BALTIMORE (AP) - Maryland will ban the sale of baby crib bumper pads next year, saying the items have no benefit but potentially serious risks to infant health.

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The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said Friday that the ban will take effect June 21.

DHMH Secretary Dr. Joshua Sharfstein said the department's message is that babies sleep best alone, on their backs, and in a crib.

Last year, the department held advisory committee meetings and public comment periods to assess the potential risks and benefits of baby bumper pads. Risks include suffocation and strangulation.