Crib bumpers, or bumper pads are not recommended. They can pose suffocation, strangulation, and choking hazards. They pose a suffocation risk if a baby’s face is pressed against the bumper or wedged between the bumper and the crib side or mattress. A study in the Journal of Pediatrics found 27 deaths related to bumper pads or padded bassinets. The bumper also may restrict the movement of fresh air in the crib. Additionally, bumpers have been recalled because the strings used to attach them to the crib can pose a strangulation hazard, or detach and pose a choking hazard.
For older babies, the suffocation risk is reduced, but then babies can use the bumper pads as a foothold to climb out of the crib, causing falls and injuries.
Bumper pads are unnecessary and unsafe. Chicago and the State of Maryland have both banned the sale of bumper pads.
More Information on Crib Bumpers
Danny’s Story
On May 12, 1998, 16-month-old Daniel Keysar was strangled to death at his licensed childcare facility when a Playskool Travel-Lite portable crib collapsed, trapping his neck in the “V” of its folded rails.
Aiden’s Story
Aiden suffocated on the crib bumper pad in his crib. He was six months old. "My beloved grandson was literally the light of my life."
Ellie’s Story
Ellie died when the changing table attachment on a play yard came down on the back of her neck as she stood up. She was thirteen months old.
Liam’s Story
Liam died when he was entrapped by the defective drop-side of his crib. He was nine months old.
Jared’s Story
Jared was strangled when the top rails of his portable crib collapsed. He was eight months old.
Riley’s Story
Riley was strangled when the side rail of her portable crib collapsed around her neck. She was 10 months old.
Ethan’s Story
Ethan died just months after Riley when he was strangled in the same type portable crib. He was eight months old.