What parents need to know about the new federal nursing pillow safety rules

For many new parents, nursing pillows are a comforting constant—there for those quiet (and not-so-quiet) moments of feeding, soothing, and cuddling. But while these soft, supportive cushions offer comfort, they’ve also quietly posed a hidden danger when used beyond their intended purpose.

In April 2025, new federal safety standards for nursing pillows officially went into effect, aiming to protect infants from suffocation and sleep-related injuries. These rules, developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), are a direct response to mounting safety concerns after tragic outcomes tied to improper nursing pillow use.

Whether you’re using a nursing pillow right now, shopping for one, or simply trying to stay informed as a parent or caregiver, here’s what you need to know—and how to keep your little one safe.

Why nursing pillows are under scrutiny

Many of these products are currently marketed for both nursing and “lounging,” despite the suffocation risk posed by propping up young infants. Between 2010 and 2022, 154 infant deaths and 64 injuries were linked to nursing pillows, according to the CPSC. Nearly all involved babies under 3 months old. In many heartbreaking cases, infants suffocated after rolling into soft crevices or being placed to sleep on the pillows—either intentionally or accidentally by tired parents.

A 2024 NBC News investigation revealed over 160 deaths tied to nursing pillows since 2007. The message is clear: nursing pillows are not safe for sleep. New rules aim to preserve their feeding benefits while preventing misuse.

While nursing pillows are designed to support feeding, some models on the market have also been marketed for lounging or resting—uses that experts now agree can create serious safety risks. The updated rules are intended to preserve the pillows’ helpful role during feeding while eliminating the dangers associated with unintended sleep use.

Related: First-ever federal safety guidelines implemented for nursing pillow safety after 162 infant deaths

What the new safety rules say

To help prevent future tragedies, the CPSC has issued federal safety requirements that all nursing pillow manufacturers must now follow. These rules, which officially took effect in April 2025, are designed to make the pillows safer without taking away their intended purpose: supporting feeding parents and their babies during nursing.

According to sleep health experts, nursing pillows are a relatively recent product category so official safety standards have taken time to catch up as concerns around real-world use have grown.

Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:

1. Nursing pillows must be firmer

The new rules require that nursing pillows be firm enough that they won’t conform to a baby’s face. This change is meant to reduce the risk of suffocation if a baby rolls or shifts against the pillow. Softer pillows that mold to a baby’s features can block airways and create a dangerous situation, especially if the baby is left unattended.

2. Wider openings to prevent entrapment

Pillows must now have wider openings that are sized for the adult using the product—not the infant. This change helps reduce the chance that a baby’s head could become stuck or cradled too snugly inside the pillow’s inner curve.

3. No infant straps or restraints allowed

Nursing pillows can no longer include any built-in restraint systems designed to secure or hold a baby in place—like infant straps, buckles, or harnesses. These features can pose a suffocation or entanglement risk, especially if the baby shifts position or is left unattended.

Importantly, this rule doesn’t apply to waist straps or other attachments meant to secure the pillow to the caregiver’s body. Those are still allowed—as long as they meet updated strength and safety requirements—because they’re designed to support feeding, not restrain the baby.

4. Stronger, clearer warning labels

The new safety rules require nursing pillows to include specific warnings about the risks of suffocation and falls, clearly stating that these products should never be used for infant sleep. But it’s not just what the labels say—it’s also how they’re attached.

To prevent important safety messages from being torn off, removed, or altered, the rules now mandate that warning labels sewn into the pillow must be permanently affixed around the entire perimeter of the label. This ensures that warnings stay intact and visible for all future users, no matter how the product is handled or positioned during use. These permanency standards are based on existing federal test methods for label durability, helping ensure safety information remains accessible over time.

These changes reflect years of research, advocacy, and heartbreaking data. The goal isn’t to ban nursing pillows—but to ensure they’re only used for their original purpose: helping a parent feed their baby safely, while fully awake and attentive.

Related: 8 nursing pillows that make breastfeeding a little easier

The real risk: Using nursing pillows for sleep

It’s common for babies to fall asleep during feeding, but nursing pillows should never be used as a sleep surface. Pediatricians, including Dr. Harvey Karp, warn that using them for sleep—especially if the caregiver dozes off—can cause babies to slip into unsafe positions that block their breathing.

Newborns and infants under six months lack the strength to adjust their heads, making them especially vulnerable. That’s why experts and the CPSC recommend always placing babies on their backs, on firm, flat surfaces, free of pillows or soft items.

It’s not about blaming tired parents—it’s about building awareness and creating safer routines.

What this means for parents right now

If you’re currently using a nursing pillow, the good news is: you don’t necessarily need to stop. What matters most is how you’re using it.

The new safety rules don’t mean nursing pillows are unsafe across the board—they’re still a helpful tool for many parents during breastfeeding or chestfeeding, as long as they’re used only for feeding and never for sleep.

Here’s what to keep in mind moving forward:

• Use the pillow only while feeding—and while you’re awake. If you feel yourself getting drowsy, put the baby in a safe sleep space before resting.
• Set an alarm, have a snack or sip water during night feeds, or ask a partner to stay up with you if you think you might doze off. Avoid feeding on sofas, which can be especially risky if you fall asleep while holding your baby.
• Never leave your baby unattended on a nursing pillow. Even short naps on a soft, curved surface can be dangerous for infants.
• Check your nursing pillow for safety labels. Make sure it meets the new standards for firmness, has no infant straps, and includes updated warnings.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Use the product as intended and avoid any modifications, like adding blankets or cushions that could increase the risk of suffocation.
• Supervise every use. Feeding time should always be accompanied by your full attention—especially during overnight or early-morning sessions when fatigue can hit hardest.

Related: The Elyse Breastfeeding pillow: Meet the product mamas are calling “my favorite nursing pillow EVER”

Smart swaps and safer options

If the new rules have you second-guessing your nursing pillow, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are safe, simple alternatives that can still support you during feeding.

• Alternative feeding positions: Side-lying or football holds may reduce the need for extra support.
• Use your environment: Armrests, firm chairs, or upright nursing chairs can naturally support your posture and baby.
• Baby carriers (with caution): If nursing in a carrier, stay alert and ensure baby’s airway stays clear.

No matter what you use, the rule stays the same: always supervise your baby, and never allow them to sleep on a soft surface. When in doubt, reach out to your pediatrician or lactation consultant for personalized guidance.

The bottom line

New nursing pillow rules can feel overwhelming, but they’re about keeping babies safe. When used correctly, nursing pillows remain helpful tools—but understanding the risks and staying alert is key.

You’re doing your best, and small changes can make a big difference. Remember, support is always available—from healthcare providers to communities like Motherly. You’re not alone.

A version of this post was published on May 23, 2025. It was updated on June 2, 2025, to correct factual inaccuracies regarding allowable strap use and safe alternatives to nursing pillows.