CDC Report Highlights Risks of Nursing Pillows Linked to Sudden Unexplained Infant Death

Overview of the Findings

A report released in May 2025 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report has raised alarms for new parents regarding the potential connection between nursing pillows and sudden unexplained infant death (SUID). Researchers emphasize that nursing pillows should never be placed in sleep environments with infants.

Research Insights

Experts are concerned that misleading labeling and marketing practices by manufacturers may unintentionally endanger infants. Among 1,685 reported SUID cases from 2013 to 2022, researchers identified 84 instances where a nursing pillow was present in the infant’s sleep area. This study was conducted by the US National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention and utilized mortality data from the Pediatric National Fatality Review Case Reporting System. This system aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding child deaths, although not all cases are investigated.

Understanding Sudden Unexplained Infant Deaths

Defining SUID and SIDS

Sudden unexplained infant deaths refer to instances where infants under 12 months pass away unexpectedly without a clear cause prior to investigation. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a specific category within SUID. While SIDS typically denotes an unexplained death, SUID also includes cases of accidental asphyxiation or strangulation in sleep environments. Epidemiological studies have identified the sleep environment as a significant factor in SIDS and SUID occurrences. The implementation of back-sleeping practices and the removal of soft items from cribs has substantially reduced SIDS cases.

The Role of Nursing Pillows

Function and Safety Concerns

Nursing pillows, which are typically round or crescent-shaped foam cushions, are designed to provide ergonomic support to parents and stability for infants during feeding. Prior to 2008, manufacturers were prohibited from marketing these pillows as safe for infants. However, they contend that these products are not intended for sleep, seeking exceptions to regulatory restrictions.

Between 2004 and 2015, the Pediatric National Fatality Review Case Reporting System uncovered 141 infant deaths linked to asphyxiation where nursing pillows were present, prompting pediatricians to question their safety.

Caution in Research Interpretation

The authors of the report were meticulous in their wording to avoid misinterpretation. Researchers based in Georgia excluded cases where a nursing pillow could not have contributed to the death, such as suspected homicides or instances involving children with severe health issues. The 84 cases from 2013 to 2022 were strictly those where the pillow was found in close proximity to the child, with 69% of cases showing the pillow under the infant.

Key Takeaways on Nursing Pillows

Implications for Infant Safety

While the study does not cover all variables, it did take into account factors such as sleep environment, the infant’s age, health conditions, and feeding methods. The findings emphasize that loose, soft items in an infant’s sleep area pose a significant risk for SUID. Although co-sleeping is not recommended, the addition of a nursing pillow could heighten the danger for infants who lack the ability to reposition themselves if they face difficulties with breathing.

Reference

Hamilton BK. Nursing Pillows in the Sleep Environment and Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths — Georgia, January 2013–December 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2025;74. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7419a2