Bumpers

kelkiss · September 2012

Wondering what people think about Crib bumpers? I think they look nice and would like to get one but have also read that they re not safe and not recommended.

Should I skip it?

benoitfan · September 2012

Reportedly, crib bumpers are a SIDS risk. That said, my mom made some light weight ones for DS#1s crib (not nearly as thick or bulky as the ones you see int he baby bedding packaged) and I did use them and will use them again. Then again, DS hated to be swaddled, so I tucked him in with a light receiving blanket, had a drop side crib (have since used the recall parts and locked it), slept him on his side and had stuffed animals in his bed from the get go. All of those things are things you are not supposed to do, but I was comfortable with them then and am now. I will do the same with this lo. It all depends on what you are comfortable with.

If you do decide to go with bumpers, you should remove them from the crib when your lo can pull him or herself up, so that they don't use them to help them climb out of the crib. You can also get bumpers, but not use them in the traditional sense, I have seen ladies that tie them to the outside of the crib at the same height as the mattress, so they are inside the crib and are wrapped around the outside. They offer the visual impact this way, but not the SIDS risk.

kelkiss · September 2012

benoitfan:

You can also get bumpers, but not use them in the traditional sense, I have seen ladies that tie them to the outside of the crib at the same height as the mattress, so they are inside the crib and are wrapped around the outside. They offer the visual impact this way, but not the SIDS risk.

I like that idea. Maybe that is what we will do. Thanks

stever · September 2012

Skip it. They're so unsafe that they're soon to be banned. For real.

Worcbride · September 2012

both my kids had bumpers; its suggested they could be a SIDS risk but that isnt proven. Also SIDS is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome--if a death were related to bumpers I dont think you could call it SIDS cuz there would be an identifiable cause; never heard of a death cuz of bumpers--again, its a suggestion.

and DS who is 2.5 yo still has his in

danuli8 · September 2012

I've been wondering about this as well--my DH and I have made a casual circuit of a baby store or two just to see what's out there, and the cribs in the stores (and even in the catalogs!) are done up to the nines with bumpers, dust ruffles (seriously--is there any practical purpose to a dust ruffle?), accent pillows, etc. But my baby books say you should have a mattress with a fitted sheet and nothing else. This makes my brain go "whaaaaaa?"

JulesDiane · September 2012

Worcbride:
both my kids had bumpers; its suggested they could be a SIDS risk but that isnt proven. Also SIDS is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome--if a death were related to bumpers I dont think you could call it SIDS cuz there would be an identifiable cause; never heard of a death cuz of bumpers--again, its a suggestion.
and DS who is 2.5 yo still has his in

Seriously? Personally, I don't think its worth the risk. They are cute, but not a chance I am willing to take. I did end up getting breathable bumpers once DD started rolling around and would occasionally get her arm outside the crib.

Watergirl21 · September 2012

I would skip it. They are considered risky and there are other things that are much more helpful to invest in bedding wise/ decor wise. Really all that you will use are crib sheets and swaddle blankets. I loved my Aden and anais swaddle blankets.
One thing I didn't buy but wish I did blackout curtains.

uctracy@yahoo.com · September 2012

I put them up for my son for the first 3 months....basically before he started rolling around. I then moved to the breathable bumpers. They help keep his arms and legs in the crib. I have heard a number of stories about babies suffocating with the big bumpers. I also know of a number of babies who have used the bumper as a stair step to climb out of their crib when they are about 1....and then go crashing to the ground.

With this baby we are going to keep her/him in a bassinet for the first 3 months and then move her/him to a crib with a breathable bumper. We are skipping the big bumper this time. I recommend skipping it. It is not worth the expense or the possible risks.

sheloveslane · September 2012

They are a risk, but I was worried about my sons putting their arms through the rails and getting stuck (and they both did at one point.) So I made a barrier. Just a sheet that attached to the crib sides, on the inside. It was light weight enough for baby to breathe through if they got right up against it. For sure it kept their arms and legs where they belonged, but the added benefit was baby could not see out of the crib. Perfect for when I needed to sneak into the nursery, or when sharing a room with a sibling.

tcfreedom · September 2012

This is child 6 and this is the first I've ever heard of any risk. It's never been mentioned to me by any dr, or other parent. I've always had them and never had a problem, but mine are thin cotton, handmade without padding.

I agree with a PP that SIDS means sudden death for unknown reasons. Death by asphyxia would be a known cause and not be called SIDS, wouldn't it?

I always got the warnings about too many blankets, no pillows or stuffed animals etc from the Dr so we don't use those things.

Worcbride · September 2012

JulesDiane:
Worcbride:
both my kids had bumpers; its suggested they could be a SIDS risk but that isnt proven. Also SIDS is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome--if a death were related to bumpers I dont think you could call it SIDS cuz there would be an identifiable cause; never heard of a death cuz of bumpers--again, its a suggestion.
and DS who is 2.5 yo still has his in
Seriously? Personally, I don't think its worth the risk. They are cute, but not a chance I am willing to take. I did end up getting breathable bumpers once DD started rolling around and would occasionally get her arm outside the crib.

Yes, seriously--there's more risk involved with those 3d ultrasounds (too many u/s has been linked to behavioral problems later on) than any direct evidence with bumpers/SIDS. And I used a bassinet and Moses basket on both kids--neither of which have breathable sides

Punter2009 · September 2012

Im from Australia and cot bumpers are banned here for SIDS risks. Id skip it...

Not so much a big deal with a newborn but once they start moving around it is risky. My almost 10mo gets her face right up to the side of the cot/crib at times.

technigirl · September 2012

We never had any for DD. We just thought it wasn't worth the risk. and as PP said, many baby books discourage it for the same reason. Most likely, a newborn won't be moving around enough to touch them, but why take the risk? And, your baby will probably start rolling over when you least expect it. Your baby can't really hurt themselves on the side of the crib anyways - and if they get stuck, they will let you know!

Plus, there's lots of other ways to make your baby's room look cute - Paint and wall decals, cute lamps, large stuffed animals, etc.

Melissa

3rdat40 · September 2012

I skipped them, but I guess it was more because I see them as an unnecessary expense than safety risk. I got my kids' bedding through Pottery Barn Kids, and the bumpers they sell are really expensive, so we just went with the fitted sheet and crib skirt. My kids didn't have issues with getting their legs or arms stuck, but then again they didn't use the cribs long. My DS always ended up in our bed, and my DD slept in her crib for a fairly short time because that tall monkey was able to climb out of the crib so darn early!

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