Maryland Becomes First State To Seek Ban on Crib Bumper Pads

BALTIMORE - Maryland may become the first state in the nation to ban the sale of crib bumpers. The proposal comes after the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene took a look at several unexplained infant deaths - and determined that crib bumpers could have played a role.

Why go for a ban? Maryland health officials say warnings and cautions aren't enough.
After all, most people - understandably - believe that if a product is for sale, it must be safe.

"This is not part of a safe sleep environment...," said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein of the bumpers, "...and as a result we shouldn't be selling them in the state of Maryland."

Sharfstein, Maryland's Secretary of Health is a pediatrician himself. After looking at infant death cases in the state, an advisory panel concluded that the risks are rare, but real.

Chief Medical Examiner Dr. David Fowler explains that babies, with their small lungs - can't push air in and out very well.

"You don't have to have the bumper on top of the child, just has to be close, and it restricts their airflow, and that's enough, " said Dr. Fowler.

The central question is whether bumper pads, while pretty - have any real, useful benefits -- and whether those benefits outweigh the risks.

Maryland's advisory panel found no health benefits. And, surprisingly, some retailers agree.

"There's never really been any mass injuries as far as hitting a head against a slat, perhaps a minor bruising, but nothing that can take the life of a child," said Brian Green, managing partner at Great Beginnings in Gaithersburg, MD.

Green says his store stopped ordering crib bumpers eight months ago, and they tell customers not to use them when a baby is in the crib.

"However, people love the cutesy look of it... We have worked with manufacturers to do safe alternatives to the bumpers and we think that's where the industry is going to go, " said Green.

Alternatives include individual zippered fabric sheaths that cover each slat, and a breathable mesh bumper that allows more air flow.

Maryland wants its ban -- to send a strong message: That the safest place for baby is alone, on his or her back, in an empty crib.

Companies that make crib bedding -- say bumpers can be used safely as long as they are flat - and secured properly. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has expressed concern that a ban would lead caregivers to use unsafe padding alternatives, like pillows, towels, or blankets.

Maryland has a final comment period on its proposal that ends November 4.

If the regulation is approved it would take effect January, 2013.