Despite the mounting evidence that crib bumper pads are unsafe and can lead to suffocation, bumper pads are still available for sale in almost all states. However, on June 10, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky and Sen. Tammy Duckworth introduced the Safe Cribs Act (H.R.3170 and S.1816), which would ban the sale, production, distribution, and importation of crib bumper pads in the U.S.
In another positive step, the Safe Sleep Act (H.R.3172 and S.1767) was introduced by U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas and Sen. Richard Blumenthal. This bill would ban infant inclined sleep products, which have made national headlines recently because of the recently recalled Fisher Price Rock ‘n Play and Kids II Rocking Sleeper after reports of dozens of infant deaths. Despite the recalls, many similar infant sleep products are still available for purchase, and new models could still be produced in the future.
Passing both bills will be an up-hill battle. Manufacturers are determined to continue selling these dangerous products even though the American Academy of Pediatrics and consumer organizations like KID have deemed them unsafe. That’s why we need every Congressional co-sponsor possible to support these bills. Every co-sponsor can make the difference in passing the bills and saving children’s lives.
Please make a phone call to your Congressperson and ask them to co-sponsor the Safe Cribs Act and the Safe Sleep Act. Click here to look up your U.S. Representative and Senators’ phone numbers. Tell their offices that you want them to co-sponsor the Safe Cribs Act (H.R.3170 for U.S. Rep. and S.1816 for Senators) and the Safe Sleep Act (H.R.3172 for U.S. Rep. and S.1767 for Senators).
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and we’ll keep you updated on both bills as they move through Congress. Follow the ABCs of safe sleep to prevent suffocation and SUID, and report unsafe children’s products at SaferProducts.gov.
2 Comments
jill
Agree this is needed, but why are Dock a Tots on the market?
Kids In Danger
You raise a good point. Parents should know that only cribs, bassinets and play yards (pack and plays) must meet mandatory standards that make them safe for sleeping infants. All the other sleep products you see on the market don't have to be tested for sleep safety. They may say they meet all requirements -- but those aren't product specific. Babies sleep safest on their backs in a bare crib, bassinet or play yard that meets the CPSC mandatory standard.