Parents with young babies are being warned against the use of so-called 'baby sleep pillows'.

The cushions, which are marketed as sleep aids, are soft, teddy-like products and are often animal-shaped.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC),  is warning the pillows can cause death through suffocation or overheating.

CCPC warns of dangers of 'baby sleep pillows'. 08/06/2026

The CCPC said the pillows are primarily available via online marketplaces like Amazon, and the watchdog's takedown notices have so far prompted the removal of over a thousand listings.

Grainne Griffin, CCPC Director of Communications said “Parents and caregivers buy these baby sleep pillows just hoping to help their babies sleep, but these products are potentially fatal.

“Pillows and cushions should not be marketed or sold for use in cots or cribs with sleeping babies. CCPC officers have secured the removal of a number of listings offering these unsafe products for sale and acted quickly to get them off the market. The CCPC will continue market surveillance activities for these products and ensure that sales to Irish consumers are stopped.

“Businesses must ensure that the items they sell are safe. We encourage consumers to contact us where they have concerns about potentially unsafe products.”

Baby sleeping in a cot. Image: ronstik / Alamy Stock Photo

Babies can suffocate if something covers their nose and mouth, such as pillows, cushions or other soft items.

These items should never be placed in a baby’s cot or left with an unattended baby.

To help prevent cot death, the HSE recommends always placing babies on their backs to sleep with their feet to the end of the cot and keeping their heads uncovered. Parents should use cellular blankets (the tiny holes allow air to circulate) or a sleeveless sleeping bag. Make sure the cellular blanket is tucked loosely but securely below the baby’s shoulders.