Maryland wants to ban crib bumpers
State health officials are proposing to ban the sale of crib bumpers.
If successful, Maryland would be the first state to prohibit the crib accessory. Here are some excerpts from a story by my colleague Meredith Cohn's story:
The pads have little safety benefit and pose a small, but potentially deadly risk, according to members of a state task force formed this year to advise state health officials."Crib bumpers are not part of the safe sleep ABCs — babies should sleep alone, on their backs in a crib," Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, secretary of the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, said at a news conference announcing the proposal. "And we're adding a fourth letter, 'D' for 'Don't use crib bumpers.'"
Sharfstein, who reviewed the panel findings before moving ahead with the proposed ban, said education will be important to convey the risk to the public.
The state's move follows a ban by the city council in Chicago two weeks ago. The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission is also investigating crib bumpers.
Not surprising, the group that represents bumper manufacturers is not happy with Maryland's proposal. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association maintains that the pads, when used properly, are not only safe but protective.
Cohn reports that studies nationally have found that 27 baby deaths can be directly attributed to bumper pads in the last 20 years, while another 25 infants suffered nonfatal injuries.
In Maryland, one child was asphyxiated by crib bumpers.
We've had discussions over this issue when the state task force recommended the ban on crib bumpers in May. My unscientific poll found that many parents have used or are using bumpers.
The state is accepting public comments regarding this proposal.
Comments can be submitted until 5 p.m. Nov. 4. Send to Michele Phinney, Director, Office of Regulation and Policy Coordination, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 201 W. Preston St., Room 512, Baltimore, MD 21201. Calls can be made to 410-767-6499 or TTY: 800-735-2258 or emails can be sent to regs@dhmh.state.md.us
Or have your say here.
Comments
If we are going to ban the sale of crib bumpers because on child dies on average per year due to them, then we need to ban the sale of other items with a death rate equal to or greater. My guess is that stuffed animals in cribs pose similar dangers, so ban the sale of stuffed animals. Deaths due to accidental poisoning probably occur more than one time per year, so ban the sale of things like bleach, aspirin, cleaners, paints. I'm sure more than one infant per year dies in a car accident while in a car seat. We should ban both car seat and car sales in Maryland.
At what point do we leave all parenting to the state and live in little bubbles? When do we accept that while unfortunate and devastating an infant mortality can be, it is a fact of life and a PARENT'S job to do what's necessary to try to prevent it?
Posted by: Mark | September 28, 2011 1:49 PM
Hanah,
Thank-you for reporting on this! JPMA of course would maintain they are safe as the lobbying association on the crib bedding manufacturers. It's even more infuriating that they act as a safety council to parents.
I would love to speak with you further. Can you place email me.
Thanks,
Catherine
Posted by: Catherine Hall | September 28, 2011 2:57 PM