Crib Bumpers

We have never used bumpers. There are three possible dangers with them. One is the baby can strangle themselves with the ties, but that might have been fixed. Then there is the possibility that manage to get it over their face and suffocate (same reason that you shouldn't have a blanket or pillow.) Then lastly, once they start pulling up, I think that they can step on it and attempt to climb out of the crib. Hope this helps!

I've continued to use the bumper because of the same issues. I think some bumpers allow babies to lift themselves closer to the top of the rail.

The reason you are not supposed to use them is b/c of SIDS. A baby can roll over to the bumper when they are asleep and have their face against it, smother themselves unknowingly and can cause death. I'm not using one at all. I will chance my daughter banging into the bars a little over suffocating. Hope this helps :)

Hi H.,
I used all four bumpers in my daughter's crib from the moment she was born until about 18 months, when she got tall enough to stand on them and was in danger of falling out of her crib as a result. We never had any incidents at all! And my daughter used to snuggle right up to them all the time to sleep! Just remember that keeping him too warm in winter is actually a much bigger SIDS risk than bumpers.

Good luck,
K.

Hello H.,

They sell them in ALL of the stores and parents buy them and they look oh so cute, but the reason why we are not to use them in the crib is because ((( if your little one rolls around in the crib and they roll over to the side of the crib their face can rest up against the bumper and they can stop breathing and die. IT IS LIKE A HUGE PILLOW IN THE CRIB ALL AROUND and it can suffocate the baby. So trust me bumps and bruises from bumping into the bars will happen and little arms and legs will find their way between them, but with all said and done all of that is livable compared to them stop breathing.)))

As a first time mom, always come to mama source to ask questions. Mama Source is a GREAT place to get some wonderful help and information.
These mommies here on mama source are GREAT women and they have lots of advice and stories to share. All of the information is helpful to ALL.

I am a mother of 3 and I wish that there was mama source around for me when I had my first one almost about 8 years ago. BUT I am glad that I found it now. BETTER LATE THEN NEVER!!!

GO TO THIS WEB SITE TO READ ABOUT WHY THEY ARE UNSAFE

http://babyproducts.about.com/od/recallsandsafety/a/bumpe...

God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving.

From one mother to another.

I used bumpers with both of my girls. If i didn't they would get their legs and arms caught in the rails. I did buy and now use one with a mesh type bumper. It is mesh and velcros on to the crib. I got it at walmart but i think they have better ones at babiesrus. It is great to keep their arms and legs in but doesn't have any cushion to keep from them bumping their head. I worried about traditional bumpers too. My daughter did get under it one time. She was crying and i was trying to get her to sleep better and was leting her "cry it out". It was only for a few minutes and then i checked on her and found her head under the bumper.

Hi H.,

I am a mother of three. I used crib bumpers for all three. On my last, he was such a wild sleeper that I doubled them and used two so that he would not hurt his head. I never had any problems. Just make sure that you tie the strings in a knot so that they will not come undone during the night.

Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving,

L.

I've used the bumpers with all 4 of my children and not a one has ever come close to suffocating themselves. Or using it as leverag to climb out. It really is a child by child basis that you should use your best judgement as the parent if it's worth it or not. You know your baby best and if you think that he will get caught in the bumper or try to use to it climb out later, take it out. Mom's have fantastic gut instincts. Tune in and listen to yourself most and use this forum as other points of view... not directions on how to parent. We're here to support one another and I'm glad you found us!

H.
My son is now 5 1/2 and I used them on his crib when he was little even though he would just play in his crib and not sleep in it until he was over a year old..Nothing ever happened..I just made sure that they were tied very tightly and flush to the crib sides..What some warnings have said about them is that there is a chance that the baby can roll over and wind up pulling the bumper down over their face and suffocate themselves..However the one that I had had several ties to it all the way around the bumper not just at the corners so it would have been hard for him to pull it off..I used mine because even though my son just played in his crib he would roll over and run into the sides of the crib and I personally thought that him running into a bumper was much better than putting a blankets around the sides that they could grab a hold of and put over their faces..Hope this helps..

Because some people think that they will come untied and become a suffocation risk. I never had a problem with one, and it protected my baby from banging is head on the wood rods of his crib. He was a pusher and liked to move all the way up to the sides. I think as long as you tie them tight they're fine for babies. Older children might be able to untie them though. It's a judgement call.

I've used them for all three of my kids. I believe issues arising from SIDS might have something to do with little ones that perhaps cannot turn away from the bumper and suffocate etc... I still use one in the crib my son is in and he is about ready to move to a toddler bed soon. But have always used one in his bed.

I have heard that it is being recommended that bumpers are not to be used because of suffocation. I can tell you that between my husband and I we have 7 children (and another on the way) and have used crib bumpers with every child. We have had no issues or problems and have had the "wild sleepers" along the way. I can understand someone's concern and if there have been reported cases of children who have suffocated it would cause some alarm in first time parents. However, I know that we have avoided bruises with crib bumpers and will use them with this child as well. Unfortunately I feel that there are too many "things" out there that would scare a first time parent (or even a multiple parent) that do not really warrant such concern. I know that there have been major improvements for the safety of our children that have been discovered since we were children, but at the same time I also feel that many of them cause undue stress or concern for us as parents. It's amazing that we survived childhood with all these new developments. :) I hope this helps you in your decision.

Hey H.. The only reason that I know of or have been told about, is because once they start standing, they can use the crib bumper to stand on and gain leverage to get over the crib rail. So I left it in until my son could stand on it and potentially climb over. I hated to remove it because it did provide such a nice cushion and I hate to see him against the rail. Also now, his little feet and arms hang outside the railing. Other than that, it has worked out well. Good luck.
Sincerely,
E.

I have three children and have used crib bumpers for all. EVERY one of my friends, which I have many many w/children have all used bumpers.............I am not sure of the negative implications they are suppose to have but, there is much more to worry about and I say do what makes you most comfortable. This in my opinion is safe.

Hello,
Congratulations on your baby boy. I believe that the concern is that a baby can get their head in the bumper and strangle. Yet every baby cribset that I have seen sells them. I am a mother of a 3 yr old daughter who is a horrible sleeper since birth and I used the bumper. She used to like to sleep with her head against the head of the crib. Actually she still does now in her toddler bed. I think it makes them feel like their in the uterus. Anyway it was suggested to me that I get a plastic or very sturdy bumper cause she used to put her hand inside of it. I am pregnant and will try to find one that is very sturdy. My daughter slept in her crib until age 2 and no accidents. Just make sure the crib bumper is tied properly and do not place too many items in his crib. I never used a pillow or stuffed animals just a knitted blanket that my daughter still carries around. Sounds like your a great mom.

Mother of a 3yr old and 6 months pregnant.

I agree with Amanda completely. If you are worried about them Babies R'Us carries breathable bumpers. They are velcro and work great. We used traditional bumpers in the beginning, but once I heard about the breathable ones I switched. Good luck.

there is a concern about SIDS and suffication with the bumpers. At this point your son is 7 months he has greatly passed that risk because he is probably rolling on his own if not already crawling.

I used the bumpers with both my boys because I had movers and they would always end up with an arm or a leg out side of the crib, or there heads right up against the crib rails....just looked uncomfortable and the bumper prevented it.

I took the bumpers down on my first one when he was about a year I guess, he was using it as leverage to try to climb out of the crib so out it came so he couldn't climb....for atleast a few more months lol when he learned how to anyways (he is a tall kiddo) with my 2nd he came out of the crib into a toddler bed at 17 months and had the bumpers the entire time, he liked to sleep against the rails....and he never tried to climb out!

I've read about the possibility of an infant smothering if positioned just right with the face next to the bumper. I never used a bumper on my child's crib. What I used instead was a mesh like panel that went all the way around to prevent arms and legs going through the slats. I just didn't want to take a risk. But I do know that probably most people use them.

Babues can smother themselves in the crib bumpers. If you feel it nessessary to get one I would recomend the mesh ones that are breathable. This is to avoid sids. Try to use the wearable blankets as the others can easily be thrown over you babies head while he wiggles and this can also cause him to smother himself.

Because babies get stuck under them and / or againist them and suffocate.

I think crib bumpers, especially if they're very puffy, are discouraged for very young infants because they can fall asleep with their face in them and suffocate.

I purchased Breathable Bumpers (about $20 at walmart.com) and love them -- they keep baby's arms and legs in but don't pose a problem if she falls asleep up against them. Also, I think any bumper use is discouraged for older babies who can use them to stand up on and use a a step to jump out of the crib.

Good luck and take care!

My son is 20 months old and we still have part of the bumper in his crib. I always check to see that the bumper is tied on tightly.. My son actually sleeps better with the bumper in, so I'm going to keep them in there until we convert to a "big boy bed"

Wishing you good luck!

Crib bumpers pose a suffication/choking issue....you can check on the consumer products safety website, & safe kids website.

H.,

The typical decorative bumpers are usually thick and are good for protecting from getting arms/legs through and hitting their heads but there is sometimes the concern of them smooshing their faces against. There is a breathable bumper sold by babies r us that has some cushion to it but is thinner and they are able to breath through it. It might give you piece of mind.

Good luck,

L.

I use to use one untill my daughter got it cought around her neck one night.Im not saying no one should use them just be careful and use your own judment.i think its ok while they are still young but when they start to move around remove them. THANK YOU,J.,APOPKA,FL

I used bumpers for both my babies and never had a problem with either of them. They are tied tight. Both moved around alot and would get caught in between the rails with out the bumper.

My son is 1 year old and I have always used a crib bumper. My son also was a "wild sleeper" and the bumper protected his head,arms, etc when he would roll around but also when he would stay and then fall backwards. Just make sure its tied tight and you may need to check it once in awhile. The only problme is if it's too lose, his head could get stuck underneath but I tuck in part of the bumper around the crib so he can't get underneath it.

H.,

Bumpers can be dangerous, especially if your child is a "wild" sleeper. Your son could roll over and get his face or head caught in a position against the bumper that will suffocate him. I had a bumper on my son's crib until he was old enough to roll over against it and play with it, then I took it out. He'll get use to nothing being there...

Hey. I've heard that bumpers are bad because of possible suffocation. We did not use one because of this. However, it seems to me that there is more of a chance of your son getting bonked in the head or something. It's up to you. Our son got to see out without one. We put a sleep sack on our son at that age and it kept his feet in very nicely.

Blessings,
A.

Hi H.,

We used the bumper for the same reason as you untilmy daughter could stand in the bed. Then we removed it so she would not use it to boost her up and potentially climb out. She still sometimes bumps her head or cannot figure out how to get her leg back out - but it's better now that she's bigger and much better than her falling over the side!

Our son is 10 months old and has always had a bumper in his crib. He moves alot too but has never gotten "caught" in the slots.

The removal of the bumper was the extreme response to SIDS where they askes to remove EVERYTHING from the crib. Just like with all recommendations you have to know your kid and what is best for you and him.

If you think it'll alleviate the getting caught in the slot, give a try for a few nights and see if it works. . .

There is some concern that bumpers can cause SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrom) by causing a baby to suffocate. That is also why it is not recommended not to use blankets on very young babies, but to use sleep sacks instead. Once a baby can turn his head, though, it's usually ok to use bumpers & blankets, so you should be fine with a 7 mo old. As with all things, I think you have to take the bumper thing with a grain of salt. Honestly, I think it's extreme, especially in your case where your son is older & actually needs bumpers so he doesn't hurt himself! GL!

Oh that is because of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) seems some kids got their faces up against the bumper and stopped breathing enough times that they think it is better not to have them anymore. It is a more recent recommendation so lots of mom have used them in the past with no problems. I didn't use one (my husband is a doctor in training so I was getting all the medical journals on newborn care and such and seeing the studies first hand in all that medical jargon). The studies only SLIGHTLY suggest that it helps guard against SIDS but every little bit helps right?

I've read what alot of ppl here have said an agree i had bumpers with all of mine and no incidence i had more issues the one time i didn't have one and the baby kept getting her arms and legs stuck between the slats at odd angles, i made sure they were securly tied all the way around and i tucked the bottoms between the matress and the crib so they were more secure yet high enough over to keep the baby from craming her head against the bars yes i had one do it. the danger is fear the baby may suffocate.

H., I kept A-friggin-dorable crib bumpers in Joshua's crib until he started to pull on them. Then I switched to a soft breathable mesh. That was removed when Josh began standing in his crib (Did not want him to use the mesh bumper as a means to propel him out of the crib.).

I had to get use to hearing Josh bang his wee head on the crib but after awhile he got use to it.

The whole reason peeps recommend that you do not use crib bumpers is to reduce the chance of SIDS. It is merely a safety precaution. Heck, I know friends who placed a blanket over their newborn and others that merely had a mattress with a well-fitted sheet on their child's bed (they placed their child in a sleep sack).

H.,

My son is also a wild sleeper. He flips, flops and rolls his way from one end of the crib to the other. I had the decorative bumper pads until he was about 7 months old. I went in one night to check on him only to discover that he had shoved his head underneath one of them. He was sound asleep and in no distress at all, but they came out of the crib immediately. We then just tried to do with out, but he woke up screaming because his leg was caught. We now use the breathable bumper from One Step Ahead and it has worked great. My son is almost 13 months and we have had no incidence. However, the breathable bumper will only work on cribs that have slats on all sides (not solid on the ends). Hope this helps.

Dear H.,
I have never heard that a crib bumper could be dangerous. By the sounds of it you should have them up. That is what they are made for...to "protect" the baby.
-N.

I had one on until mine started pulling up/sitting up and then you're not supposed to have them in so that they can use them to get out of the crib - like put their foot up on it and use it to step on and climb/fall over the edge. They do, however, make a very thin "bumper" that's like a fine net/screen like material to keep their legs/arms from getting caught in the slots. I think it's like $20 or so at Babies R Us. I haven't checked around for other prices - but I may get one now that mine's 8 mo. old too. Check it out!! :)

It has been said that crib bumpers can strangle or suffocate a baby. If the bumpers are too soft, the baby's nose or face can get pressed up against it and the baby can potentially suffocate. If they are too firm, the baby can climb up on the pads and fall out of the crib. At a minimum, the AAP recommends that if bumpers are used that they be removed when the baby begins to stand so that they can't be used as steps (http://www.aap.org/family/inffurn.htm). I used bumpers in my daughter's crib until I did a little research and found that they could do more harm than good. My little girl (now 20 months) was never a good sleeper (and still isn't) and was quite active when she did sleep. So, I took out the nice, soft, luscious (i.e. expensive) bumpers and replaced them with "breathable" bumpers which prevent your little one's limbs from getting caught in the crib slats but don't pose the same risk as the other, "cushier" bumpers. I bought the breathable bumpers at One Step Ahead but you may be able to find them at other places such as Babies "R" Us or Target. Good luck!!!