Boppy Pillows Led to 7 Infant Deaths, Consumer Reports Finds

A Consumer Reports (CR) analysis attributed seven recent infant deaths to the use of Boppy nursing pillows and infant loungers. This comes nearly a year after the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned against using these products for infant sleep.

Boppy pillows are intended for use while awake and supervised, CR noted. When a baby is left unattended with a Boppy pillow, they may roll over or move their head in a way that blocks their airway. This is what led to the tragic deaths of seven infants, as well as one injury.

The initial CPSC warning against allowing children to use nursing pillows and loungers without supervision, especially for sleep, came in October 2020. From 2012 to 2018, no less than 28 infant deaths were linked to pillows from various manufacturers. However, all seven infant deaths uncovered in the time since have been tied to Boppy pillows. The October 2020 warning did not single out a specific brand, but in light of recent news, a CPSC spokesperson said the agency is investigating whether legal action should be taken against Boppy.

Meanwhile, Boppy vice president Amy St. Germain told CR that Boppy is working with CPSC to mitigate the hazards its pillows present.

Policy counsel for CR, Oriene Shin, highlighted the urgency of the matter: It has been 10 months since the CPSC’s initial warning. Infants have died in that time, and they continue to be put at risk of fatal injury. It is high time that Boppy takes concrete action in the interest of safety.

“Parents and caregivers—Boppy’s customers—need answers,” Shin said. “What concrete steps will Boppy take to keep babies safe? Will Boppy make design changes to prevent the unimaginable from happening? Right now, Boppy isn’t saying, even in light of the recent infant deaths. If the company won’t take action on its own, the CPSC should require it.”

Companies Must Be Held Accountable for Defective Products

If your child has been injured due to a Boppy pillow, you may have the right to take action. Manufacturers must ensure that any hazards associated with the use of their products are clearly stated. When they fail to do this or do not provide proper instructions for use, they can be held liable for any resulting damages.

At Lanier Law Group, P.A., we wholeheartedly believe that companies should take responsibility for the harm their products cause. With millions of dollars in client recoveries, we are respected throughout North Carolina for our skill in advocating for the victims of defective products. Find out if you have the right to compensation—call (855) 757-4204 or contact our trial attorneys online for a free consultation.