Crib Bumpers.....to use or not to use?

Nikki - posted on 01/01/2010

Crib bumpers are perfectly ok as long as you have a well fitting mattress in the crib to prevent baby from wedging in between. Its recommended to remove the bumpers once your child is pulling themselves up to a standing position so they cant use them as a step to go over the railing

Sarah - posted on 12/31/2009

Thank you to everyone who responded, it's given me plenty to think about.

Janice - posted on 12/27/2009

Breathable bumper! Protection from caught arms and legs w/o the suffocation risk!

Erin - posted on 12/24/2009

My son has always had a bumper in his crib; I actually tried to take it out when he turned 1 but he threw a fit and I had to put it back! If you are concerned about suffication, BRU sells a bumper that is breathable, it weaves in and out of the crib slats and doesn't use ties.

Clare - posted on 12/24/2009

Hi.I used a bumper since we brought our baby home.He is now 7 months old and crawling, rolling and pulling himself up.He has been able to pull the bumper over his head a few times but he has also been able to pull himself from out under it again. My view is when they are old enough to get their head under there they r old enough to get themselves back out again!

REBEKAH - posted on 12/23/2009

we have always had a bumper, but i have a serious fear of suffocation, so i keep half of it tucked under the matress and the top securly tied so it cant come loose.

Tina - posted on 12/23/2009

Check out the Breathable Bumber at target.com It's a safe bumper.

Toni - posted on 12/23/2009

Same here, we used the crib bumper from day one. I also agree with Trista, better to be safe than sorry.

Jodi - posted on 12/23/2009

It's advised that crib bumpers be removed before putting your child in the crib for a number of reasons. Mostly because it's a danger if baby pulls on them enough, the strings become loose and eventually can fall over baby's face and suffocate baby while she sleeps. Also, when they get old enough to pull to a stand, they can use the bumper as a step of sorts to climb up and fall out of the crib which can cause serious injury. I really don't feel there is a need to use crib bumpers, I have never used one and my daughter is just fine. Best of luck!

Kindra - posted on 12/22/2009

Well, it seems everyone has their own opinions. And nobody did the same thing I did. I had one of the crib bumpers. I hated not having it on when it need washing, because my little one would constantly get her legs stuck. Arms were too small for that. She would wake us up screaming in pain cause she couldn't get her leg back out. So what I did cause I was so afraid of her suffocating that I changed to a playpen. Mesh siding and no bars. Well, none that she could easily hit. She would have to be trying to hit one of the four bars in the corners. But she was much happier and I slept a lot better knowing my precious little one was safer.

Linda - posted on 12/22/2009

i use the breathable bumper. i had a regular one on my daughter's crib but once she started rolling around I was terrified of the thought of her rolling into her bumper (after reading one to many books and hearing too many stories) i bought the breathable bumper which is a light padding around the crib but still allows the baby to breath through.

Nicole - posted on 12/22/2009

Quoting Ashley:

I know those experts now say that crib bumpers are dangerous and babies can get their heads stuck underneath them. I don't see how that can happen. I used a crib bumper for both of my children the day I brought them home. They do move around a lot and sometimes fall asleep with their faces pressed up against the crib bars... not comfy!! I would say you are safe to use it now.

My lil guy moved around alot as well once he figured out how to turn over both ways...and I did have bumpers in the crib and he did end up with his face pressed into the bars anyway. I found him like that -doing a routine check on him after putting him to sleep. His little body all weirdly angled his head pushed way back his face pressed deeply into the cushion that shouldn't have been there had I listened to experts. I'm just wondering what you would prefer -your child to be a little uncomfortable because of non-cushioned bars, or would you prefer to find your little princes like that face in the cushion all comfy and still....

Sandy - posted on 12/22/2009

My daughter is 7 months. She is a big time mover but after all the infant classes and my pediatrician's recmmendation we never used bumpers. I don't think the risk out weigh the benifits.

Ashley - posted on 12/22/2009

I used one of the breathable mesh bumpers for my son when he got his leg stuck... I wouldn't worry too much about the head bumping.

Charity - posted on 12/22/2009

I had a crib bumper since day one, however when my son started rolling around I read somewhere that crib bumpers were dangerous and so I took the bumper out of his crib. Not long after that I went in his room to check on him and he was sleeping in an weird position with his arm through the bars. He could have broken his arm so I put the bumper back in his crib. The only problem with the bumper is that he would press his face up against it and could possibly suffocate however I just checked on him frequently and moved him if I needed to. So I think having a bumper is better than not having one.

Nicole - posted on 12/22/2009

I never know what the right answer is when it comes to this stuff. We are all told two major things when it comes to sleeping. One is to sleep babies on their backs and the other is not to use bumper pads. I think the deaths/injuries that result from breaking these rules are freak accidents. I break both rules and here's why...

My son has nearly aspirated right before my eyes laying on his back. He spit up and was thrashing his head from side to side, trying to clear his mouth and throat, but it was not enough. He was turing color by the time I realized he wasn't trying to look at something. If you think about it... if you threw up, you'd do more than turn your head. You'd sit up or roll over. He can't do either; therefore, he sleeps on his belly.

Bumper pads. I've only placed him in his crib a handful of times so far. He's only two months old. He mostly sleeps in his bassinet where he scoots to the top each sleep and sometimes pushes his face into the top or side. I've watched him do it and watched him turn his head to get away from it. I feel fine placing him in his crib with a bumper for now. If I found him to be a deep sleeper with a lot of mobility, I'd probably take them out. If he remains a light sleeper, I'll keep them in. I think we all know our own babies best when it comes to details like that. Some mothers may not make that connection or give it any thought at all and unknowingly make a bad decision as a result.

Each baby is different so I think each family has their own reasons for making informed choices.

Allie - posted on 12/22/2009

My doctor told me to take mine out when she found out I had one. She also told me that I should not be using those baby positioners or using a blanket at all in the crib. My mother used all of those things for all 5 of her children and all of us are fine. I am torn. I feel like some of it is bogus. I would trust your instincts and so what is right for you. Every child will be different.

Sarah - posted on 12/22/2009

they advise you to remove them as soon as your baby can sit up unaided.
i was always unsure as to whether i should take mine off .. if it was off he'd bang his head, if it was on he might get caught up in it .. for this reason i kept taking it off and then putting it back on again .. until eventually i took it off for good because he was almost covered by it one night.

Iysha - posted on 12/21/2009

Quoting Amanda:

If you are that concerned there are bumpers you can buy that have holes in them so that your baby can still breath if he/she ends up against them, or you can do what I did and get wedges to go around your baby that way they stay in the same spot but if there is a chance they get out they have protection for themselves. My cousin did not have a bumper and her baby's leg got stuck outside of the bars.

I've seen those bumpers at Babies R Us. I was thinking of buying them, but my daughter sleeps in the same spot i put her in...she doesn't roll at all.

Kimberly - posted on 12/21/2009

my first daughter used one as a pillow until she was 18 months how ridiculous but my husband refused to take it away. my daughter is 6 and a half months old and never used one, i think they say to takie it out by four months though

Brittany - posted on 12/21/2009

I've used a crib bumper since she was born. She has never had an issue with it. It did help keep her legs and arms from getting stuck between the bars. She woke up with her face towards it alot too, but it never prevented her breathing.

Lori - posted on 12/21/2009

I used one with my first child but when he got his head stuck under it I took it out. So there for I never got one with my second boy because I rather have him pressed up against the bars instead of getting cought under the bumer pad. Also when they start standing up and walking they can stand on it and climb out too. So I would do what feels right to you. If you think they are real safe for your child then use one.

Amber - posted on 12/21/2009

I was told not to use the bumpers b/c they increase the risk of suffocation. However, when my daughter was 4 1/2 months old I put them on her crib. She's never got caught in the bumpers & I believe that they only cause harm if you don't tie them on tight enough.

Jennifer - posted on 12/21/2009

It's better that her face is pressed against the bars than pressed in to the fabric bumper pads where she could suffocate. Bumper pads aren't a good idea.

Chelle - posted on 12/21/2009

i use them...but its just my personal choice. my daughter fitted in her mosses baasket until she was 6months so we only put her in her cot at 6months anyway.

i used them so she felt more comfy in her cot because with them she felt more closed in and couldnt feel or see the bars.

Erin - posted on 12/21/2009

Actually, crib bumpers should be avoided at any age. In addition to being a mom, I am a child protection worker and can tell you that crib bumpers are a large attributing factor in infant mortality cases, where the infant moves towards the crib bumper, but still lacks the neck muscles to move off or is just in a deep sleep and therefore suffocates. I know it looks very uncomfortable and perhaps even painful when an infant has moved towards the rails of the crib and has their head resting on the wood, but I just thought that I would pass along the caution. The safe sleep campaign is pretty big right now and strongly urges parents to keep the crib clear of any unnecessary items, such as extra blankets, pillows, etc and SIDS is prevalent in infants up to 2 years of age.

I hope that's helpful.

Amanda - posted on 12/21/2009

We use a breathable cot bumper for our daughter, keeps the arms, legs and dummy contained and she sleeps up against it she can still breathe, follow your instincts and do what you feel is right

Caitelyn - posted on 12/21/2009

I use sleeping bags to stop my sons legs from getting stuck, but i did buy the Airwrap cot bumper - its made of the same mesh used in portacots.

Andrea - posted on 12/20/2009

I have to say.. I use them with my daughter who is 8 month I also used them on my 2 year old son when he was a baby.. Only after i read a new article she went in and checked on her little one and found that from getting his arm stuck and wasn't able to free it that he had broken his arm.. ( Yes she went in as soon as he cried but it was to late) Doctors couldn't tell her when or how it had happened.. I will admit my daughter still gets a foot or arm out and it worries me every time I go in and check on her.. Some kids will not cry when there arm or leg is stuck.. I know my daughter doesn't cry when her arm or leg is out of her crib.. I would just talk it over with the doctor asking if he/she feels it is a major risk.. Otherwise follow your mommy radar.... You know your child better then anyone in the world and you will now whats best for them.. Take care, Best wishes and Merry X-Mas..

Amy - posted on 12/20/2009

we got rid of the bumpers as soon as both my daughters were able to roll. my oldest daughter was pretty still when she slept so there wasn't much of a problem. teh second, however, is like a little egg in there. she frequently ends up with a leg or arm sticking out. her bottle is always on the floor, etc. we looked into mesh bumpers that keep the baby 'contained' but were safe should she end up against them. hope this helps

Jessica - posted on 12/20/2009

i think if she can roll over and move around the crib to get comfortable she should be fine with side bumpers, its really only if your baby was to roll and have their face right up against it and be unable to move their head to the other side, but if she is quiet mobile in her crib she should be fine, you know your daughter better than anyone, just go by your own mummy instincts.



=)

Ashley - posted on 12/20/2009

I had some on my crib, took them off to increase air flow and prevent SIDS and so we could see the baby better - his crib is in our bedroom. I would rather have a baby catch his arm or foot in there and cry until mom or dad comes to free it then breathe in stale air and die from SIDS.

Brandi - posted on 12/20/2009

I used them with my daughter from the time she started sleeping in her crib. I actually found that I had to remove them as soon as she could roll over, as I would find her tangled in them, so when my son came along, I didn't use them at all. I would suggest that you not use them. your daughter may get a few little red marks from pressing herself against the crib rails, but it far surpasses the alternative of her getting so entangled in the bumpers that she suffocates.

Ashley - posted on 12/20/2009

i just put them in my 6 month olds crib. he wakes because he hits his head on the bars and his arms and legs always get stuck between the bars...i know how i'd feel sleepin against bars and cant imagine it's very comfortbale..

Kylie - posted on 12/20/2009

no bumpers! they are a sids risk. my son sleeps on his bars too, but if it was that uncomfortable he'd move. some times he wakes up with lines on his face from the bars, but they don't bother him.

Candice - posted on 12/20/2009

i avoided padded bumpers too, and my daughter seems fine even though she slept near the bars. Instead i used a breatheable bumper which just keeps arms and legs from going between the bars, but isn't padded.

Tammi - posted on 12/20/2009

The hospital told us to not ever use crib bumpers. My son has gotten his feet caught in the bars and also sleeps against them, but I have held onto the advice of University of Michigan Hospital despite what other moms have decided to do. They said the risk is greater than the benefit. Even at 6 months, she could suffocate against the fabric.

Laura - posted on 12/20/2009

my doctor told me absolutely not when it comes to the bumpers because he can roll against it and suffocate himself. I would rather have him get his arm or leg stuck.

Wendy - posted on 12/20/2009

My son had bumpers in his crib from day one. Sometimes I wish I had a wall bumper for his toddler bed, because he rolls into the wall almost every night and hits his head! It really depends on how comfortable you are using the bumper pad.

Amanda - posted on 12/20/2009

If you are that concerned there are bumpers you can buy that have holes in them so that your baby can still breath if he/she ends up against them, or you can do what I did and get wedges to go around your baby that way they stay in the same spot but if there is a chance they get out they have protection for themselves. My cousin did not have a bumper and her baby's leg got stuck outside of the bars.

Amanda - posted on 12/20/2009

Im in that same dilema my son is your daughters age. I have the bumper tied very well to his crib but there are always people who are going to make you paranoid. My aunt told me what if his head gets stuck between the bumper and the crib.....I was like ummmm thats a bit odd....anyways I still have it on I like the reassurance he wont bump his head.

Ashley - posted on 12/20/2009

I know those experts now say that crib bumpers are dangerous and babies can get their heads stuck underneath them. I don't see how that can happen. I used a crib bumper for both of my children the day I brought them home. They do move around a lot and sometimes fall asleep with their faces pressed up against the crib bars... not comfy!! I would say you are safe to use it now.

Jane - posted on 12/20/2009

My lil boy is 8 months old and rolls around like crazy when he sleeps so a crib bumper has always been a must, and like Trista, we had it from day one, so I dont know if there is a certain age or not !

Trista - posted on 12/20/2009

i used a crib bumper since i brought my lil guys home. so i think there is no certain age and maybe im wrong but if she is hitting her head i would sure use on and you never know you may wake up one night and her arm be caught between the bars or something so i would put one up