Crib bumpers have long been a staple of nursery room decor, however, they have been linked to multiple deaths and injuries of sleeping infants since 1985. A new bill, the Safe Cribs Act, was recently introduced to Congress and would make it unlawful to manufacture, sell, or distribute crib bumpers. Crib bumpers were originally intended to cushion babies from the crib slats. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, crib bumpers are dangerous because of the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation. The legislation is backed by U.S. Senators Rob Portman, Tammy Duckworth, and Richard Blumenthal; the Consumer Federation of America; American Academy of Pediatrics; and Kids In Danger.

This article was originally published in Spring 2024.