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 (preventing 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...more

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