bumpers or no bumpers

Jessica - posted on 01/16/2009

We have bumpers in Lyndsey's crib and have since day one. I figure when she was younger she couldn't roll into them because we used a sleep positioner, and when she out grew that and started rolling it wasn't a problem then either. She is strong enough to roll and scoot all over her crib, so I'm not worried about her getting up against the side and not being able to breathe, if she can't breathe right she'll move herself and does. Plus ours is supposed to be the breatheable kind, so no worries here.

Beverley - posted on 01/16/2009

We just put bumper pads in our sons crib.  The "breathable" ones....now if we can only get him to sleep in the crib!! 

Cheryl - posted on 01/15/2009

I was always told by nurses, doctors and our prenatal class instructor that bumpers were a no-no. They said it was because they can roll into them and suffocate, also that it reduces the air flow in the crib. But not only in the early stages, later on when they become more mobile and stronger, babies often use the bumpers as steps when trying to find a way out of the crib. We found all this out after purchasing a bedding set (which includes a bumper), so we use that bumper as a skirt on the bed (under the matress) now. It seems to work for us. Also if you're worried about you babies hurting themselves on the bars of the cribs, just rememer, they're not strong enough to throw themselves against the bars hard enough to do any damage...

Kerrie - posted on 01/15/2009

The day after I had my son a public health nurse came to  my house to check his jaundice levels and what not and she asked me if I had bumper pads on my crib. I did at the time and she recommended that I take them off because babies can roll into them when they are sleeping and suffocate. So I removed mine just in case. I wouldn't want my son to die because of something so simple. It makes sense why they should not be there. But its entirely your call

Tarryn - posted on 01/15/2009

We have had bumpers since day one! Also my Dr said that after 6 months you are pretty much clear of SIDS. I wouldn't worry about them unless you think she may get to a point where she could smother herself.

Tracy - posted on 01/15/2009

i have this problem with my daughter she is all over the place so i had to get one to stop her banging her head on the cot, but then found she kept lifting it up and over her head then falling back asleep with it over her head so that was freaking me out. so i pushed it down so that the bottom of it is slightly tucked under the matress so she can't get her hands under it to lift it up. now everything is fine with it

Nicole - posted on 01/14/2009

I always ask myslef this too. I go back and forth on this issue. Probably depends on your crib. When I took my sons bumper off, his foot got caught and I felt like I hurt him while trying to twist his foot around to get it out. Needless to say, I am using the bumper again.

Marcia - posted on 01/14/2009

We have a bumper called "Airwrap" it is breathable and recommended by the SIDS association. available at babies galore

Silvana - posted on 01/13/2009

well thank you for asking the same question i had...i'm going to look into getting the breathable ones as well. Mine is 7mths and i dont have any bumpers and never did put them

Mandy - posted on 01/13/2009

We got breathable bumpers from Babies-R-Us. We recently put them up because she is also all over the crib...we think she may do somersaults in the middle of the night. I also put stuffed animals in all the corners to keep her from getting wedged.

Lisa - posted on 01/13/2009

I asked the doc the other day and she told me bigger babies shouldn't need them.  Well, this morning I woke up to him screaming because he rolled over and then got his arm stuck.  I've never had them up before, but am now looking into getting the breatheable ones. 

Tamara - posted on 01/13/2009

I put bumpers recently because my son hit the head so many times and than he would cried ! I really think they are big now to know they way in the crib and that nothing can happen to them. I had sound and movement monitor and i worried before but now I just think he is big and strong and nothing can happen (he is 7 months old)

Margo - posted on 01/13/2009

i have my bumpers still up but i think its because im affraid of my son getting his arm or leg wedged in the crib! And i have to say....i disagree that bumpers have ANYTHING to do with sids...apparently a study was just done recently that states that when a baby is born if they have something missing from their spinal fluid that can cause sids...so now that they know that, they can test for it and fix it

Margo - posted on 01/13/2009

i have my bumpers still up but i think its because im affraid of my son getting his arm or leg wedged in the crib! And i have to say....i disagree that bumpers have ANYTHING to do with sids...apparently a study was just done recently that states that when a baby is born if they have something missing from their spinal fluid that can cause sids...so now that they know that, they can test for it and fix it

Jenny - posted on 01/11/2009

They have breathable bumpers !!! We got ours at Wal-Mart and it's softer so her little head won't get smooshed but she can breath right through it. Check it out online, they are super cheap, and the best thing EVER!!!

Cassandra - posted on 01/11/2009

i used to use those baby positioners that stop them from rolling or moving in their sleep it also stops them from CRAWLING in their beds hope i was of some help

Angela - posted on 01/11/2009

I have had bumpers from day one and we they have been fine for us. I think they say that once baby can move around and roll over the risk of SIDS is greatly reduced. My little guy has been moving around too, I haven't thought about taking the bumpers out. I don't plan too either unless I see something that really concerns me. So, I guess the answer is to trust your gut. If you are not comfortable with it, then take them out!

Tamara - posted on 01/11/2009

Julia - 

Thanks for asking the question - I was just thinking about this the other day. I still have my bumpers up but have gotten concerned as well.

Dana - posted on 01/11/2009

We got a "breathable" bumber from Babies R US. IT's great.

Sara - posted on 01/11/2009

what is it about those corners?? My son does the same thing (nice to see he's not the only one!) and we hadn't had bumpers to start due to the reported risks w/ SIDS and all, but after a few times of him screaming b/c he got his arm/legs stuck through the sides of the crib, we went for the 'breathable' bumpers to help him w/ this. I have no idea if they are much safer, but they are a mesh material that allows for breathing, but is softer than him ramming into the sides and (usually) prevents him from getting his arms/legs through the sides...so I guess that would be an option...at least it seems to be working well for us for now... Good luck!

Breanne - posted on 01/03/2009

i'm not sure i'll be much help either, but i have bumper pads still up for right now as well. i have also found my daughter crammed in the corner, but she usually lifts the bumper pad over her head so her face isn't pushed into it at all. i suppose if you're really concerned, i'd take them down, and if she whacks her head and hurts herself, you'll know and she'll to some degree learn. as i said, probably not much help, but trust whatever instincts you may have bout this situation.

Penny - posted on 01/03/2009

We have never had bumpers because everyone always said it would increase the chances of SID. But like your daughter, mine has been all over her crib too recently. She goes to bed by 6 pm and just yesterday I ran upstairs twice because I heard her banging her head against the side of the crib. I'm not sure which is better! Sorry I'm not much help.