Study: Baby Crib Bumpers Deadly

A new study in The Journal of Pediatrics noted an increase in deaths related to crib bumpers, the pillow-like walls put on the inside of cribs to ostensibly protect babies, since 2006. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended against them since 2008 due to the risks of suffocation, strangulation or entrapment.

The study analyzed data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) since 1985. There were 48 deaths by suffocation of children one to 22 months old related to crib bumpers. The average age of the children who died was five months old.

The researchers identified additional deaths from data gathered by the National Center for the Review and Prevention of Child Deaths. Nearly 150 other injuries and accidents were identified among the data examined after 1990.

Infants died as a result of pressing their faces against the bumpers alone as well as being wedged between objects and the crib bumpers. When a babies nose and mouth are covered by the fabric, they can suffocate. The researchers couldn’t identify precisely why there was an increase in deaths but concluded that the babies would not have died if the objects were not in the cribs.

There are no federal regulations on crib bumpers yet. The Centers for Disease Control and National Institute of Health also recommend against the products. The power to regulate these products lies with the CPSC, and they have not taken action yet.

A class action lawsuit was previously filed related to the products of a major manufacturer. If your family has suffered a tragic incident with your infant, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact one of our personal injury attorneys at (215) 545-8800 to discuss in a no-obligation, initial legal consultation.