After receiving questions time and again from regulators, Members of Congress, parents, caregivers, and even those in the juvenile products industry, we want to take the opportunity to share important distinctions between two popular product categories: infant feeding supports and infant loungers. Given the confusion we have seen in the market, we will focus on clarifying both the key differences and similarities between these products.
Infant feeding supports, known as nursing pillows by many, are intended to provide physical support to a caregiver while nursing or feeding a baby. Infant feeding supports are designed to be used on a caregiver’s lap, aiding in bringing the baby up to the breast during feeding, reducing the potential for arm and shoulder pain that can occur when mom or caregiver has to hold baby up on their own. This primary use necessitates active caregiver participation. By extension, this support helps mom or caregiver relax, thereby enhancing bonding and other physical, as well as emotional benefits for both caregiver and baby.
Infant loungers, on the other hand, are designed to provide a comfortable space for baby to lounge. Intended for use on the floor, infant loungers support babies as they actively engage with their caregiver. This product is intended to provide a means by which the caregiver can interact with baby without having to hold the infant in their arms or lap. Both products require supervision and are intended for use during awake time only.
The below chart summarizes these definitions.
It is worth noting that there are two independent ASTM product standard development processes that are underway – one standard for infant feeding supports and a separate standard for infant loungers. Yet there continues to be confusion about these two product categories.
It is critical that the development of these two standards is viewed independently as the utility and function are unique for each product and require different specifications to ensure safety. We hope that this helps clarify any confusion and welcome any questions you may have about the similarities and differences of these products.