Crib bumpers used to be a norm in infant cribs across the country. The padded fabric would typically be tied to the crib rails along the mattress to prevent babies from bumping into the sides of the crib as they slept. However, over the years it was determined that crib bumpers were actually unsafe and that they posed a serious threat to infant safety. While pediatricians, health professionals, and even the AAP have issued warnings against using bumper pads in cribs, New York has gone one step further and banned their sale.

Just this week New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that would prevent the sale of bumper pads in the state as well as laws that impact the sale of larger furniture that poses tipping risks, the NY Daily News reports.

"As a father, I know full well that you never stop worrying about your child’s safety, no matter how old they are," Cuomo said of the new legislation. "These measures will help give parents peace of mind at a critical time in their child’s lives and will help ensure that their homes or daycare facilities remain safe and secure environments."

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 3500 infants die in the United States every year due to sleep-related deaths. Those include SIDS and accidental suffocation. They have suggested not using crib bumper lads as well as avoiding the use of soft bedding, pillows, and soft toys. Babies should be put to sleep on their back on a firm mattress with a well-fitted sheet.

Cuomo's bill, which will take effect 60 days after becoming law, will ban the sale of some non-mesh bumper pads as well as restricting their use in certain facilities unless there is a medical reason for using them.

"Legislation I sponsored to ban crib bumpers is about protecting our children from deadly clutter," added Senator David Carlucci. "We know these accessories are not safe, and yet they are still marketed to parents as a matching nursery accessory. I thank the Governor for his immediate action to ban their sale in New York State and prevent future tragedies."

A number of other lawmakers applauded Cuomo's decision to not only ban the sale of crib bumper pads but to also enact legislation that will require retailers to sell tip-restraint devices for new furniture as well as requiring large furniture and electronics to be anchored at childcare facilities.

Read Next: Study Finds Toddlers Should Stay In Their Crib Until Age Three