Mother's Helper Cushion (Wal-Mart) – suffocation risk (1990)
Hazard assessment based on recall description.
This AI-generated summary is provided for general informational purposes only and is derived from publicly available recall notices. It supplements but does not replace official agency classifications or safety instructions.
Check Your Product
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Product
Mother's Helper infant cushions
Brand
Wal-Mart
Lot Codes / Batch Numbers
Not specified in CPSC notice. Check official source for details.
Wal-Mart is recalling Mother's Helper infant cushions. The hazard is: Suffocation. Based on CPSC recall notice.
Summary derived from CPSC notice
The following details were not provided by CPSC: remedy information, UPC codes.
Reason for Recall
As stated by CPSC
CONTACT: April 19, 1990 (301) 504-7908 Release # 90-074 Hollander Home Fashions Recalls "Mothers Helper" Because Of Alleged Suffocation Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Hollander Home Fashions, Newark, NJ, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is voluntarily recalling approximately 467,000 infant cushions, called "Mothers Helper," because of an alleged suffocation hazard to young infants (under 6 months of age) who are left to sleep on the product. CPSC has received 9 reports of deaths involving infants 3 months of age or younger found face down after being left to sleep on the Mothers Helper. The Commission has received 10 other reports of infant deaths on similar infant cushions made by other manufacturers. Mothers Helper was sold nationwide from 1986 through January 1990. Most of the cushions were sold in Wal-Mart stores in 1988 and 1989 for approximately $8.00 each. In 1988 this product was sold at Jamesway stores in the eastern U.S. The Mothers Helper is a quilted, fabric covered, polystyrene pellet-filled cushion intended for use with infants. The manufacturer's name, along with information concerning fiber content, appears on a paper tag attached to the product. The product also bears another tag that includes a warning never to leave the child unattended. Hollander Home Fashions and the CPSC staff urge consumers to stop using these products immediately. Consumers who have this product may return the paper tag with the manufacturer's name, along with a 6" x 6" piece of fabric cut from the cover, to the following address to receive a free infant quilt. Cushion/Quilt ExchangeHollander Home Fashions Corporation 350 Central Avenue Newark, NJ 07103 Or, return the product directly to the place of purchase for a refund. If you are unsure whether your infant cushion is a Mothers Helper brand, or if you need more information about how to obtain the free quilt or refund, call Hollander's toll free number at 1- 800-233-7666 for assistance
Reported concern (CPSC)
Suffocation
Recommended Action
Per CPSC guidance
The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the product. Contact the manufacturer or return the product to the place of purchase.
Verify this information on the official source
For complete details and official instructions, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) directly.
View official CPSC recall noticePage updated: Jan 6, 2026