Abstract: A safety pillow assembly is provided for use by an infant to prevent suffocation of the infant when lying in a face down position thereon. The pillow assembly includes a hollow, rigid core having spaced-apart top and bottom walls defining an air reservoir. A multiplicity of openings are formed in the core for allowing substantially unobstructed passage of air into and out of the reservoir. An air-permeable, cushioning sleeve encloses the core and provides a soft comfortable surface to cushion the head of the infant. The sleeve allows a free flow of air from the reservoir through the openings in the core and to the infant when lying in a face down position.