your thoughts on bumpers...?

laurapage81 · April 2010

I've heard some people recommend not to use bumpers in the crib. What are your thoughts? and breathable bumpers?? they seem a little pointless to me...idk.

Mizz&Shizz · April 2010

I'm to scared sh!tless of SIDS to use a real bumper, so I'm going with the breathable bumper.

kjg5445 · April 2010

i used a bumper with DS but that was 6 years ago and i never heard anything about it being linked with SIDS. now idk. im still on the fence.

BelhurstBride · April 2010

A traditional bumper isn't worth the risk to me. I got a breathable bumper to use once the LO starts moving around. The point of a breathable bumper is to prevent the LO from getting a limb stuck in between the crib slats while still allowing proper air flow.

nosoup4u · April 2010

nah, we only had a crib sheet in DS's crib when he was little. I think the crib sets are scam for people to spend lots of money, though!

Aliliv · April 2010

Bumpers are not recommended by health care professionals because of SIDS and suffocation risks.

https://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/legislation/pol/bumper-bordure-eng.php

My thoughts are that I'm cheap and won't buy something that isn't recommended for use for babies anyway.

stephanieroyer · April 2010

for my first i kept my crib bumperless until my son started moving so much that he woke up screaming with an arm stuck in between the bars.. the first time he did that the bumpers went on the next day..

raealbright · April 2010

With DS, we used a bumper only until he was old enough to roll over. Once there was a chance he could move in his crib, we removed the bumpers. They came with the bedding set we chose and they are very cute for the short time that I knew he couldn't get near them. Once he was fully mobile and we weren't at all worried about suffocation or SIDS we were going to put them back on but he decided he would use them to help him climb out of his crib.

They are cute and most babies are fine with them, but if you won't sleep at night because you are worried, its not worth it... you will need your sleep!

meghan_marie · April 2010

I set up the bumpers that came with my bedding set. People used to use bumpers all of the time and nobody thought anything about them. I don't see the point in freaking out about it now. If you set them up properly and they actually work with the crib then there is no reason to worry. It's the pads that are loose on the crib that you need to worry about. If you think baby could fit it's face under the bumper pad, then it's a good idea to take it off. I would much rather her hit a bumper than hurt herself on the crib.

EASwimmer · April 2010

We had a bumper on until the first time I had to change the sheets. What a pain. Bumper came off and stayed off. Got a breathable bumper from a friend, but didn't fit our crib. So never had one on there. He never got a limb stuck until two days ago. So he's 18 months now and got his leg caught. But never before that. I will not be using one for #2.

BelhurstBride · April 2010

meghan_marie:
I set up the bumpers that came with my bedding set. People used to use bumpers all of the time and nobody thought anything about them. I don't see the point in freaking out about it now. If you set them up properly and they actually work with the crib then there is no reason to worry. It's the pads that are loose on the crib that you need to worry about. If you think baby could fit it's face under the bumper pad, then it's a good idea to take it off. I would much rather her hit a bumper than hurt herself on the crib.

It's the fact that the bumper prevents air flow that's the concern. Recent research supports that a build up of CO2 is a reason for SIDS.

lulu?bean · April 2010

I'm setting up a bumper now because it looks so cute in the room (I'm a dork like that), but when LO actually comes I'll be taking it down until she's more mobile and SIDS is no longer a risk.

Aliliv · April 2010

BelhurstBride:

meghan_marie:
I set up the bumpers that came with my bedding set. People used to use bumpers all of the time and nobody thought anything about them. I don't see the point in freaking out about it now. If you set them up properly and they actually work with the crib then there is no reason to worry. It's the pads that are loose on the crib that you need to worry about. If you think baby could fit it's face under the bumper pad, then it's a good idea to take it off. I would much rather her hit a bumper than hurt herself on the crib.

It's the fact that the bumper prevents air flow that's the concern. Recent research supports that a build up of CO2 is a reason for SIDS.

This. And, no one thought anything about them until some babies suffocated because of them. Just like carseats - no one thought anything of not using one, until stats. showed that babies were injured/died because of not using one. Research changes our parenting choices all the time. In 10 and 20 years, I'm sure it will be something different.

Plus, some newborns are ridiculously squirmy and can make their way to bumper and not have the coordination to move away. Of course, death by bumpers is a rare occurence; however, it's an event that can easily be prevented.

Again, I'm also cheap with some things so this is how I justify not getting one:) Frees up money for things like carseats, mobiles, monitors, humidiers:)

LinnyAnne10 · April 2010

All of my sisters had bumpers on their cribs, and all the kids came out just fine!

I don't see a problem with them..

and To me if we follow ever single research report out there, no one will would leave their houses..

eris1995 · April 2010

We use breathable bumpers. They prevent DS's legs and arms from hanging out of the crib.

meghan_marie · April 2010

BelhurstBride:

meghan_marie:
I set up the bumpers that came with my bedding set. People used to use bumpers all of the time and nobody thought anything about them. I don't see the point in freaking out about it now. If you set them up properly and they actually work with the crib then there is no reason to worry. It's the pads that are loose on the crib that you need to worry about. If you think baby could fit it's face under the bumper pad, then it's a good idea to take it off. I would much rather her hit a bumper than hurt herself on the crib.

It's the fact that the bumper prevents air flow that's the concern. Recent research supports that a build up of CO2 is a reason for SIDS.

Gotcha. My bumper pads are breathable so I'm not too worried about that. I've heard of loose bumper pads falling over on baby and baby getting limbs caught in them, so I made darn sure mine fit correctly. When she starts using them to climb out of the crib, those suckers are coming off!

I think just like every other baby product out there you just have to use common sense. If you feel like something is unsafe, then don't use it. Once she gets here I may be taking them off the crib. She's my first baby, I just have to go with the flow and do what I feel is safe vs. what's not.

BelhurstBride · April 2010

~LittleOne~:
All of my sisters had bumpers on their cribs, and all the kids came out just fine!
I don't see a problem with them..
and To me if we follow ever single research report out there, no one will would leave their houses..

This is my favorite justification EVER!

My husband's grandparents had lead pant on their window sills and FIL turned out just fine. Should I repaint my window sills with lead paint?

MeanMommyLady · April 2010

BelhurstBride:
meghan_marie:
I set up the bumpers that came with my bedding set. People used to use bumpers all of the time and nobody thought anything about them. I don't see the point in freaking out about it now. If you set them up properly and they actually work with the crib then there is no reason to worry. It's the pads that are loose on the crib that you need to worry about. If you think baby could fit it's face under the bumper pad, then it's a good idea to take it off. I would much rather her hit a bumper than hurt herself on the crib.
It's the fact that the bumper prevents air flow that's the concern. Recent research supports that a build up of CO2 is a reason for SIDS.

Which is a reason that they also recommend a fan in little one's room to promote air circulation.

The fact is that no one knows what causes SIDS, it is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that it is what is listed as cause of death when no other cause can be found in the death of an otherwise healthy infant. There are a million studies on the issue and the truth is that many of them contradict each other...no one knows what causes it and because of that no one can tell us how to prevent it.

Bumpers are like everything else in parenting, you have to do the research, weigh the risk/reward and make the decision that works best for you. I have bumpers in my cribs (one crib in each of two houses in two states), but I don't care if you skip them as long as you don't judge me for keeping them. For me the risk of DS hurting himself by getting caught in the crib slats (which I could prevent with properly placed bumpers) has always been greater than the VERY slim risk of SIDS (which I can't prevent).

jazzyexpo · April 2010

nosoup4u:
nah, we only had a crib sheet in DS's crib when he was little. I think the crib sets are scam for people to spend lots of money, though!

This!

hawkins79 · April 2010

I will be using breathable bumpers. No need to worry about arms and limbs getting caught and no need to worry about the baby not getting proper air flow.

I agree with the PP who don't use traditional bumpers. Why take the risk? There is a better option out there and in colors now that will match your bedding. Are they less cute than the ones that come with the bedding sets, sure. However, there are some studies that it is just common sense to follow.

By the way, all of my sister-in-laws used regular bumpers, my mom used regular bumpers, but as I said before if they are known to be a cause of a preventable death why risk it?

caymanbride · April 2010

We've always used bumpers with DS, and plan to with this baby, too. There was one point when DS was little that I took the front bumper out when he started to roll and smush his face up against it, but it's been back in for well over a year now. If he didn't have his bumpers, he would constantly be losing his pacis, loveys, etc....and getting his arms and legs stuck. It's definitely a personal decision, though, and my DS is obviously a lot older than an infant or a toddler.

hawkins79 · April 2010

caymanbride:
We've always used bumpers with DS, and plan to with this baby, too. There was one point when DS was little that I took the front bumper out when he started to roll and smush his face up against it, but it's been back in for well over a year now. If he didn't have his bumpers, he would constantly be losing his pacis, loveys, etc....and getting his arms and legs stuck. It's definitely a personal decision, though, and my DS is obviously a lot older than an infant or a toddler.

I think I read that you should keep all bedding (quilts, stuffed animals, bumpers) out of the crib for at least the baby's first year. I'm not sure if the recommendation of no bumpers, etc. is for the duration of their crib time.

cristiana · April 2010

We've used bumpers with ours. My DS constantly got his legs stuck in the crib bars when we removed them for a short while.

littleanomaly · April 2010

We're getting a breathable one.

Aliliv · April 2010

cristiana:
We've used bumpers with ours. My DS constantly got his legs stuck in the crib bars when we removed them for a short while.

Your children are breathtaking!!!! (Sorry - I just had to comment on this one!!)

wife1014 · April 2010

I used the bumper until Olivia started moving around. Then I switched to the breathable and that was just so she didn't get limbs stuck. I did put the regular bumper in after she was about a year and 1/2 because at that point she could move out from under it if by chance she was "stuck". It was at that point she also got a blanket. I ended up taking it out again shortly after because she started using it to climb. So...is it a waste? I'd say you can definitely do without it.

I did see these bumper things in a magazine. Almost reminded me of pipe coverings???? Have you seen them. I am going to look into them for this baby.

Aliliv · April 2010

wife1014:

I used the bumper until Olivia started moving around. Then I switched to the breathable and that was just so she didn't get limbs stuck. I did put the regular bumper in after she was about a year and 1/2 because at that point she could move out from under it if by chance she was "stuck". It was at that point she also got a blanket. I ended up taking it out again shortly after because she started using it to climb. So...is it a waste? I'd say you can definitely do without it.

I did see these bumper things in a magazine. Almost reminded me of pipe coverings???? Have you seen them. I am going to look into them for this baby.

Was it these that you were looking for?

https://wonderbumper.com/

nic326 · April 2010

Bedding sets are such a waste of money and we never used that bumper anyway. I got a breathable bumper because LO's legs would pop out of the slats and when he would move it would wake him up. And they are a huge PITA when changing crib sheets anyway because you practically have to tear the whole thing apart just to change a sheet

roxysurf99 · April 2010

DS has had one on his crib since day 1. He still uses it, mostly to keep his arms/legs/binky in. I will do the same thing with #2. You will do what you are most comfortable with.

cristiana · April 2010

Aliliv:
cristiana:
We've used bumpers with ours. My DS constantly got his legs stuck in the crib bars when we removed them for a short while.

Your children are breathtaking!!!! (Sorry - I just had to comment on this one!!)

Aww, thank you!

preciousmetal · April 2010

With DD, we used the bumper just until she was big enough to move around, then we got rid of it. I will probably do the same thing for DS, or get a breathable one (to prevent DD from passing "gifts" to him through the slats LOL)

delg23 · April 2010

Aliliv:
Bumpers are not recommended by health care professionals because of SIDS and suffocation risks.
https://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/legislation/pol/bumper-bordure-eng.php
My thoughts are that I'm cheap and won't buy something that isn't recommended for use for babies anyway.

100% THIS

MrsBNDO · April 2010

Personally, I found bumpers to be completely unnecessary; we won't be using them for baby #2.

sept04brideinMD · April 2010

BelhurstBride:

meghan_marie:
I set up the bumpers that came with my bedding set. People used to use bumpers all of the time and nobody thought anything about them. I don't see the point in freaking out about it now. If you set them up properly and they actually work with the crib then there is no reason to worry. It's the pads that are loose on the crib that you need to worry about. If you think baby could fit it's face under the bumper pad, then it's a good idea to take it off. I would much rather her hit a bumper than hurt herself on the crib.

It's the fact that the bumper prevents air flow that's the concern. Recent research supports that a build up of CO2 is a reason for SIDS.

There's also research that suggests that you should keep a ceiling fan on low while the LO is sleeping, to prevent the lack of airflow - allowing bumper to stay in and do the job they were intended to do...protect limbs from coming out or the LO bumping or hitting their head.

Zoebot · April 2010

BelhurstBride:
~LittleOne~:
All of my sisters had bumpers on their cribs, and all the kids came out just fine!
I don't see a problem with them..
and To me if we follow ever single research report out there, no one will would leave their houses..
This is my favorite justification EVER!
My husband's grandparents had lead pant on their window sills and FIL turned out just fine. Should I repaint my window sills with lead paint?

this. won't be using them. besides, how did babies ever survive BEFORE bumpers? they were just fine.

Aliliv · April 2010

sept04brideinMD:
BelhurstBride:

meghan_marie:
I set up the bumpers that came with my bedding set. People used to use bumpers all of the time and nobody thought anything about them. I don't see the point in freaking out about it now. If you set them up properly and they actually work with the crib then there is no reason to worry. It's the pads that are loose on the crib that you need to worry about. If you think baby could fit it's face under the bumper pad, then it's a good idea to take it off. I would much rather her hit a bumper than hurt herself on the crib.

It's the fact that the bumper prevents air flow that's the concern. Recent research supports that a build up of CO2 is a reason for SIDS.

There's also research that suggests that you should keep a ceiling fan on low while the LO is sleeping, to prevent the lack of airflow - allowing bumper to stay in and do the job they were intended to do...protect limbs from coming out or the LO bumping or hitting their head.

But, unfortunately a fan still doesn't prevent suffocation, which is the second concern with bumpers (according to health care professionals).

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