In a significant move responding to at least 79 deaths associated with infant loungers between 2010 and 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking proposal for the introduction of federal safety standards for these popular baby products. The proposal, which garnered a unanimous 4-0 vote, follows earlier recommendations by CPSC staff and mandates a substantial redesign of most currently available baby loungers and other infant support cushions.
The CPSC’s investigation identified a critical need for safety standards in this category, with most fatalities occurring when infants were placed to sleep on these widely used products. The proposed changes aim to address this concern and enhance the safety of infant loungers.
Manufacturers of baby loungers, such as The Boppy Company, Snuggle Me Organic, and DockATot, have previously defended their products as safe when used as intended — as supervised spots for caregivers to place their babies while awake. However, the CPSC’s proposed redesign challenges this stance, emphasizing the need for products to be inherently safe under foreseeable usage conditions.
If approved, the new safety requirements would extend beyond baby loungers to include other infant support items like crib pillows, head positioners, and cushions designed for “tummy time.” The proposed rule is subject to public comment before finalization, reflecting a commitment to transparency and public input.
The CPSC’s decisive action comes on the heels of an NBC News investigation earlier this year, which linked at least 25 deaths to baby loungers since 2015. This investigation prompted lawmakers to advocate for the elimination of pillow-like loungers, urging the CPSC to address the issue promptly.
Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. stressed the importance of designing products that are safe under foreseeable conditions, acknowledging the sleep-deprived state of mind in which decisions are often made. The proposed changes seek to make infant loungers as firm as crib mattresses, with walls limited to less than 2 inches in height, aiming to mitigate the risk of suffocation or compromised breathing positions.
Furthermore, the CPSC’s proposal includes more prominent warning labels on infant cushions, cautioning against their use for sleep or leaving babies unattended. This aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation that babies sleep alone on their backs on a firm, flat surface without loose blankets or soft items.
U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, who previously called for the elimination of loungers, commended the CPSC’s action, emphasizing the need for swift removal of unsafe products from stores and online marketplaces to ensure parental confidence in the products they purchase.
This development follows recent advancements by the CPSC in federal safety recommendations for other infant products associated with deaths, including rockers and nursing pillows.
