Do those ever-popular crib bumper pads protect babies’ heads? Or put them at risk? Do they make the crib cozier for babies? Or more frightening? An important study in the September 2007 Journal of Pediatrics examines the limited evidence we have –and it does not look good. Researchers reviewed twenty years of history in the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) databases. They found 27 cases of infant deaths involving bumper pads or similarly padded basinets. In some the cases the baby’s face was found pressed up to the bumper pad; in some the head was wedged between the bumper pad and something else; and in some the bumper ties were around the baby’s neck. In addition, 25 non-fatal crib injuries were reported. Perhaps some of these could have been caused by or prevented by bumper pads – the reports were not clear. The authors conclude that the risks of using bumper pads (death) outweigh the possible benefits (minor bruises or other injuries), and that bumper pads should not be used.
However, I should point out some statistical issues with the study. The numbers used were voluntarily reported numbers. People are more likely to report problems than benefit. And even so, people aren’t always good at reporting. The numbers in the study may be considerably off base. Even if they were accurate, they are only one piece of the puzzle. We know of 27 deaths out of how many babies with bumpers? And how many deaths in the how many babies who didn’t use bumpers? We’re missing the needed data to determine whether using bumpers is less safe or not. Beyond this, over the 20 year period examined, there were about 80 million babies in the United States. The 27 tragic deaths would represent a 99.99996625% success rate. The risk is both small and uncertain. But if it happens, the risk is ultimate.
The American Academy of Pediatrics only suggests that if bumper pads are used, they should be “thin, firm, well-secured, and not pillow-like.” The Canadian Pediatric Paediatric Society and Health Canada go further and recommend they never be used. In contrast, the Juvenile Product Manufacturing Association (JPMA) conclude, based on their own data review, that bumper pads are safe.
My take? When crib bumper pads first became popular, crib slats could be far enough apart to allow a baby’s head to wedge between the slats. Bumper pads were probably protective. Since 1986, crib safety standards have taken care of that risk. I think the pads are probably now obsolete. Besides the issues above, they can block children’s view of the world (and parents’ view of their babies, if they are in the same room). For older babies and toddlers, the bumpers can be stepping pads for trying to climb up and out of the crib. When there is not a clear benefit, less is more – especially in the face of an uncertain, but grave risk. I probably would not use bumper pads if I had a new baby.
Click Here if you would like to comment on this article
