Self-feeding baby pillows have been banned in Ireland following choking concerns.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has banned the use of the self-feeding pillows in Ireland as the product has been identified as a choking hazard, risking serious injury amongst young infants. The pillow design helps prop up a bottle of milk, allowing it to rest in a baby’s mouth without parental assistance.
The pillow itself is placed around the child’s neck while elastic holds the bottle in place. However, the CCPC says that the baby’s inability to stop the flow of milk into their mouth could easily lead to choking and has subsequently banned their sale in Ireland.
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CPC director of product safety Clara Thornton said in a statement : "Baby self-feeding pillows present a risk of death or serious harm from choking or aspiration pneumonia. They are dangerous and go against HSE advice on safe bottle-feeding. If any consumer comes across these products, they should report them to the CCPC."
HSE child health public health lead Dr Abigail Collins added: "Never leave your baby to drink a bottle on their own. Propping or leaning the bottle using a pillow, self-feeding pillow or any other support can be dangerous. Doing this could cause your baby to choke."
HSE advice recommends that people feed their babies in a position that is comfortable for both parent and child, typically sitting down. They also urge parents to never leave a baby unattended mid feed or have the bottle leaning against pillows or other supports.
The commission warned in their statement on self-feeding pillows that if choking occurs, a baby will likely go silent. It therefore may not be obvious to their caregiver that the baby is in distress.
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