Warnings About Crib Bumper Safety

Friday, February 4, 2011

Warnings About Crib Bumper Safety

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

There is heightened awareness about crib bumper safety as of late due to reports from media outlets such as the Chicago Tribune reporting that crib bumpers are not safe. Both the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times have cited a 2008 Washington University study that concluded crib bumpers can cause death in infants.

While the American Academy of Pediatrics acknowledged the study and its findings and subsequently warned parents about crib bumper safety, the Consumer Product Safety Commission largely ignored it. A personal injury lawyer in Chicago can tell you first hand that this is not the first time claims about product safety have fallen on deaf ears with the CPSC.

The Tribune investigation has brought much-needed public awareness about crib bumper safety and has subsequently prompted the Illinois Attorney General’s Office to issue a warning to parents. Additionally, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has pledged to reassess crib bumper safety and determine whether crib bumpers are safe.

Crib bumper safety is not the only problem contributing to infant crib death. A recent New York Times article highlights concerns about many different types of baby sleep products.

According to the article, “prompted by consumer advocates and news reports highlighting potential dangers, the [Consumer Product Safety] commission has reversed itself and decided to take a deeper look at crib bumpers as part of a broader regulatory crackdown on the hazards of an extensive line of baby sleep products that have been blamed for more injuries and deaths.”

To avoid infant injuries or sudden death, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following “safe sleep practices.”

  • Back to Sleep: Babies should be placed in their cribs on their back rather than their side of stomach.
  • Climate Control: Do not overdress baby for sleep. Keep their room a comfortable temperature rather than bundling them up.
  • Safe Crib: Your baby’s crib should be safety approved with a firm mattress and well-fitting sheet. Additionally, the crib should be free of crib bumpers, stuffed animals, comforters and pillows. All of these items create a suffocation hazard.
  • No Smoking: Infants’ caretakers should never smoke around babies; it is vitally important that baby’s sleeping environment remain smoke free.

If you or a loved one is using a crib bumper in an infant’s crib, it should be removed immediately. If your child has sustained injuries resulting from a crib bumper or other sleep related item, contact a personal injury lawyer in Chicago to determine your next steps.

Steve Malman

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, truck accidents, car accidents, premises liability, construction, and workers’ compensation cases in Chicago, IL.

Years of experience: +30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active and authorized to practice law—Last Registered Year: 2024

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