New federal safety rules for nursing pillows now in effect to protect babies

For many breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and bottlefeeding parents, nursing pillows are a trusted companion. They provide much-needed support, helping reduce strain on your arms, neck, and back during those long feeding sessions. Nursing pillows wrap comfortably around your torso, offering the perfect height and positioning so you and your baby can focus on bonding and nourishing.

But as many parents know all too well, feeding often ends with a sleepy baby and an exhausted parent. It can be tempting to let your baby rest on the nursing pillow, but the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a clear warning: nursing pillows should never be used for infant sleep or lounging.

Starting April 2025, new federal safety rules came into effect to make nursing pillows safer and protect babies from serious risks like suffocation and falls. In this post, we’ll walk you through these important changes and what they mean for your family.

Why are nursing pillows under scrutiny?

Nursing pillows have long been valued as helpful tools, but unfortunately, they have also been linked to tragic outcomes. According to the CPSC, over 150 infant deaths between 2010 and 2022 involved nursing pillows. Most of these babies were younger than 3 months old.

Nearly all these incidents happened when nursing pillows were used for infant sleep or lounging, not feeding. Soft, curved surfaces can cause babies to slip into positions that block their airways or lead to falls from elevated places. Because nursing pillows are designed to fit snugly around a parent’s body, there’s also a risk that a baby’s head could become trapped or restricted.

These safety concerns prompted the CPSC to introduce new rules aimed at reducing these risks while preserving the benefits nursing pillows offer during feeding.

What do the new federal safety rules for nursing pillows say?

The 2025 CPSC regulations focus on four key safety features for nursing pillows:

1. Pillows must be firm enough to prevent airway blockage

Pillows are now required to be firm so they don’t mold or create indentations around a baby’s face. This firmness reduces the chance of the pillow blocking a baby’s nose or mouth if they press their face against it or shift during feeding.

2. Wider openings designed to prevent infant entrapment

The pillow’s opening must be wide enough to fit the adult caregiver’s torso while preventing a baby’s head from becoming trapped or wedged inside the curve. This design change reduces the risk of head entrapment and suffocation.

3. No infant straps or restraints 

Straps, buckles, or restraints that attach the baby to the pillow are now prohibited. Though intended to prevent falls, these can pose suffocation or entanglement dangers if a baby moves unexpectedly.

Note: ​​It’s important to note that this rule does not ban waist straps or attachments that secure the pillow to the caregiver’s body. These features are still allowed, as long as they meet the updated safety and strength standards, because they’re designed to support the adult during feeding, not to hold or restrain the baby.

4. Clear, permanent warning labels

Every nursing pillow must include a clear, permanent warning label sewn into the fabric. These labels warn caregivers against using the pillow for infant sleep or unsupervised lounging, ensuring important safety information remains visible throughout the pillow’s lifetime.

How to keep your baby safe with existing nursing pillows

If you already have a nursing pillow at home, here’s how to adapt safely while keeping the new rules in mind:

• Check firmness: If your pillow is soft or molds around your baby’s face, consider limiting its use or replacing it with a firmer, compliant model that meets the new standards.
  
• Follow manufacturer instructions: Use your nursing pillow only as directed—primarily as a feeding support aid. Avoid using it for infant sleep or lounging.
  
• Never leave your baby unattended: Always stay awake and attentive during feeding. If you need to step away, move your baby immediately to a safe sleep space, such as a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress.
  
• Look for warning labels: If your pillow doesn’t have a clear, permanent warning sewn into the fabric, consider upgrading to one that does.
  
• Consider alternatives for extra support: Rolled towels, nursing chairs with armrests, or specially designed cushions can offer safe, comfortable feeding support without the risks linked to some pillows.
  

Remember, these steps help keep feeding comfortable for you while making sure your baby stays safe.

Practical tips to adapt safely to the new nursing pillow guidelines

While nursing pillows remain valuable feeding aids, safety must always come first. Here are some ways to continue using nursing pillows confidently:

• Use nursing pillows only during active feeding sessions and stay awake the entire time.
  
• Choose pillows that meet the updated firmness and design standards, ensuring they won’t mold around your baby’s face or trap their head.
  
• Always place your baby to sleep on a firm, flat surface free of pillows, blankets, and soft bedding.
  
• Explore safe alternatives such as nursing chairs with armrests, baby carriers (used with supervision), or rolled towels for gentle support.
  
• Stay informed about safety updates and ask your pediatrician or lactation consultant for personalized advice on feeding comfort and safety.

Bottom line

Nursing pillows can be a wonderful tool to support feeding, but they should never be used for unsupervised sleep or lounging. The new 2025 federal safety rules require pillows to be firmer, have wider openings that prevent infant entrapment, prohibit straps or buckles, and carry permanent warning labels to highlight safety risks.

Most importantly, always supervise your baby during feeding and use nursing pillows only as intended. Your baby’s safety is the top priority—and with these guidelines, feeding times can remain both comfortable and safe.