Bumper pads. To use or NOT to use?

Susan - posted on 08/07/2010

I removed the bumpers out for both my boys as soon as they could start moving around. Yeah, they will stick arms and legs out, but they learn the boundaries of the bed pretty quick. And with my older son, only once did he get stuck with his legs out, but he never did it again. SIDS is most common between 4-6 months, so we are just now in that prime target age now.

I've heard others use the breathable bumpers and really like them. But I just go bumper free, and never had any issues.

Sarah - posted on 10/23/2010

I have never used bumpers in my son's crib. With all that research on sids and the risk with bumpers I choose not to use them. It's just 1 more thing to worry about and 1 more thing that could go wrong at night. I know many many people use bumpers, but to me its better safe than sorry.

Erica - posted on 10/03/2010

My son used to move around alot, even being swaddled so i got him a wedge to put him to sleep in. It might be harder if your baby isnt swaddled cause they may be able to lift themselves over it. But my baby stays in one spot now and also keeps him on his back.

Kari - posted on 09/19/2010

uhm.... I had Childrens Aid in my life and they told me that bumpers aren't the best idea. If your child rolls over in the night, they believe "a bruised baby is better than one not breathing".

I had Sarah in a cradle before I got her the crib and I used them once... I woke up and her face was in the bumpers. I then took them out and said no more. I then dealt with the small bruises on her forehead from where she flung herself into the rails, but I would rather have dealt with the bruises then having to put my 4 month old in the ground.

Amanda - posted on 09/18/2010

I have never used bumper pads as they are not recommended due to the risk of SIDS. My son moves like crazy at night, gets legs and arms through the bars, sometimes gets stuck, his pacifier falls through the holes and behind the crib and its a pain to go get them in the middle of the night, half asleep...but I do it. I just recently bought more soothers for that exact reason, so I know where the stash is without having to feel around for them in the dark. They are working on banning bumper pads, in Canada at least. They have also been a danger when baby gets older because many kids will use them as a step to get out of the crib, which could lead to falls and other injuries. The way I see it, the risks outweigh the benefits nowadays. The way someone presented it to me, they may get their limbs stuck or lose the soother, but the worst that could happen (although rarely) is getting stuck or breaking a bone. On the other hand, using them could cause death or serious injury...I think I will stick to keeping them out of my son's crib...I can deal with getting up at night, but not losing my son (no matter how small the chances may be). I'm not about to risk his life over it.

Heather - posted on 09/10/2010

They make these really cool bumpers now. There are mesh so if your baby rolls up against them, they can still breath with ease. you can get them at babes r us and they are about 30 dollars.

Charlene - posted on 08/08/2010

I would absolutely not use bumper pads. Especially once they start moving. It is definitely not worth the risk at all!

Cynthia - posted on 08/07/2010

my son would move a lot sometimes, but i feel like at this time they know when to move their heads for air. (or at least my son does) and at first i was hesitant with the bumpers because like you said sids can occur and FOR SURE i didn't want that, but one night, i heard him whining and i was thinking, he might be hungry or wants his fier, (his pacifier) and to my suprise, HIS LEGS WERE POKING THROUGHT THE CRIB HOLES!!! lol it was funny i got admit because he was kicking and whining but it was a scary to think that he can get hurt badly later. So i put in the bumpers and yes his face would get near them and i watch him but he usually just turns his head the other way.

Amanda - posted on 08/06/2010

my daughter is also a mover, and I have bumpers. She is rolling over and holding her head up and I watch her while she naps sometimes. If she ends up against the bumper she usually moves or rolls away. I think by this age (depending on their size) they are better at moving if they are stuck?? My daughter is quite large though, about 17 or 18lbs at 4 months. I used the bumper with my 2 year old all along and she was fine, we only just took it out a few weeks ago because she was just squishing it!