MemberAll the crib bedding I have seen out there includes the bumper. I was talking to my SIL who said that she heard that it could be dangerous to the baby if they suffocate from the bumper. I certainly don’t want to put my little one at risk, but I was wondering if I tied it really tight, or even used zip ties to secure them if it would be ok. Any thoughts either way on what you did. Thanks!
MemberI believe the risk comes from baby being able to squirm to the bed railing but not be able to squirm back.. so they in essence get “stuck” there.
We used the bumper with DS, but I also had no idea about the risks. This go round I’m foregoing the bed set and just getting crib sheets and then some blankets (which wouldn’t really be used in bed anyways) cheaper, safer, and still just as effective.
MemberI have read that if you don’t have it they could also bump their heads a lot on the rails. Some people then just tuck the bumpers into the mattress to secure them more. Also, some people say they use the mesh ones. Maybe they are better?
MemberI’ve heard about the mesh ones too! We’ll be co-sleeping with LO in our room in a co-sleeper for the first 6mths or so, so I’m not too worried about it either way. Still think baby bedding is outrageous so we’ll be skipping it. lol
MemberWe didn’t use anything until our daughter started getting squirmy–maybe 6 months? Then got the mesh. I figure anything that they think could contribute to SIDS? I’d rather be safe than sorry.
MemberWe won’t use a padded bumper for our baby, because I am nervous about the safety risk, I *may* use a mesh bumper, if we find there are issues with limbs getting stuck between rails, but I am not going to buy one unless we really need it. SIDS scares the crap out of me, so I will be following every recommendation.
We are getting our bedding custom made from an Etsy seller, and just not having bumper pads made.
MemberThe American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the use of bumpers for babies. The risk associated with them is suffocation and is the same reason pillows and stuffed animals are discouraged until baby is a bit older. A newborn who squirms up next to a pillow or bumper but doesn’t have the reflex to move away when it cannot breathe, will suffocate. That being said, your newborn may squirm but won’t be moving with enough force to hurt her/himself if he/she ends up next to the rail. By the time baby is that active, you can put the bumpers on because by then the reflex will be there.
I never used any for my son. My best friend used the mesh ones and the only real purpose it served was keeping the pacifiers from falling out of the bed. It didn’t offer any cushion for the rails.
Oh and for what it’s worth, I’m mom to a 3 year old and a nurse who has spent a considerable time working in neonatal and pediatric intensive care.
MemberI will be turning the bumper that came into our set into additional wall hangings, etc. We got a mesh one to use instead. I was concerned about arms or legs getting stuck in the crib rails. Not sure if that actually can happen though.
MemberWe plan to start out using no bumper on our crib, and once the baby starts rolling and getting stuck in the crib slats, then we will install a mesh bumper.
MemberWe’re not doing sets -just too $$$- but going with just sheets. Registered for a mesh bumper.
MemberThanks for all the comments, I really appreciate them! I like the idea of the mesh bumper as well. I think we may just start off with nothing and then see what happens.
MemberPer the nurses in the NICU unit and as the PP said you should not use bumpers. The nurses told us not to use them for the first 6 months of life. My son was in a cradle with no bumpers and now transfered to his crib again no bumpers.
MemberI had my son in a basanet right next to my bed for the first few few months of his life and then moved him to his crib and he kept getting his leg stuck in the railing. I used the bumper and even tucked it into the mattress and he still somehow managed to get his leg under it and through the railing. After that I tied it on the outside so his leg couldn’t go all the way through and get stuck. We never had problems with his head going anywhere near the edge though. For some reason it was always his legs.
MemberI live in the state of Maryland and they are currently in the process of banning the sell and use of bumpers in the state.
MemberThe topic ‘Who used their bumper? Who didn’t?’ is closed to new replies.