To use or not to use bumpers

Surreal123

I was wondering what everyone was doing about bumpers.  At first I was sure I wouldn't even buy one and then I decided that it makes the crib and I would put one on until i felt it wasn't safe.  Now I am hearing that lots of people keep them on indefinitely so I'm not sure what to do.  Just wondering what everyone was doing.  I see almost everyone's nursery has one but are you keeping them on indefinitely or are you removing them once the baby can move? 

MrsChelseaP09

My mom had 9 kids and never had a problem with bumpers. This is a touchy subject as a lot of people are against them because of the connection with SIDS. At first I was planning on using breathable bumpers but after much research, I have changed my mind. We are using regular bumpers. To use them "safely", you must make sure that your mattress is absolutely snug in your crib and the bumpers are tied securely. Do not use over stuffed or round bumpers as those pose a potential suffocation risk. Its all personal preference, a lot of people would rather not take the risk and just choose to use breathable bumpers.

denalea

I am going to use breathable bumpers in the crib (I may not put them in until after Baby can move around a bit.)  For the Bumper that comes with my set, I am going to try to use them in some way around the room...perhaps behind the changing table.  I am not sure How I will work it.  I am thinking velcro of some kind. 

themissizz

I was pretty sure I was going to use bumpers before LO arrived. After his arrival, I changed my mind. He's swaddled in a swaddle me at all times when he's in his crib, so he doesn't get close to the sides of the crib. It's a pain to change the crib sheet even without a bumper on, and I can only imagine how much more annoying it would be with a bumper.

slensic

We haven't decided yet. I found a great deal on the bedding set that I wanted, so I have a normal bumper. I registered for a breathable bumper though too and I am just going to play it by ear.

bradyg927

I'm using a breathable bumper.

sparkelz

Our little one witll be in a Co-sleeper for teh first few months and then eventually move into her crib. I plan to set up the bummbers in the crib for looks and then when I move her into the crib decide if I want to keep them in there at that point or take them out untill she is a little older and moving around more on her own.

LilLee11

I had a breathable bumper all ready to go for when LO started rolling around. She rolls a lot and even when she is up next to a bumper she is 110% fine and not even close to being in danger. Youd have to have a child really pressed up for something to happen. In short, we are using a normal bumper. The only reason I'd choose not to at this point is bc changing sheets is a pain in the butt.

tokenhoser

Conclusion

The use of bumper pads may expose young children to the hazards of entanglement, entrapment, strangulation, and suffocation.

Accordingly, it is the position of Health Canada that bumper pads compromise the safety of children with negligible perceived benefits. Therefore, Health Canada recommends that the Canadian public discontinue the use of these products. Bumper pads that continue to be bought and sold on the Canadian market should meet the minimum safety recommendations outlined in this policy.

Health Canada says bumpers kill babies and have never saved any. That's enough for me.

MrsRiker

tokenhoser:

Conclusion

The use of bumper pads may expose young children to the hazards of entanglement, entrapment, strangulation, and suffocation.

Accordingly, it is the position of Health Canada that bumper pads compromise the safety of children with negligible perceived benefits. Therefore, Health Canada recommends that the Canadian public discontinue the use of these products. Bumper pads that continue to be bought and sold on the Canadian market should meet the minimum safety recommendations outlined in this policy.

Health Canada says bumpers kill babies and have never saved any. That's enough for me.

This. I see absolutely no reason other than superficial, selfish, ignorant vanity to use a bumper. If and When my child starts moving around to the point that it risks getting limbs stuck between the rails, I will get a breathable bumper. Until then, I thinks it's just plain irresponsible. (yes, I'm in a hormonal bad mood today, hence the bluntness, but it truly is how I feel.)

CocoBrynne

After reading that there is even a risk of suffocation I think we will just be using a breathable bumper, it's not worth even chancing an injury or worse IMO.

janecanadian

my personal stance on this is that I'm not going to freak out about using them.  I believe the stats show that there have been about 30 infant deaths in the past 20 years that are attributable to bumpers.  Women have been trusting their instincts for years when it comes to things like this and I am confident that I will know what to do when the time comes.

Calla123

No we won't be using them - It's just not worth it or necessary in my opinion.  

They used bumpers in the past because babies would get stuck between the bars once they started to move, but now they make the bars closer together so that won't happen.   

biblionerd

We will not be using bumpers. It is NOT only the risk of an infant getting their face into the bumper and suffocating. Many people do not realize there is a risk of SIDS from breathing the stale air that recirculates because the bumpers don't allow it to flow freely.

MrsTotty

We're using a breathable bumper. 

lookinfor2

We started out with the most adorable bumper. But after you bring your baby home things change. I t will not matter how cute the nursery is, etc. What will matter is that baby is safe. Plus it is sooo difficult to change the sheets with a bumper, it really is. I am all about interior design but I eventually ditched my very expensive bumper soon after I moved my baby to the crib and will be selling it on ebay soon

Heather&Ben

not sure yet...my cousin is a nurse & has 2 little boys & she says she used them till they were 4 months & started using them to climb so removed them.  Plan on LO being in a bassinet in our room for a month or more so we have time to figure it out.

lynn97

janecanadian:

my personal stance on this is that I'm not going to freak out about using them.  I believe the stats show that there have been about 30 infant deaths in the past 20 years that are attributable to bumpers.  Women have been trusting their instincts for years when it comes to things like this and I am confident that I will know what to do when the time comes.

 

I agree with Jane completely.

mrs.happy

I wouldn't use them.  They increase the risk of death, and there's no getting around that.  I might get a breathable bumper or else nothing.

I think it's bizarre that many of the same people who get super judgy about pregnant women having a glass of wine go on to say they will use bumpers because they don't believe the stats, don't think anything bad will happen due to bumpers, and/or think bumpers look cute.

I know a family who lost a baby to SIDS, and I can't imagine going through that.  I wouldn't do anything that increases the risk.