Deaths Due to Nursing Pillows: A Cautionary Tale

A 22-day old baby was sadly found cold by his mother. Another infant was lifeless next to his brother in their shared bassinet. The commonality? They were left sleeping on nursing pillows. What Happened It is horrifying to know that more than 160 infant fatalities were reported since 2007. Most of the cases involved the infant being left on the pillow when they were sleeping. Three of the cases happened due to the mother falling asleep while nursing the baby. The deaths occurred due to constricted airways, whilst some were reported due to pneumonia. Most were undetermined or unexplained, but a nursing pillow played a key role in those cases. They were placed in the baby's sleeping area, and some were located in the baby's room. The Blame Game Some parents are unaware that nursing pillows can be dangerous. In truth, they can be. Mothers should only use it while nursing. Remember to never leave an infant alone with or on one, especially when they are asleep. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) have emphasised that infants are to sleep on flat, uninclined surfaces. But this misunderstanding could also be due to misinformation. Some nursing pillows are marketed to be used for tummy time. And that it may be used for lounging when awake. This makes many caretakers think it is safe for them to use it unsupervised. A Pain Like No Other Taylor Wells at her daughter's grave (Image Credit: Andrea Morales, NBC News) 'It's not worth an entire life', Allison Blackburn, a victim of these infant deaths stated. Her son, Sterling Gerber, who was short of reaching seven months old, died on a nursing pillow at his childcare centre. This happened to Taylor Wells as well, whose 4-month-old daughter also died at childcare centre. Another case unfortunately happened at home. Janea Ivory's 3-month old daughter, Reagan, died whilst napping on a nursing pillow. This is a nightmare no parent should ever have to go through. A Lesson to Be Learned With a multitude of options on baby products, we should be careful in choosing them. They may look adorable from the bright patterns and its plushness, but not all should be purchased out of whim. Always remember to do ample research and take meticulous caution. Stay safe out there, parents! Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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