Hidden Hazards of Crib Bumpers

anonsouthernbell

In case you didn't see the Balt Sun article...

Cooper81

Not trying to be snarky, but I'm astonished more people don't realize this.  The first thing I thought when I saw a crib bumper is how easy it would be for a LO to maneuver themselves into the bumper.  Which I why I think those bedding sets are a huge waste of $, you shouldn't use the quilt or the bumper, so what you're left with a crib sheet for your $200+?

idonthavethis

Agreeing with Cooper--you don't use the comforter or bumper pads--I wish more of the crib stuff came sold separately.

mrs. remy

Honestly I am surprised that anyone would use a bumper knowing that there is an associated risk of suffocation and SIDS. Is having a coordinated nursery really worth the risk?

daisyterp

I am posting this to FB.  

I feel like every crib you ever see on TV, etc. has the bumpers.  I have had at least 2 friends IRL say that they use them because there has never been concrete examples of babies suffocating because of them (meanwhile one of these moms scolded me for letting DS sleep on his belly- um, he wouldn't sleep any other way.)

Re: the quilts- most kids are in cribs until 2 or older- once a kid can stand up/walk the quilts can be used.  We had ours folded over the glider (which we basically just use to hold clothes because we are neat & organized like that!) until DD moved into the toddler bed, now she uses it. 

photo_nut

I am surprised these aren't recalled earlier. Of all things, I can just tell these are dangerous. I'd personally rather my child hit their head or have a leg stuck in the slat then suffocate. I mean, yeah it will hurt to get a leg stuck (although I think that happens very rarely anymore because of laws on the crib makers) but anyway I would rather a child cry because of a stuck leg, then suffocate to death.

And yes, I would love to get a bumper free bedding set. Something with just a sheet and maybe a matching piece of artwork rather than a bumper for the crib.

salc21

We have registered for a bedding set that includes a quilt, bumpers, sheets, diaper holder, and something else that I can't remember....

We loved the pattern since it fits in with our theme, but what I plan to do is use the quilt as a wall hanger or over the rocker until he is old enough for the quilt. I'm going to find something creative to do with the bumpers so I don't necessary waste them - I'll make them into a creative wall decor

So, there are options if you find a bedding set you love but don't need half the stuff in it!

bethybeach

I registered for the set because it came with 9 things including diaper bag window valance etc.

I also registered for breathable bumpers.

I worry more about his getting his leg stuck than SIDS which is why I want something. 

 

Kaybee44

I don't understand how people don't realize the danger that comes with crib bumpers. It's not even just them rolling and suffocating but the bumpers restrict air flow into the crib which is another cause of SIDS.

I don't think breathable bumpers are really needed until they're rolling in the crib. Babies don't really get their legs stuck until they're moving. B never had an issue with getting legs stuck until he was over 2 and his legs were a lot bigger. Haven't had an issue with C yet. 

daisyterp

Kaybee44:

I don't understand how people don't realize the danger that comes with crib bumpers. It's not even just them rolling and suffocating but the bumpers restrict air flow into the crib which is another cause of SIDS.

I don't think breathable bumpers are really needed until they're rolling in the crib. Babies don't really get their legs stuck until they're moving.  

Ditto this- once they are mobile they are dangerous in another manner (breathable ones too) mobile infants and toddlers can use them as "boosts" to climb out of the crib.  

*typed by someone who climbed out of my crib and broke my collar bone- used the bumper and stuffed animals as steps to get out.* 

Kaybee44

bethybeach:

I worry more about his getting his leg stuck than SIDS which is why I want something. 

I try not to be snarky but I missed this the first time. I'm thinking that maybe you worded it wrong. You're more concerned with his leg getting stuck than you are with him possibly dying?I do understand the occurrence of him getting his leg stuck is more likely than the SIDS occurrence but still. This is an issue with me since I have a friend whose son died from SIDS.

I know you said you're getting the breathable bumpers. That's not an issue since I have several friends who use them with no issue. 

LWilli35

Kaybee44:

bethybeach:

I worry more about his getting his leg stuck than SIDS which is why I want something. 

I try not to be snarky but I missed this the first time. I'm thinking that maybe you worded it wrong. You're more concerned with his leg getting stuck than you are with him possibly dying?I do understand the occurrence of him getting his leg stuck is more likely than the SIDS occurrence but still. This is an issue with me since I have a friend whose son died from SIDS.

I know you said you're getting the breathable bumpers. That's not an issue since I have several friends who use them with no issue. 

I had to run to a meeting, but this was stuck in my mind, too.  I hope you just misphrased that response.  A child getting a limb stuck in the rungs of a crib is in no way more serious than the risk of SIDS.

photo_nut

LWilli35:

Kaybee44:

bethybeach:

I worry more about his getting his leg stuck than SIDS which is why I want something. 

I try not to be snarky but I missed this the first time. I'm thinking that maybe you worded it wrong. You're more concerned with his leg getting stuck than you are with him possibly dying?I do understand the occurrence of him getting his leg stuck is more likely than the SIDS occurrence but still. This is an issue with me since I have a friend whose son died from SIDS.

I know you said you're getting the breathable bumpers. That's not an issue since I have several friends who use them with no issue. 

I had to run to a meeting, but this was stuck in my mind, too.  I hope you just misphrased that response.  A child getting a limb stuck in the rungs of a crib is in no way more serious than the risk of SIDS.

Most of the time, getting a leg stuck is pretty harmless. If anything, they will cry, but most of the time, it looks far more uncomfortable than it is. Kids sleep in some pretty whacked out positions. Like when you see a kid in a car seat with their head all bent over and you want to fix it....it's fine, it doesn't hurt them, as long as the flow of air isn't blocked. It's just something to keep in mind if worry about a leg sticking out of a crib.

ThePastor'sWife

Thanks for sharing that... I just shared the link on Facebook too, b/c it's that important to get the word out there, IMO.  I had a lot of people question why I was so adamantly against crib bumpers (we do have breathable bumpers), and maybe I'm overly paranoid, but I refuse to allow ANYTHING in DS's crib with him - no bumpers, blankets, toys, anything.  He scoots all over his crib during naps and at night, and it just worries me way too much - I've found him with his face pressed against the mesh side of his pack 'n' play before and have thought every time, "Thank goodness that was mesh...". 

I just don't understand why you would ever look at something like a bumper and consider it safe for LO's crib, if you don't put blankets, toys, etc. in there.  I fully realize that there's a chance that LO may get a limb stuck, but I'm positive that DS would alert us to a stuck limb by crying... he's not going to alert us to being suffocated by a bumper by crying, though.

cdc1982

We have a crib set but I didn't use the quilt or the bumpers in the rib.  I cut up part of the bumper to put on the lamp shade & make "pictures" for the walls.  The quilt we keep with the rest of his blankets.

We have breathable bumpers in the crib & bought some for my IL's house since they bought a small crib for their place.  He did get his arm stuck one night at their house when we were all there & he sreamed so loud because it hurt   poor lil guy.  I definitely like the breathable bumpers for that reason.

anonsouthernbell

Idk why but I didn't even think about posting the article to FB so ty.  I will say that this is why we didn't use his bassinet after I found his face pressed a little too closely to the side one night it freaked me out and we didn't put him back in there unless it was for a nap and I was constantly going to be around him.

jcsntms06

Bumpers scare the crap out of me. Yes, we bought the bedding set, then realized later on that couldn't use half of the stuff, comforter, bumpers, etc. While in the NICU we were told nothing goes in the crib, except a fitted sheet. I remember early on worrying about her rolling over in her sleep sack. Later on that was removed when she started to roll to her tummy to sleep. Thank you for posting this. I may send this link out to a few friends, who use bumpers.