CPSC Sets New Safety Standards for Infant Support Cushions

Parents already have a lot on their plates, and worrying about the safety of baby products shouldn’t be one of them. To help provide peace of mind and keep babies safe, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has introduced new safety standards for infant support cushions.

From baby loungers to nursing pillows and tummy time pillows, infant support cushions have been used by parents in various ways for decades. Unfortunately with their use has come increasing preventable accidents. Between 2010 and 2022, the CPSC reported 79 child deaths and 125 injuries associated with these products. Most incidents occurred when infant support cushions were used inappropriately, such as in sleep settings without supervision. These dangerous settings along with product shortcomings can lead to a higher risk of suffocation, entrapment or falls.

To help address these specific issues and make infant support cushions as safe as possible the CPSC has come up with five new rules for manufacturers:

1. Firmness Testing: All surfaces that may come into contact with a baby must meet strict firmness standards to prevent suffocation caused by the cushion conforming to the baby’s face.
2. Sidewall Angle Testing: Any angle between the sidewall and the cushion’s surface must exceed 90 degrees to reduce the risk of suffocation and entrapment.
3. Incline Limitations: Cushions cannot have an incline greater than 10 degrees, aligning with the ban on inclined sleepers to reduce unsafe sleep conditions.
4. No Restraints Allowed: Infant restraints are prohibited, as they create a false sense of security that a baby can be safely left unattended.
5. Clear Warning Labels: Warning labels must be permanent, visible, and clearly state the risks and correct usage of the product.

In addition to these standards, the CPSC emphasizes that infant support cushions should never be used for sleep, with soft items like blankets, or without direct supervision. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reinforces this by recommending sleep areas remain free of pillows, blankets and other soft items to keep babies safe.