Crib Bumper - yes or no?

[babydust818]

I've read about how crib bumpers can be dangerous to baby. I know it is probably all up to parents preference. I was just wondering if i should just not use one? I'm a FTM and not sure what i should do! Thanks in advance.

 

[Dodima1999]

I was told that too that babies can get fingers stuck in string used to tie on but I plan on getting them for my cribs. I think I'd rather a sore finger than a banged head and possibly worse damage due to that. Unless there are other dangers that I'm missing?

 

[Yo_Yo]

They aren't safe apparently. You can buy this bumper that's breathable and wraps around the cot bars-I forget what it's called.

Anyway-had a bumper with my dd2 and I just took it off when she slept-bit pointless really, but it was pretty!

 

[angiepie]

No. Babies can roll and get their faces pressed into them and suffocate. Babies have died from cot bumpers.

The only safer option are the air mesh cot bumpers.

Personally, I think they're ugly anyway. Just another thing to wash.

 

[BigAl]

They increase the risk of sids, it's not really about sore fingers.

The only issue is trapped limbs rather than bumped heads, which is what the mesh ones are for.

 

[cookette]

I know to not have the regular bumpers for the suffocation risk, but are the mesh ones REALLY necessary? Is ANY bumper necessary in the first months?

 

[the why bird]

Probably not for the first few months, they don't move around much. Once baby starts rolling and trying to crawl you might think about the mesh ones, but it depends on your child. Some kids get their arms and legs through the bars, others don't.

As for bumping heads on the sides of the cot - well, it's not impossible but it's incredibly unlikely that they would be able to hit themselves hard enough to cause any harm.

I wouldn't use traditional bumpers, personally. The only real advantage I can see is that they look nice, and although the odds are very small, I'd blame myself forever if baby died.

 

[babydust818]

Thank you ladies so much for your input! I was afraid of the suffocation scenario by using a bumper. I was getting ready to purchase a crib set and was wondering if the bumper was really necessary. I guess i will go the first few months without one and once baby stars rolling over i will purchase a mesh one. Really appreciate all of your feedback.

 

[SonAmyMom]

I've used bumpers for all four of my children when they were new. If you make sure it is securely anchored and they are in the middle of the crib (away from the sides, where the bumper is) there is little chance of suffocation. I liked the bumpers because they reduced the draft - it helped baby stay warm.

I always took the bumper off when my babies started moving, even rolling. That's probably when the risk comes.

 

[SisterRose]

Personally - No I wouldn't. I did with DD1 but wasn't told about how dangerous they can be. DD2 is 7 months old and I haven't used a cot bumper because of the increased risk of SIDS and suffocation. I had one that came with a set I bought but it's still packaged up in the little bag it came in. I was especially put off after finding a page on facebook where a woman had lost her little boy at 9 months old due to cot bumpers and it's heartbreaking. Not worth the risk imo!

 

[kazine]

Never worth the risk.

 

[JoHio]

Never used them, never heard of them until recently, and for baby #3, never plan to use them. I have not read a single thing about their dangers, though judging by what some have said, I can see it may be warranted; I just figure we've been fine without them. I can see where mesh ones may come in handy, though, again, never had an issue without one - even with baby getting his/her leg or arm stuck in the crib.

Now's the time to admit we co-slept a lot so baby was not in his or her crib all that often. I know, I know...co-sleeping...how dreadful!

 

[superfrizbee]

I used a breathable mesh one with dd that was velcro'd instead of tied and it was all good. As a personal preference I wouldnt use normal cot bumpers.

 

[BigAl]

I liked the bumpers because they reduced the draft - it helped baby stay warm.

Not a comment on your situation, but I think this is part of the issue. It can cause a baby to overheat.

 

[jhughes0709]

No. Not really worth the risk to me. but my boys slept in a bassinet until they were 4 months then went to the crib. They eventually ended up co-sleeping with me and the hubs once they were bigger. I just kicked my almost 5yr old out of our bed!!

 

[ashleyg]

I won't be using a bumper for her crib. I've read too many horror stories

 

[babydust818]

Thank you girls!!

 

[Buttercup84]

I used a breathable mesh one with dd that was velcro'd instead of tied and it was all good. As a personal preference I wouldnt use normal cot bumpers.

Same here and will likely reuse it for this one have to say it was handy for stopping her dummies from falling out lol but I wouldn't have used a normal bumper if the mesh ones weren't available.

 

[Tigerlilyb]

https://survival4moms.com/2011/09/20/bare-is-best-ban-the-bumper/

The USA, Canada and Australia all have regulations against them, just not the UK in spite of all the cautions and warnings and sad stories.

I put one on my girls bed when I lowered her mattress because there are plug sockets behind it and I'd rather the miniscule risk of suffocation (she was over 1 before she was standing so we had no reason to lower the mattress before this, and the risk bottoms out the older they get) than tiny curious fingers being stuck in plug sockets! The plug socket covers debate is for a whole other thread.

There's a petition going around to ban bumpers in the UK if anyone is interested:
https://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/54991

 

[Tmb0047]

I do have bumpers in my sons crib. I pulled it down between the crib mattress and crib bars so that only 2 to 3 inches if the bumper are above mattress height. I started out without it in but as he began to move he always seemed to have the top of his head smooshed in to the rails or an arm or leg thru the bars. He is a squirmer!

What are people around the world doing with sleep positions? Belly or back? All 3 of children were belly sleepers and I allowed them to sleep that way. Canada highly recommends BACK to sleep but I've always felt more comfortable with side and belly sleeping.

Geez, sounds like I'm a rule breaker! My children are are all happy and healthy so I must be doing something right!