A safety alert has been issued over baby sleep pillows following child deaths in the UK and overseas.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has warned parents and carers about products commonly referred to as baby sleep pillows, which are marketed as cushions or pillows for babies to sleep on or be placed on while unattended.
The alert says these products pose serious risks including suffocation and overheating, which can lead to serious injury or, in some cases, death. Parents and carers are being urged not to use these products for babies under 12 months old and not to place them in a cot or crib.
Baby sleep pillows are sold under a wide range of names, including baby comfort cushions, baby cuddle cushions, baby hug pillows, sleeping pillows, exhaust pillows and similar products. Officials say the term baby sleep pillow is used as a general description and covers many items currently on the market.
According to the OPSS, these products go against NHS safe sleep guidance and can encourage unsafe sleep practices. Soft materials can block a baby’s mouth or nose, increasing the risk of suffocation. There is also a risk of overheating if a baby’s head sinks into the surface, which can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Parents and carers who have bought a product marketed for baby sleep or unattended use are advised to contact the retailer directly, as they may be entitled to redress under the Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
The OPSS says action is being taken to assess these products and remove unsafe items from sale. Trading Standards, childcare settings and businesses are also being asked to stay alert to the risks and take appropriate action.
Parents are reminded to always follow NHS safe sleep advice, including placing babies on their backs to sleep and watching for signs of overheating such as sweating, rapid breathing or feeling hot on the tummy.
The full safety alert can be found on the UK Government website at www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-safety-alert-baby-sleep-pillows-psa8.
