In August, The Safest Line teamed up with MISSION (Mothers Investigating Safe Sleep Options for Newborns) to help spread the word about the dangers of crib bumpers. In December, I wrote another post discussing this product in response to a Chicago Tribune article.
Photo Credit: Flickr, Jigabug Baby
This morning, I read yet another Chicago Tribune article about the tragedies caused by crib bumpers. According to a Washington University report published three years ago, “at least 27 babies’ deaths over two decades were attributable to bumper pads.” Great reporting by the Chicago Tribune and its reporters, such as Ellen Gabler, is helping to raise awareness of the risks associated with crib bumpers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has a great page on choosing a crib that includes safety tips and mentions crib bumpers. For parents who feel the need to have some sort of cushion, though, Go Mama Go Designs’ Wonder Bumpers allows parents to pad crib bars individually without creating a space for an infant’s head to get stuck. Other retailers offer breathable mesh crib bumpers. Still, bear in mind that experts discourage the use of any crib bumpers — so please think carefully before opting to use crib bumpers.
Has your child’s life been put in danger by crib bumpers or other infant sleep accessories? Please let us know.
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Ken Levinson is a Chicago child injury lawyer and child safety advocate. If your child has been injured or worse, please call Ken Levinson at Joseph, Lichtenstein and Levinson at 312-346-9270 or e-mail ken@thesafestline.com. Although based in Chicago, Ken works on child injury cases across the country.
Related posts:
- Crib Bumpers: a nursery danger you can stop
- Child Safety Petition: Crib Bumpers
- Updated Crib Bumper Pad Policy by the American Academy of Pediatrics
- New Crib Safety Standards Now in Effect!
- Drop-Side Crib Ban Goes Into Effect
