Crib Bumpers

Most of us think of crib bumpers as an integral part of nursery bedding. In fact, most crib bedding sets include crib bumper pads. But, do we really need them? What are the advantages and disadvantages to having crib bumpers in your child’s bed?

Well, crib bumpers came about years ago when the slats on cribs were far enough apart that children could easily get their head stuck between them. During this time, bumper pads were actually a way of making your child’s crib safer. Today, however, cribs manufactured in the US and Canada must meet safety guidelines. The slats are far too close together for a child’s head to get stuck.

Many parents believe that bumper pads help to prevent children from bumping their heads when moving around in the crib. While it’s true that crib bumpers do provide padding around the perimeter of the crib, experts say that it would be nearly impossible for an infant to hit his head on the crib hard enough to cause injury or bruises.

In fact, many child safety groups have begun to recommend that parents not use crib bumpers. Today’s experts recommend that a young infant’s crib remain uncluttered, as any fabric that could wind up over the child’s face poses a choking hazard. In addition, crib bumpers reduce the free flow of air throughout the child’s crib, creating what is known as “rebreathing” of air. Some experts in the study of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) believe that rebreathing of air may be a contributor to SIDS.

If you do decide to use crib bumpers, be certain to remove them when your child is old enough to begin pulling up in the crib. Many a child has used those bumpers as a stair step for climbing out of the crib.

There’s no doubt that crib bumpers add to the beauty of the nursery, and many parents do continue to use them. If you’re concerned, you might consider using mesh bumpers. These crib bumpers are made from mesh to allow air flow through them. This air flow diminishes the danger of suffocation if the baby accidentally gets the bumper over their face and also allows more air to flow through the crib, eliminating the “rebreathing” problem. These mesh bumpers have become very popular, and are now available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. You can find them at nearly every store that sells nursery bedding.

Crib bumpers were once thought of as an essential part of nursery bedding. However, with new research about SIDS and suffocation hazards, it’s wise to think carefully before using traditional crib bumpers.