Herbie Murray
Boppy pillows and loungers are designed to make breastfeeding more comfortable and easier, and for babies to sit or lie on while awake. However, there have been several reports of infant deaths linked to the improper use of Boppy products, with babies rolling over or their heads falling in such a way that blocks their airway and leads to suffocation. Boppy has recalled some of its products and provides clear warnings and instructions for safe usage, stating that their products should not be used for infant sleep. Parents and caregivers should follow the recommended safe sleep guidelines for babies, which include placing infants on their backs on a firm, flat surface, free of blankets, pillows, and other items.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Poses a risk of positional asphyxiation and suffocation |
| Company's Warning | Should not be used unattended or for sleep |
| Company's Recall | Boppy Newborn Lounger was recalled in 2021 |
| Safe Sleep Environment | Alone, on their back, and on a firm, flat surface free of blankets, pillows, nursing pillows and plush toys |
| Safe Sleep Recommendations | National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Safe Sleep |
| Comfort | May be more comfortable than a bassinet or crib |
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What You'll Learn
Infant deaths linked to Boppy pillows
Boppy pillows are intended for use while awake and supervised. When a baby is left unattended with a Boppy pillow, they may roll over or move their head in a way that blocks their airway and leads to suffocation. This is what caused the tragic deaths of eight infants, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC had warned caregivers about the risks of using the products for infant sleep in October 2020, but seven more infant deaths occurred after the warning. In September 2021, Boppy recalled 3.3 million of its infant loungers.
The CPSC's warning applied to all nursing pillows and baby loungers on the market, but all seven infant deaths uncovered in the time since have been linked to Boppy pillows. The deaths occurred after parents put their babies to sleep while propped up by the pillow or lounger, and the baby rolled over into the soft fabric and was unable to breathe. In many of the cases, there were other factors that may have contributed to the death, such as a blanket on top of the baby or a parent or sibling in bed with the baby.
Boppy's vice president for marketing, Amy St. Germain, said that the company has been working with the CPSC to find a solution that helps make babies safer. She added that the company has always provided clear and unequivocal warnings and instructions for safe usage on all products, stressing that their products are for awake time only and that infants should not be unattended or left to sleep on or with any Boppy product. Despite these measures, Boppy products have still been used for infant sleep in adult beds, sofas, cribs, bassinets, and play yards with blankets, pillows, and people.
In response to the findings, the CPSC told ABC News it is looking into possible legal action. "The agency is currently considering what legal action is necessary in light of the reported incidents," the CPSC said in a statement. Oriene Shin, policy counsel for Consumer Reports, said that Boppy needs to take concrete steps to keep babies safe and make design changes to prevent further deaths. She added that if the company won't take action on its own, the CPSC should require it.
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Safe sleep guidelines
Boppy pillows and loungers are not recommended for infant sleep. Boppy's vice president for marketing, Amy St. Germain, has stated that the company has "long provided clear and unequivocal warnings and instructions for safe usage on all products", and that their products are for "awake time only". Despite these warnings, Boppy products have been used for infant sleep, and have been linked to infant deaths.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning in October 2020 about the dangers of using pillow-like products for sleeping infants. Since then, there have been at least 28 infant deaths from 2012 to 2018 tied to nursing pillows and baby loungers, with seven of these deaths linked to Boppy products. Most fatalities occurred when babies rolled over into the soft fabric and were unable to breathe, leading to suffocation or asphyxiation.
Boppy has recalled 3.3 million of its infant loungers and has always promoted the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) Safe Sleep guidelines, which recommend that the safest place for a baby to sleep is:
- Alone
- On their back
- On a firm, flat surface
- Free of blankets, pillows, nursing pillows, plush toys, and other soft items
Other factors that can affect a newborn's comfort level with their sleep space include:
- Temperature: Newborns are not able to regulate their body temperatures until they are around 12 months old.
- Mattress: The mattress should be firm and fit snugly in the bassinet or crib so that it doesn't move around.
- Bedtime clothes: Clothes that are scratchy or too tight may be uncomfortable for the baby.
- Sound, light, and smells: A baby may be distracted by a bright room or sounds in the house, and may struggle to sleep.
It is also important to establish a naptime routine that soothes your baby and to pay close attention to signs of drowsiness to find the right moment to transfer them to the bassinet.
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Boppy's response to infant deaths
In response to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) recall of Boppy products and reports of infant deaths, Boppy has expressed devastation over the tragedies. In a statement, the company said:
> Boppy is committed to doing everything possible to safeguard babies, including communicating the safe use of our products to parents and caregivers, and educating the public about the importance of following all warnings and instructions and the risks associated with unsafe sleep practices for infants.
Boppy has also emphasized that they have long provided clear and unequivocal warnings and instructions for safe usage on all products, stressing that their products are for awake time only and that infants should not be unattended or left to sleep on or with any Boppy product. The company is working with the CPSC to find solutions that will enhance the safety of their products for babies.
The recall by the CPSC and Boppy involves over 3 million Original Newborn Loungers, Preferred Newborn Loungers, and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers. The recall was issued after reports of eight infant deaths between 2015 and 2020, with infants reportedly suffocating after being placed on their back, side, or stomach and found on their side or stomach. The CPSC and Boppy urge consumers to immediately stop using the recalled loungers and contact the company for a refund.
The CPSC continues to emphasize that the safest place for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, or play yard, without any additional items such as blankets or pillows.
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The risk of positional asphyxiation
The consequences of positional asphyxiation can be severe and rapid, with oxygen saturation in the blood dropping within minutes. This can lead to hypoxia, resulting in low oxygen levels in the body's tissues, and potentially causing brain damage or death if not addressed promptly. The vulnerability of infants to positional asphyxiation is due to their underdeveloped neck muscles and airway structures.
To prevent positional asphyxiation, it is crucial to ensure proper positioning that maintains an open airway for the baby. This includes avoiding placing infants to sleep on pillows, quilts, sheepskins, or other soft surfaces, as recommended by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Instead, infants should be placed on a firm sleep surface, such as a safety-approved crib mattress covered by a fitted sheet.
The Boppy Company itself has stressed that its products are for awake time only and that infants should not be left unattended or allowed to sleep on them. Despite these warnings, there have been several reported incidents of infant deaths linked to Boppy pillows and loungers, prompting a recall of 3.3 million Boppy Newborn Loungers in September 2021 after eight babies died from suffocation.
While some parents may find boppy pillows convenient for propping up their newborns, the risk of positional asphyxiation and the potential for tragic consequences cannot be overstated. It is essential for parents and caregivers to be aware of these risks and adhere to safe sleep practices to protect their infants' well-being.
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Alternatives to Boppy pillows for newborn sleep
Boppy pillows are not recommended for newborn sleep. The company has explicitly stated that their products are for "supervised awake time only" and should never be used for sleep. This is because there is a risk of suffocation, asphyxiation, or death when using soft surfaces for newborn sleep.
- Flat, firm surfaces: It is recommended that newborns sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface free of blankets, pillows, nursing pillows, and plush toys. Pack 'n plays, bassinets, and cribs are examples of products that provide a safe sleep environment for newborns.
- Swaddling: Swaddling your newborn in a thin blanket on a flat surface can help create a snug and secure sleeping environment. However, it is important to ensure that the newborn's arms are not restricted to allow for proper breathing and blood flow.
- Co-sleepers: Co-sleepers are designed to allow newborns to sleep safely next to their parents without sharing the same bed. They provide a separate, firm, and flat sleeping surface for the newborn, reducing the risk of suffocation or asphyxiation.
- Baby boxes: Baby boxes are cardboard or plastic boxes equipped with a firm mattress and fitted sheet, providing a safe and separate sleeping space for newborns. They promote a bare sleep environment, reducing potential hazards.
- Rocking bassinets: Rocking bassinets provide a gentle motion that can soothe newborns to sleep. Ensure that the bassinet has a firm, flat mattress and follow safe sleeping practices by placing the newborn on their back without any soft bedding or toys.
- Moses baskets: Moses baskets are lightweight and portable baskets with a firm, flat mattress, providing a safe and comfortable sleeping space for newborns. They can be placed in the same room as the parents, facilitating easy access and monitoring.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Boppy pillows are not safe for infant sleep and have been linked to infant deaths. Boppy has recalled some of its products due to this risk. The company has stated that its products are for "awake time only" and should not be used for infant sleep.
The primary risk is that the baby may roll over or their head may fall in such a way that blocks their airway and leads to suffocation or asphyxiation.
The recommended safe sleep environment for a baby is alone, on their back, and on a firm, flat surface free of blankets, pillows, nursing pillows, and plush toys.
It's important to remember that newborns may struggle to sleep in a bassinet for various reasons, such as being uncomfortable, overstimulated, too warm or too cold, or too hungry. Creating a naptime routine and paying attention to signs of drowsiness can help your baby get ready to sleep in a bassinet.
