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12/2/15 blog post

the bumper issue

The bumper pads, pillow and stuffed animals all post a suffocation hazard.

Crib bumpers continue to be a dangerous item in baby cribs. As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, crib bumpers have been responsible for multiple infant deaths. We continue to spread the message that babies should sleep Alone, on the Back and in a Crib – and that crib should be free from any extra items such as blankets, stuffed animals and bumpers.

A new study recently published in The Journal of Pediatrics renews calls to ban crib bumpers. The study found 77 deaths nationwide were attributed to crib bumpers from 1985 through 2012 – the crib bumpers being the only source of suffocation. In other deaths where crib bumpers may have been present, pillows and blankets were also contributing factors. In addition, there were 146 injuries due to crib bumpers from 1990 to 2012.

Some have called for a national ban on crib bumpers. Chicago and Maryland are the only places in the country to currently prohibit their sale. While I’ll argue that a national ban would help – we could do a lot of good by simply not purchasing bumpers and telling others about their dangers. The next time you are in a store and see those beautiful cribs remember simple is better!