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BPA statement regarding cot bumpers

11/02/2014

Our immediate concern is with the wellbeing of those families who have been involved in an accident. The BPA believes it is important for parents and carers to have a clear understanding of the issues surrounding product safety, the responsibilities of our members in producing safe products as well as those of parents in their correct operation. Our aim is to build that awareness to ensure the safety of children.

We consider the recent accusations of unsafe products levied against cot bumpers as unfortunate. Products manufactured and/or supplied by our members are tested to and conform to the latest European and British safety standards and every care is taken to address potential risks when these products are used for a child. It is important that consumers read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use at all times and failure to follow these instructions cannot be used to infer that the product is unsafe.

Whilst there is little accident data available in the UK, manufacturers are informed of serious incidents caused by their products and there is no evidence to suggest that cot bumpers have been involved in other incidents where they have been removed from the sleeping environment when the child is able to sit up unaided, as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.

A British standard already exists for Cot Bumpers and a European standard is in the course of preparation and conclusive injury data from both Europe and countries outside Europe that report such conclusive data is always taken into account.

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