crib bumpers - to use or not to use?

Toni828 · August 2012

I have recently been seeing the mesh crib bumpers out there, but the bedding sets for cribs I see have the regular, decorative crib bumpers with them. As a FTM, I am not sure which direction to go. What are your thoughts on this?

Jen0204 · August 2012

It's recommended not to use them at all - not even breathable bumpers - because they're a SIDS risk. Some cities, like Chicago, have banned the sale of them entirely. We didn't bother going with a bedding set because you're not supposed to use the bumpers or the blanket. We were given a ton of homemade blankets as a gift (and the girls have always slept with a very light blanket) so we just bought a few crib sheets and called it a day.

bearfootz · August 2012

Nothing in the crib but a tight fitting sheet and the baby. That's what I was told, repeatedly.

When mine got to the point that they were waking up with their leg stuck in the slats - which I'm thinking was like 6 months - and I knew that they were capable of moving away from the bumper should their face roll up against it, then I put them on.

But really, when they are newborns they are not rolling around where they need a bumper and at that point it's more of a hazard than help. I would just wait until they get older and if it's a problem invest in one. Quite honestly - other than the bedskirt and mobile the majority of my bedding set stayed in the bag for the first year.

LuvWIfootball · August 2012

IMO, crib bedding sets look nice, but really have no use once the baby arrives. I wouldn't use any type of bumper, mesh or not. And you'll find that you'll swaddle your baby in a lighter blanket the first few months rather than use a heavier blanket. I think the only time I used the quilt that came with the set was when I was playing with the baby on the floor.

Rynleigh · August 2012

We started using base-to-rim mesh (not bumpers - just a light weight netting) over the slats once our youngest could roll over. My oldest had far too many limbs get stuck in those slats for our comfort, so we started using the mesh with her by 6mo, and we were prepared with the next one.

If your kids are good at not sticking their arms and legs through the slats, you shouldn't need them at all lol

pea-kay · August 2012

we used the mesh bumpers and i just bought sheets. my aunt made crib skirts. so much of the stuff in those sets is useless.

leneae10 · August 2012

No

mrsmac08 · August 2012

We didn't use bumpers until they started to get their legs stuck...then we put the mesh bumpers on. We bought sheets and cribskirt separates because we knew we wouldn't use the bumpers that come with the sets.

jessican08 · August 2012

I didn't purchase the bumpers that went with our crib bedding b/c of the SIDS risk. I've got breathable/mesh ones on my registry but I'm even debating those. As others have said in the past, I'd rather have a baby with a bruised/broken limb (and that's even rare) due to getting stuck vs. a dead baby.

ETA: We got the blankets that went with the bedding sets but won't be using those in the crib either - just a fitted sheet. I figured they could be used on the floor of the nursery for play/tummy time or when the babies transition into toddler beds.

TheBachelorette · August 2012

Bearfootz:

Nothing in the crib but a tight fitting sheet and the baby. That's what I was told, repeatedly.

When mine got to the point that they were waking up with their leg stuck in the slats - which I'm thinking was like 6 months - and I knew that they were capable of moving away from the bumper should their face roll up against it, then I put them on.

This exactly for us.

macchiatto · August 2012

I wouldn't spend money on a bedding set since nothing but the fitted sheet (and crib skirt if you want, since obviously that doesn't affect safety) is recommended in the crib. I just bought fitted sheets, crib skirts to make it look a little nicer, and good swaddle blankets (SwaddleMes and Miracle Blankets).

Ruthie04 · August 2012

We had custom bedding made on Etsy- just crib sheet and skirt. In every child birth class we've taken they've made special note to comment on bumpers. And, like PP said, many states/cities are trying to prevent the sale of bumpers in stores.

SoldiersGreenBean · August 2012

We used mesh bumpers. Real bumpers, aside from the risks to baby, posed a practical hazard to me: they made changing the sheets a real PITA.

bearfootz · August 2012

SoldiersGreenBean:
We used mesh bumpers. Real bumpers, aside from the risks to baby, posed a practical hazard to me: they made changing the sheets a real PITA.

This is a very good point!

Also, we tended to use the sleep sacks when they were little too instead of worrying about swaddling them with blankets. Loved the sleep sacks!

MuseumMaven · August 2012

We never used bumpers of any kind. The boys went through a very brief phase of sticking arms/legs through the crib slats, but they always managed to get them out without a problem. I considered buying the mesh bumpers at that time, but I'm glad I didn't waste my money.

I DIYed my crib skirts and sheets. That's the only bedding we have. I did buy two blankets that go with my bedding, which I plan to use when they convert to toddler beds. Right now I have one of them over the back of my rocker.

Toni828 · August 2012

Thank you all so much! :

crystaleyes39 · August 2012

You really dont need a bumper until you LO gets older and isn't swaddled anymore. I got the mesh breathable ones because otherwise my girls started getting their legs stuck.

Want a personalized experience?

crib bumpers - to use or not to use?

Re: crib bumpers - to use or not to use?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards