The pillows marketed to babies for sleeping aid can cause death through suffocation or overheating, according to the watchdog.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has issued a warning to parents to avoid these pillows that often come in animal shapes.
1,150 of these products have been removed from online stores such as Amazon, Ali Express, Fruugo and Joom after the CCPC issued their warning.
The CCPC released a statement urging parents to avoid these products due to the severe harm they can cause to their young infants. They said: "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."
"This is very much a product trend linked to online marketplaces (large platforms that often are shipping products to consumers from outside the EU). So this safety message is aimed at people shopping online who may have had these products suggested to them as they scroll," they continued.
A spokesperson from the CCPC said that these products are typically sold online, and are not often found in Irish high street retail shops. "Ireland, and the European Union, have very robust product safety systems with high levels of compliance. We haven't seen these products appearing in Irish high street stores. This is an online phenomenon. Businesses are not allowed to mislead consumers into thinking a product is safe and any consumer who has bought one of these products should get a refund," they said.
If something covers a babies mouth or nose, such as soft items, pillows or cushions, this can pose a risk to the babies safety and cause suffocation. The CCPC has warned parents to never put a pillow or soft item in the baby's cot or leave them unattended with one. Instead, they recommend parents use cellular blankets or a sleeveless sleeping bag as the tiny holes allow air to circulate.
Dr Fiona Cianci, a consultant in public health medicine with the HSE Child Health Public Health unit said: “Research has shown that there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of cot death or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This includes putting your baby on their back to sleep in a cot with a well-fitting, firm mattress and clear of all items, including soft objects or anything loose or fluffy. Pillows, cushions and similar products should not be in the cot as they could suffocate your baby. There is also a risk of a baby overheating if they are sleeping on a soft surface that their head can sink into. There is a higher risk of SIDS if a baby overheats."
“Some of these products are described to parents as helping babies with issues such as reflux or flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly). Our advice is to never use any pillow, cushion or similar product," she continued.
