Are Crib Bumper Safe?

JPMA

Retailer FAQs

Crib Bumper Pads

1. I am hearing conflicting reports about crib bumpers. Can you explain the situation?

JPMA recently commissioned two separate studies from well-respected, independent scientific research firms, Innovative Science Solutions (ISS) and Exponent, to study the available data on crib bumper pads. Both found no evidence crib bumpers present a hazard to infants, and that they in fact are effective in mitigating injuries.

Moreover, the studies showed that a crowded sleep area that includes extra bedding, pillows or comforters presents a much greater threat to infants. These non-essential items may have actually caused infant injuries and fatalities that were previously attributed to crib bumper pad use.

2. Are crib bumper pads safe?

When properly installed and securely fastened, crib bumper pads play a critical role in providing safe sleep environments for infants. As evidenced by Exponent’s research, crib bumper pads prevent inadvertent contact with hard surfaces and limb entrapment between crib slats, which can cause injury to infants.

3. What are the benefits of crib bumpers?

When properly installed and securely fastened, crib bumper pads play a critical role in providing safe sleep environments for infants. As evidenced by Exponent’s research, crib bumper pads prevent inadvertent contact with hard surfaces and limb entrapment between crib slats, which can cause injury to infants.

4. What is JPMA doing to clear up the confusion?

JPMA’s primary concern is juvenile safety. We commissioned the studies from Exponent and ISS to address conflicting information on the safety of crib bumper pads and to ensure that the most comprehensive resources regarding crib safety are available to parents and caregivers. Both scientific research firms came to the conclusion that the current body of research regarding the safety and efficacy of crib bumpers is not sufficient to demonstrate that crib bumpers pose a risk to sleeping infants.

In light of these new findings, JPMA, in cooperation with ASTM and Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), as well as child safety advocates and medical professionals, is committed to developing a set of performance standards for crib bumpers that are based on sound research principles and scientific data.

5. What should I tell my customers?

When properly installed and securely fastened, crib bumper pads play a critical role in providing safe sleep environments for infants. As evidenced by recent studies from two separate scientific research firms, crib bumper pads prevent inadvertent contact with hard surfaces and limb entrapment between crib slats, which can cause injury to infants.