Crib Bumpers

kelliwill

Can you ladies help me understand some things about crib bumpers. ?We didn't register for a full bedding set, but rather a set that sells individual pieces (CoCaLo Ellie). ?I was planning on getting pink breathable bumpers to go with it. ?However, they do sell a matching regular bumper. ?It's my understanding that you are not supposed to use the regular ones or that they are unsafe in some way. ?I am confused because they sell them in most crib sets and I still see people using them. ?Is it okay to use them after a certain age? ?I am asking because if it something we can use later then I'd rather buy them now, (before I can't find the co-ordinating ones when I need them). Is it something that we should buy now to use for later, or just go with the breathable ones? ?TIA!

atc282

My girls aren't here yet, but when I attended a newborns class at my hospital that went over safety info, they did mention that it was "safest" to use the breathable crib bumpers so that there would be nothing blocking the ventilation around/in the crib and/o they also mentioned that the baby could still breath with these kinds of bumpers if it were to inch its way over to the edge of the crib where the bumpers run.

That said, we went with the breathable bumpers. I erred on the side that it was just one less risk to worry about (suffocation risk, etc.) And FWIW, not sure where you plan to purchase yours (I originally got them at BRU) but found that our local Marshall's had them, so I was able to get--same brand and everything-- them for $16.99/each vs. $29..99/each.

HTH

ardilla

We used the big pretty ones in the very beginning, but quickly switched them out to the breathable ones.  I find the breathable ones much easier to wash and change the sheets with as well!

ErinCB

We had a regular bumper w/ my DS and then one night I found him in there w/ his face pressed against it and decided to take it out. He was fine, but it freaked me out. Then we used no bumper and when he started rolling around, he'd move so much he'd get his limbs stuck in the slats and wake up. That didn't work either! So we got a breathable bumper and all was well after that.

jacobandcrystal

The set that we used with our boys came with a regular bumper.  We maybe used it when they first transitioned to their crib and they were still sleeping in sleep positioners... but it never got used past that point.  We just took them off and didn't even use breathable ones. 

What is a breathable "bumper" meant for?  I always thought a bumper was to provide some cushion, but the breathable ones are so thin that it doesn't seem like they would serve as a cushion.  Our boys got along just fine without them : )  I'm not buying bumpers at all for the twins.

jacobandcrystal

ErinCB:

Then we used no bumper and when he started rolling around, he'd move so much he'd get his limbs stuck in the slats and wake up. That didn't work either! So we got a breathable bumper and all was well after that.

Ahh... I can see how a breathable one would be beneficial then.  Neither of our boys ever got limbs stuck so we didn't use a bumper at all once they could move around!

jalaiaa

My neighbor is making our bedding, bumpers included. I feel so bad because she started making them before I read all of the reasons not to use them. She has spent TONS of time and they are adorable. I want to use them, but.... 

jlh123

bumpers, sleep positioners, blankets, swaddles, etc all are increased risk for SIDS for different reasons.  To decrease SIDS baby should not have anything else in the crib with them except what they wear.  That being said, it comes down to what you are comfortable with.  I wasn't comfortable with a regular bumper.  Yes, one use of bumpers is to provide cushion which the breathable ones aren't great for, but they are also to keep the little arms and legs in!  A few nights ago I came to get my daughter who's face was right pressed up against the bumper.  I have no idea how a 7 1/2 pound girl can find her way over to it but I was glad the breathable was there!  I'm even paranoid about the swaddle after what our doctors told us but I still do it because the babies will never sleep!  I have the special swaddle blankets so that helps ease my mind but I can't wait until they'll sleep without them.

Temp6313048411121614

Ditto PP, it's about what you're comfortable with. Yes, there is an increased SIDS risk with a conventional bumper, but we used one with DS and we're using them with the twins.  I've also read that you can decrease the risk if you use a ceiling fan because it helps to circulate the air (even on low).  We considered breathable bumpers, but DS loves to curl up in the corner of the crib (he's actually got his head in the corner now), and we wanted something soft for all of our boys so their heads wouldn't be pushed up against wooden slats.  Again, you just need to decide what YOU'RE comfortable with.