Parent Alert: Bedding, Toys Pose Risk to Infants

Although new federal standards for cribs will effect starting in June, the dangers posed by crib bedding and other toys are still not covered. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission say puffy bumpers, pillows and blankets, low-hanging mobiles as well as stuffed animals all pose suffocation hazards to babies who are younger than a year old and should not be placed in their cribs.  Loose fabric and soft cushions can block a baby's nose and mouth and experts believe some sleeping babies may not wake up sufficiently to fight for air when that happens, leading to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Currently, there are no guidelines in place for crib bedding and no warning labels, but experts suggest parents try sleeper outfits that zip up and fit close as a safer way to provide warmth or tightly swaddle newborns in receiving blankets as long as the blanket doesn't come up higher than the infant's arms.

They also caution parents in regards to other products on the market that are designed to make babies safer but have posed some risks of their own.  Positioning pillows, designed to keep babies from rolling onto their sides or stomachs have been involved in at least 13 infant deaths since 1997.  In addition, nearly two million video baby monitors were recalled last year after two babies strangled in their power cords and died and 76,000 bed-side sleepers were recalled this month after reports of 10 infants who became trapped in the gap between the adult and baby mattresses.

The CPSC says the commission's Safe Sleep Team is reviewing 28 incidents involving crib bumpers again and expects to address issues with new bumper styles in the future.

The attorneys at Messa & Associates have pursued many cases involving injuries and death to children as a result of products with manufacturing and design defects.  We combine our years of experience, thorough research, and the knowledge of highly regarded experts to prepare these cases.  For more information or if your child has suffered serious injury or death as a result of crib bedding or an infant toy, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.