthen the baby's neck and shoulder muscles.
