The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) is proposing a regulation to ban the sale of baby bumper pads in the State of Maryland starting June 21, 2013. The proposed regulation and a document summarizing the evidence and basis for the ban will be published in the July 13, 2012 Maryland Register.
The Department began its investigation of baby bumper pads with a request for public comment published in the Maryland Register on April 22, 2011. In addition to its own review of the evidence, over the past year the Department has convened an expert panel of health experts, held two public meetings, and reviewed public comment.
After this extensive review, DHMH concluded that the risks to infants associated with the use of baby bumper pads outweigh potential benefits. The proposed regulation banning the sale of baby bumpers is a component of a larger effort to promote safe sleep in infants. Families are encouraged to follow the ABCs of sleep. Babies should sleep Alone, on their Backs, and in a Crib...