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New Regulations Will Ban Crib Bumpers in Maryland

Following an 18-month investigation into the safety of baby crib bumper pads, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) has published final regulations to ban their sale in Maryland effective June 21, 2013.

The action follows the Department’s conclusion that baby crib bumper pads, intended for infants up to the age of five or six months, offer no meaningful benefit and pose a potentially serious risk to infant health. The Maryland chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Med Chi, and numerous safety experts agreed with this conclusion and urged the Department to prohibit the sale of these products. Maryland’s Chief Medical Examiner has found that crib bumper pads pose a risk of suffocation and death.

PROTOCOL FOR CONSIDERATION OF PETITIONS 

The Department has received requests related to whether certain commercially available products are “baby bumper pads,” as defined in COMAR 10.11.07.01(B)(2).  Interested persons may petition the Department, in accordance with COMAR 10.01.12, for a declaratory ruling on whether a particular product is a “baby bumper pad.”  The Department will consider such requests according to this  protocol for submitting a petition for a declaratory ruling. 

The ban on baby bumper pads does not apply to vertical bumpers that wrap tightly around each individual crib rail or mesh crib liners. The Department nonetheless does not recommend the use of these novel products. 
 
Families are reminded that babies sleep best alone, on their backs, and in a crib.

MORE INFORMATION ON CRIB BUMPER SALES IN MARYLAND
 
 
Final Regulations Banning Crib Bumper Sales in Maryland.

June 8, 2012: MDH Proposes Regulations to Ban Crib Bumper Sales in Maryland

Background

Past Meetings and Materials

May 20, 2011

July 13, 2011

Additional Materials

 
  
 Updated 01/2013
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