Babies: 0 - 3 Months

Are bumpers that bad?

Hello ladies--

I need some clarification, please.  I was told by numerous people that bumpers are ok for babies, but at the first sign that they move on their own in their sleep, especially showing signs of rolling, to take them out, and leave them out until they are strong enough to roll side to side on their own.  However, different literature I've gotten at childbirth class and a couple of magazines say not to use that at all...so, which is it?

Thanks in advance :)  First time mama here, no idea what she's doing!! :)

Lilypie Second Birthday tickers

Re: Are bumpers that bad?

  • look into breathable bumpers - that is what we have :) 
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  • well, at a minimum, whats the point? Why keep them in for babies. They can't move so its not protecting them from the bars. So why risk it?

     

     

  • They make it a huge PITA to change the sheets.
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  • mopsiemopsie member

    The issue isn't that the babies will roll their face into the bumper and suffocate.  It's more that the bumpers reduce the airflow in the crib.  When the baby breathes in oxygen, they breathe out carbon dioxide.  If there's poor circulation in the crib, they're more likely to re-breathe the carbon dioxide and not get enough fresh oxygen, which is what causes SIDS.  I've heard that a ceiling fan reduces the likelihood of SIDS up to 70% because it helps recirculate the air in the crib, bumper or no bumper.

    FWIW, we took our bumpers out due to paranoia. Smile 

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  • We used one with DD from birth and had no issues.
  • Bumpers reduce the airflow in the crib. They are also a concern later on because when they start to move, they can smother themselves against them. IMO, bumpers are expensive and not worth it.
  • I don't know how it happens, but LO has managed to lodge himself against the side of our co-sleeper since birth. Granted, it's a smaller space than a crib.

    My pedi said "if you use bumpers, be sure they're very well secured"...there should be a top and bottom tie at each point of contact with the crib, and they need to be attached at minimum distances and stuff...but IMO they're not worth the risk of suffocation, and the argument about SIDS and airflow is a compelling one.

  • We bought the cute bumpers at first and it was a huge mistake.  I got paranoid when DD started rolling and replaced them with a breathable bumper.  It's so much better.  Not just from a peace of mind stand-point but also its so much easier to change the crib sheets.  We have a foam mattress so I just pop it out over the breathable bumper to change and drop it right back in.  I can't imagine the struggle I would have when I need to change the crib sheets if the old bumper were still on there.  And DD spits up a lot so I have to change them often.

     

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