Parents in Ireland warned over the use of ‘baby sleep pillows’

Experts have warned parents that the use of baby sleep pillows can cause death through suffocation or overheating.

These 'baby sleep pillows' often come in animal shapes, and are sold under multiple names such as 'soothing pillows, baby sleep positioners, baby patters, or sleep companions.'

The CCPC issued a takedown notice for these baby sleep pillows on online marketplaces. Over 1,000 baby sleep pillows have already been removed from online stores, including Amazon and AliExpress.

"Babies can suffocate if something covers their nose and mouth, such as pillows, cushions, or other soft items. These items should never be placed in a baby's cot or left with an unattended baby," the CCPC said in a statement.

A spokesperson for the CCPC added that these products are primarily sold online, rather than in stores in Ireland.

"This is very much a product trend linked to online marketplaces (large platforms that often are shipping products to consumers from outside the EU)."

"So this safety message is aimed at people shopping online who may have had these products suggested to them as they scroll," the spokesperson explained.

They added that Ireland and the European Union have "very robust product safety systems with high levels of compliance."

"We haven't seen these products appearing in Irish high street stores. This is an online phenomenon," they continued.

"Businesses are not allowed to mislead consumers into thinking a product is safe, and any consumer who has bought one of these products should get a refund."

The HSE recommends always placing babies on their backs to sleep, ensuring their feet are at the end of the cot and their heads are kept uncovered.

Dr Fiona Cianci, a consultant in public health medicine, said pillows, cushions and similar products should not be kept in cots due to suffocation risks.

She told The Journal, "There is also a risk of a baby overheating if they are sleeping on a soft surface that their head can sink into."

The doctor added that there is a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) if a baby overheats.

"Research has shown that there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of cot death or sudden infant death syndrome. This includes putting your baby on their back to sleep in a cot with a well-fitting, firm mattress and clear of all items, including soft objects or anything loose or fluffy."

"Some of these products are described to parents as helping babies with issues such as reflux or flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly). Our advice is to never use any pillow, cushion or similar product in your baby’s cot," she added.