Maryland officials are proposing the first statewide ban on bumper pads for baby cribs.
The ban, which wouldn’t take effect until Jan. 1, 2013, would prohibit the sale of cushions that line crib walls to prevent babies from hitting their heads.
Maryland health officials say the pads, which are under review by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, contribute to infant suffocation.
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will consider public comments made by Nov. 4 as it decides whether to pursue a formal proposal. Chicago passed a ban earlier this month.
“Our priority is the health of infants in Maryland,” Maryland health secretary Joshua Sharfstein said.
