The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·04205·Announced 2004-09-01

Boston Billows Recalls Nursing Pillows Due to Infant Suffocation Risk

Boston Billows Inc. is recalling about 8,000 nursing pillows because they pose a suffocation risk to infants. Consumers should stop using the pillows immediately and contact the company for a refund.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (infant suffocation) where no injuries have been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Boston Billows Inc. of Nashua, N.H., is recalling about 8,000 "C"-shaped nursing pillows. The pillows are approximately 36 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 5 inches deep, featuring a 100 percent cotton hypoallergenic cover over a white pillow filled with plastic beads. The outer cover is removable, and the entire pillow is washable. The fabric tag on the pillow reads "Boston Billows, Inc."

The recall was issued because if infants are placed on these pillows and left unattended, there is a risk of suffocation. Infant pillows and cushions are banned under Federal law because they have flexible fabric coverings, are loosely filled with plastic beads, easily flatten, and are capable of conforming to the body or face of an infant. No injuries have been reported in connection with this recall.

The pillows were sold at hospitals and independent specialty stores from February 2000 through December 2003 for between $34 and $38. Consumers should stop using these pillows immediately and contact Boston Billows Inc. at (877) 274-4606 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, for information on receiving a refund. Note that a December 19, 2008 decision by the Commission to exempt this product has superseded this recall action, meaning the recall is no longer in effect.

The recalled product

Product
Boston Billows Nursing Pillows
Manufacturer
Boston Billows Inc., of Nashua, N.H.
Category
Consumer Product — Infant Products
Hazard
Affected units
8,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · suffocation

See all →