Health Canada warns Canadians of safety risks linked to baby nests and loungers

A baby nest/lounger is a small, portable bed for an infant that has soft, padded sides. In Canada, baby nests/loungers must comply with the Cribs, Cradles and Bassinets Regulations of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA). Due to continued incidents and concerns related to baby nests/loungers across North America, Health Canada is reminding consumers of the risks with these products. Health Canada is not aware of any reports of injury related to the use of these products in Canada. However, for similar products, in the United States, between 2021 and 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received 45 reports of incidents involving baby nests/loungers, 29 of which resulted in fatalities. Health Canada is currently conducting a sampling and evaluation program for these products. As part of this, certain brands of baby nests/loungers (listed above) are being recalled and removed from the market because they do not meet current safety regulations in Canada. Consumers are encouraged to consult the list regularly for updates, as it will be updated if there are other affected products identified. For information on previously recalled baby nests/loungers, check the recalls and safety alerts database .

Product safety

If you have one of the products listed below, you should immediately stop using it. In addition, this is a reminder that: Baby nests/loungers are not safe for sleep as they may pose a suffocation risk. Babies should never be left unattended in baby nests/loungers, nor should the nests/loungers be placed inside another product, such as a crib, cradle, bassinet or playpen. Baby nests/loungers should never be placed on standard beds, water beds, air mattresses, couches, futons or armchairs. Placing a baby nest/lounger on these soft and uneven surfaces can further increase the suffocation risk. The safest place for a baby to sleep is on their back, alone in a crib, cradle or bassinet that meets current Canadian safety regulations. When buying a product for a baby to sleep in, it is important to keep the following in mind: A baby's sleep surface should be firm and flat. Products with soft surfaces and padding should be avoided, as they increase a baby's risk of suffocation. Products with restraints, handles, attached cords, strings or ribbons pose a strangulation risk. Large openings or gaps in baby's crib, cradle, bassinet or other sleep environment are unsafe and pose a risk of entrapment or fall. For more information on how to keep your baby safe when sleeping, please see the following resource: Safe Sleep for Your Baby (publication) - Canada.ca If an incident occurs with a baby nest/lounger, please report it to Health Canada.

A baby nest/lounger is a small, portable infant bed that has soft, padded sides. Many are advertised as multi-functional products that can be used as a sleep surface, changing mat and tummy time mat.

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