If you’ve ever cradled your baby in an infant lounger while finally sipping that long-forgotten cup of coffee, you’re not alone. These cozy, cushioned nests have become popular with new parents, offering a soft spot to rest the baby while you tend to the many other demands of early parenthood. But new federal safety regulations have just gone into effect—rules that may change how parents think about these products entirely.
New federal safety rules for infant loungers were finalized by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in October 2024 and must be fully implemented by manufacturers by May 5, 2025. These updates reflect years of research, real-world tragedies, and a growing understanding that what feels safe isn’t always truly safe.
If you’ve ever used or considered using an infant lounger, this is information you need to know—not to scare you, but to empower you. Parenting is already overwhelming; you deserve clarity, not confusion, when it comes to keeping your baby safe.
Why infant loungers have come under scrutiny
No parent wants to believe a baby product on the market could pose a real danger—but that’s exactly what investigations into infant loungers have revealed.
Between 2010 and 2022, at least 79 infant deaths and 124 injuries were linked to loungers and similar cushions, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These were often marketed as safe for supervised rest, and sometimes—implicitly or explicitly—used by parents for sleep, especially during those exhausting newborn weeks.
The reality is devastating. In 2023, NBC News reported on 21 infant deaths linked to infant loungers between December 2015 and September 2021, revealing just how common and catastrophic the misuse—or even typical use—of these products could be. Many of the deaths were attributed to suffocation, entrapment, or falls, particularly when babies rolled over or were left in the lounger unsupervised.
These aren’t the stories any parent wants to read. But behind each number is a real family, and these tragedies are why experts, lawmakers, and safety advocates have pushed for stronger regulations. The new rules are a step toward preventing more families from facing the unthinkable.
Related: Infant mortality rates are dropping, but sleep-related deaths are rising
What’s changing: A breakdown of the new safety regulations
As of May 5, 2025, new federal safety standards for infant loungers are officially in effect. The goal? To drastically reduce the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and falls—all hazards that have tragically led to infant injuries and deaths in the past.
Under the new rules approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), all infant loungers manufactured moving forward must meet the following criteria:
- Firmness and geometry testing: Soft, sloped, or contoured surfaces are no longer acceptable. These features can cause a baby’s head to tilt in a way that blocks airflow or lead to rolling.
- No restraints: Products can no longer include straps or harnesses, which may give caregivers a false sense of security that the baby will stay in place—even when unattended.
- Clear, visible warning labels: Manufacturers must include on-product warnings that clearly state loungers are not intended for sleep and should only be used with awake, supervised infants.
Additionally, the new rules now ban infant cushions, pillows, and similar products that are:
- Made with a flexible fabric covering
- Loosely filled with granular materials like polystyrene beads
- Easily flattened or capable of conforming to an infant’s body or face
- Intended or marketed for babies under one year old
These changes reflect growing awareness that design features once seen as cozy or supportive may actually increase risk—especially in sleep-deprived households where products may be misused unintentionally.
As Gabe Knight, a senior safety policy analyst at Consumer Reports, put it in a press release:
“Baby loungers are not safe for infant sleep, but if a parent does mistakenly allow their baby to sleep in one, that shouldn’t come with a risk of serious injury or death. This safety standard is a helpful backstop for sleep-deprived parents and caregivers of young infants. It should be enforced vigorously by the CPSC, and the agency should have both the resources and the independence it needs to be a strong safety watchdog for the public.”
Related: The ABCs of Safe Sleep for Baby
What parents should do now
With the new regulations in place, it’s important for parents and caregivers to understand how to identify safe infant loungers—and, just as critically, how to avoid the unsafe ones still on the market.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Check the manufacturing date
Only loungers made after May 5, 2025 are required to meet the new safety standards. If you’re shopping, especially secondhand or through resale platforms, check the product label or packaging for the manufacturing date. When in doubt, skip it. - Avoid used or older loungers
Products made before the new rule may still be available on resale sites or at yard sales. While they might appear in good condition, they likely don’t meet the updated safety guidelines. When it comes to infant safety, newer is often safer. - Look for a firm, flat surface
Avoid loungers with deep contours, soft padding, or any incline. A baby’s airway can be compromised when their head tips forward or to the side in a cushy environment. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a firm, flat, and bare surface for rest—loungers do not meet that standard. - Never use a lounger for sleep
Even if your baby falls asleep in one, transfer them to a safe sleep space like a crib or bassinet as soon as possible. Despite how they’re marketed, loungers are not a safe sleep alternative. The new rules require manufacturers to include clear warnings to that effect. - Supervision is key
Loungers can still be used during awake time—when babies are alert and being directly watched. They’re handy for tummy time or as a temporary rest spot while you’re right there. But even during awake time, it’s critical not to step away.
Related: 14 science-backed ways to help prevent SIDS in babies
The bottom line
Parenting is tough enough without worrying about every product’s safety. The new regulations aren’t about making you feel guilty—they’re here to protect your baby and give you peace of mind.
If this information is new, don’t stress. We’re all learning, and what matters is what we do going forward. If you’ve used a lounger in the past, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you care and want to make the best choices for your baby.
Take a moment to share what you’ve learned with others and lean on resources like your pediatrician, the CPSC, and Consumer Reports for guidance. By staying informed, we can work together to create safer environments for our children.
Sources:
- CPSC approves new federal safety standards for infant loungers. 2024. Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Standard for Infant Support Cushions to Prevent Infant Deaths and Serious Injuries.
- Federal officials delay rules on infant loungers. 2023. NBC News. As federal officials delayed rules on infant loungers, babies continued to die.
- New safety rules for infant loungers. 2025. Consumer Reports. Starting This Week, All New Baby Loungers Must Meet Strong Safety Rules to Prevent Suffocation and Falls.