To Bumper or Not to Bumper? - Oakland,CA

Hi L.,

I "compromised" on this debate by weaving the bumper in and out of the slats (2-3 at a time). They are nice and snug that way, she can't get between it and the slats, and also she can't stick her arms or legs throught the slats because the weaved bumper is there instead. Try it!

I had the exact same problem with both my kids. I'd take the bumpers at the suggested time, but they both got stuck. One time I had to go get some butter and slather her up to get her out. Neither were climbers, so I didn't have to worry about them using the bumpers to elevate them and make it easier to escape, so I kept the bumpers in until we moved them to their big girl beds. We never had a problem with having the bumpers in and never again had any stuck limbs.

Good luck.

My daughter is gonna be a year soon and I still have the bumpers on. She is my 4th child and I left them on til they were out of the crib.

Dear L.,
I never heard about removing bumper pads when the baby becomes mobile. It always seemed to me that's when they were the most necessary. You want to make sure they are securely fastened....
Once my kids started rolling around, they used every single square inch of their crib in their sleep. In fact, I got a couple extra sets of bumper pads in case one was in the wash etc, after some head bonking incidents.
I would say to put the bumper pads back in. The more active your baby gets, the more likely she will get an arm or leg through the slats while she's scooching around in her sleep. Or konk her head.

Best wishes!

Hi L.,
My daughter is 3 yrs old, still in her crib WITH bumpers. She isn't a climber so our pediatrician said to leave her in her crib for now. She is also an active sleeper and I worried about her hitting her head on the crib without the bumpers but removed them for one night at about 7 months. That night she got her leg SO stuck between the slats of her brand new crib that we almost had to cut her crib apart! It took me an hour to calm her down and she had a big bruise on her leg. If all you are worried about is that she will get her leg or arm stuck, there is a breathable bumper in the One Step Ahead catalog (also online) that is mesh. I was never worried about Paige suffocating because of the bumper, she is a light sleeper and I have a video monitor.
Sincerely,
L.

Talk to most mothers, and they will also tell you that their babies/toddlers got their arms and legs stuck between the slats after removing the bumpers, my daughter included. "Regulation" cribs with regulation slats are meant to be too small for a child to get their heads/necks trapped or stuck, but not meant to keep arms and legs stuck (as it is not considered life threatening to get a chubby little limb stuck for a few minutes). In fact, crib slats are required to have a certain amount of "give" so that an adult can easily spread the slats with their hands to get a little leg or arm out once its stuck. My little one got her arm stuck once, her leg stuck once - and those two learning experiences were all it took for her to "get it" and not do it again.
It is imperative for you to remove the bumpers now - in fact, you should have removed them long ago as soon as either one of the babies even started to attempt to roll over. It doesn't sound like they are standing yet, but you better be sure they would be using those crib bumpers as little step stools if they were (thats why I had to remove my daughters bumpers a second time - she was using them as a boost to climb out of the crib)! Upon removal of the bumpers, she WILL get stuck a few times as she is just naturally exploring a change in her normal bed set up - don't worry, she CANNOT seriously injure anything, so don't keep yourself up at night worrying about it. If she gets stuck, she will let you know with her cries. Give it a few weeks and she'll get the idea, and stop getting herself stuck between the slats.

The rule we were told was nothing in the crib (no bumpers, no blankets, no loveys) with baby until baby was 12 months old. Prior to that age the risk of baby suffocating is too great. Also, our pediatrician told us that our daughter could not cause herself serious harm by bumping her head on the crib and that getting a limb stuck in the crib would elicit screams from our daughter, but that suffocating babies don't/can't cry for help. For us the risks posed by the bumpers far outweighed the benefits and we never used them.

We never needed a bumper with my son and I felt it was safest without one, but I would use a breathable bumper for my next baby for sure:
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

Congratulations on your twin girls!

I too had a very active crib baby, but I left the bumpers in until he started climbing around. There were a couple of times when I saw my son roll face first into the bumper, before he learned how to flip himself back over, and he would immediately just turn his head the other way, even if he was sleeping. I only eventually took the bumper out of his crib because I saw him trying to stand on it in order to climb out! Creative little beans, aren't they?

Have fun with your little ones!

~K.

Hi L.
I really debated whether to get a bumper or not....but ended up getting one when my son was 7 months old (he's almost 10 months old now). I am glad I did. It prevents his legs from getting stuck (though he's active and sometimes still gets them in between above the bumper), but mainly because when he is sitting up in bed and now standing up, then falls back, it gives him a little break to his fall. When I am washing it, he has had the tendency of hitting his head against the sides. The other nice thing is it keeps the paci in the crib, when the bumper is not there i can't tell you how often he throws it out the sides! Just my experience with the bumper, hopefully you find the best solution for you and your baby!

Lorie

I put the bumpers back on when my son banged his head in his sleep. It sounds like your baby is a gymnastic sleeper too.
Take them off when she starts learning to climb out - or not - we left them on 'cuz my son would try to stand on the bumper to climb and it would squish down and he would get scared and give up - never climbed out! Whew!!! they are calle bumper pads for a reason. Just avoid too many stuffed animals or blankets - they can be very dangerous - and be sure the bumper is tied down securely and stretched as tight as you can.

I left the bumpers on the crib for my 2 babies and both are fine. My youngest, 14 months, still has the bumpers in his crib. :)

Hi L.,

So far you have gotten some mixed answers. My twin daughters are now 27 months old, and each still have the bumper in their cribs. Fortunately, neither girl is a climber so I plan to keep them in their cribs until about 3 years old. I was told by our pediatrician and specialists that once the girls were lifting their heads and rolling over onto their stomachs, the chance of SIDS decreases. You can drive yourself crazy trying to keep them on their backs once they start rolling. Still, make sure the mattress is firm and no blankets or stuffed animals until about 1 year old. I use the bumper on three sides of the crib so that the front of the crib is left open. Occasionally, an arm or leg gets caught, but if they got it in the space, you can help them get it out.

Hi L.,

First of all, the bumpers are ok to use. I've used it on all of my 4 kids and they are to help prevent head bumps or arm/leg caught in the crib slats. That is what it is made for to protect their heads and keep their arms/legs out of the crib slats. The only time is when not to use it if the baby is not mobile enough to figure out how to move their head the other way like if the head get caught in the bumper. They do not recommend to use unless the baby is much older and more mobile and able to move head around. Hope this info is helpful.

For our twins, we wove the bumpers between the crib slats - that way they were there to prevent a stray arm or leg from going through, but they weren't floppy enough for their heads to get under. my girls weren't really into climbing - if they were climbers I probably would've reconsidered :-) :-).

You've already received a lot of different opinions and suggestions, but remember that you know your kids best and IMHO this is one of those issues that you can go with your instincts on.

Enjoy your babies - they grow fast! Mine are starting first grade in a couple weeks!

Hi L.. I read that you were supposed to take the bumpers off as well. I didn't with either of my kids because even with the bumpers on they both seemed to get hurt once they were older. My daughter who is almost 2 still has the bumpers on because she is a toss and turn sleeper. So far I haven't had problems. I would say play it by ear. Also I think it all depends on the kid. My son (4yr old)sometimes jumps in the crib and plays with my daughter..he's too old and sometimes will jump between the bumper but other than that so far it's been safe for us. Good luck.

Hi L.,

Bet you are busy with twins! :)

To answer your question, when our little girl was still in a crib we never used bumper pads. We opted for a mesh crib tent (never needed to zip it) and it worked perfectly to keep her arms/legs safely inside while allowing free air flow. Also, the bumper pads tend to become "steps" for climbing from what I hear. :) Our daughter liked the crib tent (the arching canopy overhead), and we definitely preferred it for safety since it went all the way up the sides and didn't allow for climbing or poking out, but if you don't think you'd want to go the tent route, there are mesh bumpers too.

We had this (the Crib Tent II) http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2404625

and here are a set of mesh bumpers
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266849

I think these both are still available at Babies R Us stores.

Good luck - this should be an easy fix! :)

S.

I found that putting my son in a sleepsack helps stop his little legs getting stuck. He had his arm stuck this morning, but when I went in there, he pulled it out himself.

E.

I haven't read all of your responses, so I don't know what everyone else has said. However, I used the bumper in my daughter's crib for a long time. I know they say it poses a health hazard when babies become mobile, but I feel like it prevents things like legs getting stuck and them bumping their head while they are rolling around in their sleep. Isn't that why they are called bumpers? :)

I finally had to remove the bumper when my daughter started using it to climb on to get out of the crib. She never got out, but ripped the little ties off of it by standing on it.

Good luck!

I left the bumpers on the entire time my kids were in their cribs with no problem always thinking how much I would not like putting my head or legs against something hard and somertimes cold.

I say keep the bumpers on. My daughter is almost 2(and about to move out of her crib) and we still have them on. They provide comfort and warmth and protection from the hard wood.

Breatheable mesh bumpers have been the answer for us:
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

They are too flimsy to use as a step for climbing and they do a great job of keeping his arms and legs in the crib.

They sell mesh 'breathable' bumpers. Try Babies r Us or Google one online.

You've gotten a lot of other reponses, but I wanted to let you know that my son is 21mo, and we still use the bumpers. To be honest, I've never read that you're supposed to remove them when the baby becomes mobile. It seems kinda silly to me to take them out when the baby seems to need them most...?? However, I can understand that they "might" pose a health hazard.

To prevent my son from being able to use them to climb out (which, thank goodness, he still has never attempted), I make sure the corners are really tight, but the side/middle ties are loose and can slide easily. Hope this helps!

I definitely would not go back to using the bumpers. They are more for you than for her (decor) and pose a serious SIDS risk. They are actually banned in Canada for this reason. She will not bump her head that hard. Better she end up with a bruise than suffocate! My son also got his legs stuck in the slats too. I recommend a sleep sack (Halo Sleep Sack). They sell them at Babies R Us in both cotton and fleece. They act as a wearable blanket and as an added plus - the feet cannot slip through those regulated slats!

We use the breathable bumpers and love them. Then I don't ever worry about my babies getting stuck in the corner and suffocating. I sleep a lot better at Night. My 3 year old is still in her crib and she still cuddles up to the corner.
They have them at Babies r us and I'm pretty sure Target and Wal-mart too. Call them ahead to make sure

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2529738

In this case mobile means standing as I was told by our pediatrician. Some types can be used to help climb out of a crib. If you still want a bumber as a guard against leg injury then they have mesh ones that are easier to breath through and prevent the arms and legs from sticking out. The mesh ones also do not bunch along the side as do the decorative ones so they can not be climbed.

Good luck :)

I had babies ages ago....back when they were first discussing bumper pads and their possible connection to SIDS/suffocation deaths. All 4 of my babies slept in cribs with bumpers (even a bassinette with bumpers). One of my babies was even prone to sleep apnea and the bumpers stayed.

Have you ever found her face wedged up against the bumpers? If not.... I know younger moms who have had children break limbs from getting stuck between "regulation" slats.

It is ultimately your call. Generations of babies lived quite nicely in cribs with bumper pads.

Hi L.!

I am a mother of twin girls born December 07, so we're right in the same boat! I did not use bumpers with these girls at all, though for my other 3 I did. Mine too get arms & legs stuck & whoop & holler, but they've never gotten hurt beyond being really mad. I decided not to bother with bumper pads at all this time.

E-mail me directly if you ever need to talk about twin life, it is different, isn't it?

Take care!
D.

I really think it's up to you. you know your child best. My son has never been the type to seriously try and climb out of his crib so I have never taken the bumper out and he is now 2 yr 9 mos. He always slept all over the place, even side to side in the crib and not having the bumper would have made that very uncomfortable for him. When he did start experimenting with climbing out of the crib (though he has never gotten anywhere near doing it) I loosened all the top ties of the bumper so he couldn't launch himself off over the side. Instead it just crushed down not giving him any leverage. In addition to that we talked to him about how he would get hurt if he tried climbing over by himself. He just happens to be the type of kid to process the info and then not do it. So, basically I think those are precautionary rules/tips but you knowing your child should be able to decide for yourself it it's really an issue at this time.

My daughter has gotten her legs "stuck" a couple times, but I just take them out and move her to the center of the crib, it never woke her up. I took them out when she was about 3 months old, but I was losing sleep from getting up and checking on my daughter every couple hours because I was afraid of SIDS or suffocation.

L.,
I too am a mother of twin girls, but they are 9 now and it does get much better.
I have 4 kids with the youngest being 18 months old and have always always used the bumper. I used it to prevent them from getting their legs caught, or bumping their heads on the sides of the cribs. As long as they can roll over and are somewhat mobile, I would put them right back into the crib. It will save bumps on the head and leg or arms from getting caught.
Need more twins advice let me know.
trish

I have a 6mo son who is very active in his crib as is your daughter. I removed the bumper, and the same thing happend; his legs got stuck (brand new, safe crib). So, I put the bumper back in and I plan to leave it there for a while. My son sleeps on his side and tummy a lot, too, like your daughter. It is my understanding that once they can roll and lift their heads real well, the stomach sleeping is not as much of an issue. I just try to avoid lots of extra material in the crib (big blankets, etc) that he might not be able to move away from. Hope this helps.

I'd keep the bumpers on. My baby loves to cuddle up to her bumpers and use them to prop her legs up. Also, my neice, who will be 2 next month, got her foot caught in the slat of her crib and broke her foot a couple months ago.

Dear L.,
I think that you need to make sleeping in the crib a good experience for the babies. Personally, I kept the bumpers in for all three of my children, now grown. My daughter and I, both have the bumpers in for our 7mo baby girl. I have been in the nursery and watched her standing at the back side of the crib and then sit down quickly and hard then fall back and bump her head on the opposite side of the crib. She is a very active baby, and I am very thankful for the bumpers. I do not plan on taking them out anytime soon. Our little baby is all over the crib, when she is not ready to nap. I also can not recall any of my children getting stuck between the rails, and I credit that to leaving the bumpers in.
P S. I don't know if you have ever looked up SIDS on the computer, but it will tell you that babies can die of SIDS from anything including non breast feed babies to not giving them a pacifier. Remember any study can give you any results that the people doing the study want them to have.

http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

This wesite should take you to "One Step Ahead" and show you a crib tent. It's so awesome. The tent lines the whole inside and keeps arms and legs inside. I absolutely loved mine. If it's too unsightly, then perchase a pretty canopy tent to hang over it. It's worth every penny. By the way, you can still put the bumpers in the crib in between the tent and crib.

Shannon, mother of 3.

My son is 20 months old and we still use his "Breatheable Bumpers." They are mesh so he can breathe even when he jams himself up in a corner. They just help to keep his arms and legs from being caught in the crib slats. Besides, he never was able to use them as a prop to climb out of the crib - super flexible. BRU and Target carry these.