America pediatricians urge parents to get rid of all bumper pads in cots
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is encouraging parents to remove cot bumpers immediately to protect babies from the risk of suffocation, entrapment and asphyxia. This is the first time the AAP has officially spoken out against the use of crib bumpers, but it’s keen to impress upon parents the risks of these unnecessary nursery accessories. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has been linked to the pads, with their pillow-like design being the main concern. The APP now supports the belief that a crib without bumpers is much safer. It’s been widely agreed that cot bumpers only help prevent very minor injuries and that parents should follow the lead of the US where certain states have banned their use. As cribs must now follow stringent guidelines in terms of the spaces between the bars, bumpers are ultimately just an aesthetic accessory.
