crib bumpers vs mesh

anh1202 · September 2014

Hi ladies!
First time mom here...As with anything my research and asking of opinions I find mixed reviews on comparing using the thick decorative fabric bumpers vs the mesh ones. Is the mesh safer? Have you used one over the other? Open for opinions please!

britb618 · September 2014

The mesh ones are supposed to be safer because there is some evidence that the bumpers can be a factor for SIDS and baby could roll into it and stop breathing if baby gets stuck. I bought the mesh for my daughter and they worked fine- the bumpers are nicer looking IMO and my daughter didn't really move in her crib but I can't get myself to buy the bumper even with the second child- still a little psychotic about SIDS

anh1202 · September 2014

Thank you so much! I'm a bit nutty about SIDS as well! Appreciate your opinion!

SandraRDH · September 2014

We are going mesh crib liner. I personally know of two friends who lost their babies to SIDDS, anything to reduce the possibility even if its low and not quite proven to help.

NatureLovers · September 2014

Mesh only.

AlfiesMOM · September 2014

E never got stuck in her crib so we had nothing till she was 15 months. At that point we did put regular bumpers on because she kept hitting her head. We had no fear of SIDS at that point because she could sit up/ move away from the sides.

lavet22 · September 2014

I used a regular bumper for DS1, but really didn't like the fact that I couldn't see him while he was in the crib unless I walked over to the edge, so I quickly took it down. Maybe I'm weird, but I did constant check ins on DS1 when he was asleep. I was so freaked out about SIDS and him getting stuck or something and I wouldn't know it. With DS2 and DS3 I just didn't use one at all. I won't with this DD1 either.

I have read that the mesh ones allow for better airflow and therefore decrease the risk of SIDS. But I'm not an expert, so I don't really know...

jc51723 · September 2014

Mesh. Besides, the traditional bumpers are cute and all but they are a giant pain in the ass having to take them off and put them on when you want to change the sheets.

shannjohnston · September 2014

No bumpers is safest. That said, when DS was transitioning from his bassinet to the crib (around 3 months), we used the bumpers, but on the outside. Can't remember exactly how we rigged it up...

I think once your child can roll on their own the risk is much less. And that's when you want some kind if bumper, mesh or otherwise, so they don't get limbs caught between the bars.

YaMrWhite · September 2014

If you must use a bumper, use mesh. Cutesy bumpers are not worth the risk.

thompnia · September 2014

We used traditional bumpers starting at about three months old when we put him in the crib. He would scoot to the end every night and I was worried about him hurting his head. We also let him sleep on his tummy. The bumpers were tied very tightly and kind of tucked between the mattress and the crib for a good seal.

tripletoe · September 2014

No bumpers. Why increase the risk of SIDS? DD has never had a problem.

LadyXaverian · September 2014

No bumpers and then if they start getting limbs stuck in crib slats, mesh bumpers.

LooneyLife · September 2014

There is a statewide (MD) ban on selling regular crib bumpers. I figure it's for a good reason and wouldn't even attempt to circumvent it.

elleswarth · September 2014

Going with none. I'll risk a stuck arm or leg versus baby's face getting stuck in even mesh.

southernyankeegirl · September 2014

We aren't having any. I figure the kid won't seriously injure himself without them (maybe a bump on the head or a stuck limb at worst). No reason to spend more money, honestly, let alone the risk of SIDS.

I will be making a teething pad for the rail for when he's big enough to pull himself up. I don't like the idea of my kid chewing on wood stain, let alone all the teeth marks in the wood ;-)

mammamaggie · September 2014

None at all, never used them with my first. You seriously don't need them. I'm all about the safety and get a little overly protective... but why the heck not.

nah82 · September 2014

Never used any for my other two and won't for #3 either. Not worth the SIDs risk or the hassle. We only got a knee stuck one time, and at that point, I'm pretty sure he would've smooshed a bumper down by standing on it and managed to do the same thing, anyway.

mmooki · September 2014

We didn't use any. I have mesh ones that someone gave me, after she was done using them but dd never had issues getting stuck so we never put them on. I'll keep them and see if this lo gets stuck.

nah82 · September 2014

southernyankeegirl said:

I will be making a teething pad for the rail for when he's big enough to pull himself up. I don't like the idea of my kid chewing on wood stain, let alone all the teeth marks in the wood ;-)

I really wish we would've had one of those from the first kid on. We bought the convertible crib and went ahead and bought the $75 side rails ahead of time to be able to convert it in the future (because we figured the crib style would be discontinued and the side rails would end up being impossible to get within 2 years, they had already been on backorder). It got so marked up between my belt buckle when I leaned over the rail to lay him down and him teething! Of course the part that looks the worst is what would be the foot board if we were to convert it to a bed, ugh. It will probably retire after being used as a crib and toddler bed for the third time and never become the bed it was meant to be.

Jellybean707 · September 2014

LadyXaverian said:
No bumpers and then if they start getting limbs stuck in crib slats, mesh bumpers.

This. We used no bumpers until his arms started getting stuck(7 or 8 mos or so) then we used a mesh bumper.

Please don't use a regular bumper it's just not worth the risk. I would also put off using the mesh as long as possible.

Htle07 · September 2014

Check these out! Saw them at Target the other day. It is mesh toward the bottom and is cushioney with decorative fabric at the top. https://www.target.com/p/soothetime-grey-crib-liner/-/A-15448124 If you google the brand, they have other designs as well. I think Target only carries 2 designs.

Beauxbaton · September 2014

We have the mesh ones. DS moves a lot in his sleep, he'd get.his feet stuck through the rungs and wake himself up.

CanukMam · September 2014

Never needed bumpers. I did get some with a crib set and ended up tying them around the crib rail at the top so he didn't chew or bang his head on the rail (they go through a phase of banging their heads hard against things)

Edvent · September 2014

We got a traditional bumper once my DD was crawling and became a very active sleeper (5ish months). She would throw herself around, bang her head, get limbs stuck, etc. If #2 is not quite as crazy we'll probably go with a mesh bumper or no bumper but with DD the bumper felt like the only way to keep her safe.

I ditto the need for the teething protector. We bought that a week too late and our crib looks like a beaver got hold of it!

Pips09 · September 2014

We never ever used a bumper. Her leg got stuck maybe twice...in 2 years.

If you feel you need one, I'd only consider mesh. The quilted ones aren't safe.

[Deleted User] · September 2014

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Edvent · September 2014

Britt1406 said:

We used a traditional bumper, but he didn't sleep in his crib until around 8 months or so. I would not feel comfortable using them before the baby has some head control/ability to roll.

Yes, ditto this. I didn't use it until she could roll over and sit up on her own. Then I was less nervous. DH also weaved it through some of the crib slats and tied it really tight so it doesn't gap or bunch up (before we figured out that trick she's have it all squished down).

ECATX · September 2014

We didn't use either with DD and it hasn't been a problem. She sleeps in a sleep sac, though, so that probably lessens the chance of her getting her legs stuck in the slats.

KnitPixy · September 2014

Health nurse will actually throw out traditional bumpers around here. I don't know if they are actually illegal as I still see them for sale but we will go with mesh if we do any at all. Pretty much going to wait and see if LO likes to bang their head/get limbs stuck before getting them.

On the topic of teething guards, any recommendations on brands? They all look pretty much the same to me from what I've seen but any experience is welcome.

SpaceGirlSpiff · September 2014

I used the mesh ones with DS... this time I may try to just not put any on at all unless she shows she needs it (getting limbs stuck etc). Mostly because lazy and a pain in the butt, but also because the safest option is none at all

aerotigergirl · September 2014

We had a mesh one, but I didn't think it was necessary so I took it out. There was only one time when I went in to find his arm through the crib slats. He wasn't stuck, and he was still sound asleep, so it wasn't bothering him at all. I just worked his arm back through and scooted him over a little.

If you absolutely MUST use one, I'd suggest mesh only. The other ones can be cute, but why risk it?

emilyp2013 · September 2014

My friend is a neonatologist (pediatrician who specializes in newborns) and she says the AAP has a big "NO" on any kind of bumper. We're just doing fitted sheets and wearable blankets. Also got blankets for wrapping her in during the day and for bed when she's older.

Edvent · September 2014

KnitPixy said:

On the topic of teething guards, any recommendations on brands? They all look pretty much the same to me from what I've seen but any experience is welcome.

We got this one from Amazon and it's held up really well.

https://www.amazon.com/Trend-Lab-Fleece-CribWrap-Natural/dp/B00208RWVK/ref=sr_1_15?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1410806584&sr=1-15&keywords=crib+protector

When I got it, it came with a front rail too, so I think you can find sets with all three pieces. It's fleece so very soft, but lined with plastic so when she used to suck/drool on it the wood was still protected.

AggieMom0809 · September 2014

My 2 cents: I used the flat nu-foam bumpers with my first two and plan to make another one with this baby. The mesh are supposed to be safer because the baby can roll over and if they are too close, can start to breath in what the exhale (not just if the face is touching the bumper). After hearing that it wasn't just from being pressed against the bumper, we took the one out of my oldest's bed. That night she woke up in with the worst cry I've ever heard from her. She'd gotten her leg stuck in the railings. It wasn't just out, she had tried to roll and it twisted it at the knee.

Needless to say, the bumper immediately went back in her bed and we have yet to have a problem since. I do worry about the CO2 intake, so I keep an eye on them at night especially when they first learn to roll over. I keep all other plush items out of the crib including blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, etc.

AggieMom0809 · September 2014

Htle07 said:

Check these out! Saw them at Target the other day. It is mesh toward the bottom and is cushioney with decorative fabric at the top. https://www.target.com/p/soothetime-grey-crib-liner/-/A-15448124 If you google the brand, they have other designs as well. I think Target only carries 2 designs.

That's cute and a nice in between, but it doesn't protect from the bumps and bruises of thrashing sleepers.

Unknown · September 2014

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AggieMom0809 · September 2014

elleswarth said:

Going with none. I'll risk a stuck arm or leg versus baby's face getting stuck in even mesh.

How is a baby going to get their face "stuck" in the mesh. The SIDS risk is not because of getting their faces stuck in the bumper. That's the case for pillows and blankets. With bumpers and plush mattresses, it's that the baby will breathe in the CO2 that it exhales.

Eyefrog · September 2014

honestly, I stopped using them after #2 was born. They just get in the way, especially when I recall time for laundering. A few of mine have had a leg or a limb get stuck but not until they were old and being mischievous.

RobynAshley · September 2014

Don't have kids, so don't have experience. I'm crazy OCD about things looking put together when necessary, hence why I have 8 million pillows for my bed that only go ON my bed maybe 5 times a year, so I have the cute bumper, also have a mesh one. I plan on not using them in the beginning for all of the obvious reasons that have been listed about 60 times and then just taking it day by day. If my munchkin can never use either of them, so be it.

sanbry · September 2014

We were going to go with mesh but just ended up not using one at all. No issues. She's 2.5 and I can count only a handful of times she's stuck a limb through the bars. We will do the same with this one too.

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