The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has warned parents and caregivers against using or buying pillows marketed as sleeping aids for babies.
So-called “baby sleep pillows” often come in animal shapes and are sold under a variety of names such as soothing pillows, baby sleep positioners, baby patters or sleep companions.
They can pose a safety risk when placed beside unattended or sleeping babies and cause death through suffocation or overheating.
Around 1,150 of these products have been removed from online marketplaces including Amazon, Ali Express, Fruugo and Joom after the CCPC issued takedown notices.
A statement from the CCPC said: “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.”
A spokesperson for the commission added these products are primarily sold by internet retailers and not in Irish high street shops, describing it as an “online phenomenon”.
“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,” they said.
The spokesperson added: “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.
“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.”
Consultant in Public Health Medicine Dr Fiona Cianci said said pillows and cushions should be in a cot “as they could suffocate your baby”.
“There is also a risk of a baby overheating if they are sleeping on a soft surface that their head can sink into. 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 SIDS.
“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,” she said.
Dr Cianci added: “Some of these products are described to parents as helping babies with issues such as reflux or flat head syndrome.
“Our advice is to never use any pillow, cushion or similar product in your baby’s cot.”
CCPC Director of Communications Gráinne Griffin said parents purchase these products hoping to help their babies, but they could cause serious harm.
“CCPC officers have secured the removal of a number of listings offering these unsafe products for sale and acted quickly to get them off the market.
“The CCPC will continue market surveillance activities for these products and ensure that sales to Irish consumers are stopped,” she said.
Ms Griffin urged consumers to contact the commission if they have concerns about any potentially unsafe products.
