bumper pads

netterbean

okay ladies, i need some advice. I am so confused by the bumper pad dilema.  To use or not to use bumper pads. I had bumper pads in the crib until yesterday when I found my lo laying sideways in the crib.  She is becoming more active and I am worried of SIDS by rolling into the pad and not being able to breathe. However, now that I removed the pad I am worried she will get her arm or leg stuck in the slats.  I went out and bought a breathable bumper which I thought would solve the problem but it doesn't cover the entire crib, there are still open slats.  I don't know what to do.

ToledoDeux

Even if she gets her arm/leg caught in the very few open slats, the worst that will happen is she'll cry, you'll move her, and that will be that.

Rolling into the bumper and not being able to breathe is a suffocation risk, not a SIDS risk.  The theory is that regular bumpers allow the buildup of carbon dioxide in the crib and prevent the free flow of oxygen - this may be related to SIDS, and baby doesn't have to be anywhere near the bumper for it to be a risk.

netterbean

thank you, I misspoke, I did mean suffocation.  I do feel safer not having the bumper but it's so confusing the different opinions and theories.

vab1216

Can she roll tummy to back or back to tummy? If so, they say the risk is lower because they can roll out of danger. I had the bumper off for awhile, but it is on now.

TarzansWife

I had the same concerns and we did the breatheable bumpers as well. There are a few slats that are exposed on our crib as well but I figure this is safer than putting the regular bumpers in the crib.

acrimsondoll

The breathable bumper has been a Godsend for us.  We'd find DD with every limb stuck in the slats.  Now she rolls right up against it with her face pressed up against it but she's still breathing!