Chicago has outlawed crib bumpers inspite a lot of objections from the industry which makes these. Bumper pads, in recent years, have the reason for many SID or suffucation among babies. Babies, who still do not have the motor skills to turn or move their head away from bumper pads that are wrapped around their sleeping area, are prone to such dangers. The banning of this item has been necessary because of it.
According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, the ban will take effect in seven months time.
The city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will enforce the ordinance, responding to complaints and checking for products during inspections of stores. Retailers who violate the ordinance can face fines up to $500 for each violation.
Stores like Babies R Us have already expressed they will follow the local ordinance, even as the company sells bumper pads nationwide.
Meanwhile, baby bedding companies have already started redesigning bumper pads so that it becomes more compliant and save around babies. The addition of a mesh and zip features supposedly make this less dangerous. The local ruling in Chicago doesn’t say if these improved bumper pads are also included in the ban.
The trade group have been against the passing of the ordinance since the beginning claiming that there is no evidence linking SIDS to bumper pads. The Chicago Tribune, however, reports otherwise as there have been documented deaths were doctors have ruled that bumper pads is the cause.
