Bumpers: look vs. safety

I registered for a bumper and knowing how it could be dangerous, did it anyway. However, when I was watching the news earlier, they did a report on SIDS and bumpers. Anyone else see this? My husband and I both looked at each other and said, "No bumper!"

But, I was wondering if you can put it back in when baby is older and able to move on his/her own?

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

For us, it was a no brainer. I could never imagine putting looks before the health and safety of my child. The risk of SIDS remains until age 2. At that age, I don't see a point to bumpers anyway.

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

I only used the bumpers for "show" when DS was in a bassinet in my room, well before we ever attempted to get him to sleep in his crib (it never happened ) When we tried to get him in his crib, we took the bumpers out and put breathable bumpers. The AAP just recommended not using bumpers in the crib at all. I saw the post on the parenting board today. I would never choose something for looks over safety.

ETA: If you put the bumpers back in when they're older, babies can use them to climb out of the crib

Message edited 10/18/2011 11:53:22 PM.

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

I'm so on the fence about this-- bumpers have been a debate since I was pregnant with Sasha--and many people opted not to include them then. With this new "mandate" from the AAP, I am not sure what to do.

I personally think it's how your baby sleeps-- in the beginning they are not moving that much. I believe the highest risk for SIDS like 4 to 6 months.

Sasha used to scoot down and when I had her bumpers out for a day--she kept getting stuck at the end of the crib.

I know that the AAP is trying to make a safety mandate for all babies-- and of course want to do the best for my child.

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

After the SIDS risk is over, the risk of them to use the bumper to help them climb out of the crib arises. So, I would ditch the bumper if I were you. You'll probably never use it.

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

We had a bumper for DC's crib before the LO showed up. DC was in a bassinet for the first 4 months. But when we moved to the crib out came the bumper and in went a breathable bumper. DC was notorious for getting their limbs stuck between the cribs bars before we put the breathable one in. We eventually took that one out too since DC was crazy and thought it funny to rip it off.

In short the breathable one help keep limbs safe from getting stuck for a short time. I think time around we are just going to bypass the whole bumper thing. But overall it's the LO's safety over looks.

And FYI bumpers are illegal now in Maryland because of the safety risk they pose.

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

We're not doing bumpers, IMO it's not worth the risk. But it annoys me to no end that the bedding sets all come with bumpers and every crib you see set up in a store has them in place. I'm glad this report is in the news because I think a lot of people aren't aware of the danger.

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

I'm using a breathable bumper!

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

No bumpers here.. I got a set of breathable bumpers, and I may put it on when the baby is older but DH is not having it.

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

I've had a bumper on DS's crib since his birth and he is 22 months old. He went in the crib at 7 weeks old and I never thought twice about it. During the "SIDS" age, they aren't mobile yet. We put him in the center of the crib and he never went anywhere. Also, once your child can pick up/turn their heads they run on instinct.

also, he never stands on it. I think you have to trust your gut. I knew in my heart he was ok. If you have any doubts about them, don't put it on.

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

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Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

I think the bigger problem has to do with the restricted air flow especially in the first few months - year.

I'm putting the bumpers on for show and when she starts sleeping in the crib I'll remove them. I don't have any experience with taking bumpers on and off but I might put them on loosely during the day when I make the crib if it's not to much of a hassle just so it looks nice, you know, like making the bed. If it's too annoying I won't bother. But for sleeping they won't be on. Not worth the risk for me.

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

After all of the news about bumpers lately, I am def. not using them. So scary!

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

We never used them. By the time we would have felt like suffocation wasn't a real risk, he was pulling to stand in the crib and then they became a climbing hazard. He's almost 2 and we never used any kind of bumper - they just aren't necessary IMO.

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

I had them in the crib with DS, but he was in our room for the first 5 months in a co-sleeper. He did sleep with the bumpers after 5 months and I took them out around 10 months when he started to stand. I did go out and get breathable bumpers, because DS would put his limbs through the bars while he slept.
This time, the baby will also sleep in our room for a while, but I will not be using the bumpers when the baby starts sleeping in the crib. I will use breathable bumpers right away.

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

i was thinking about breathable bumpers but don't really want to take the risk. also i feel like the bumpers might obstruct my view of baby laying down in the crib if i'm sitting (i'm short haha)

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

I may consider the breathable bumper.

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

Re: Bumpers: look vs. safety

Thanks, ladies! I'm not going to register for the bumper since I'm doing it at Pottery Barn and of course things come separate.
I love the coziness of the bumper but I'd be a little neurotic with having the baby sleep in it w/o me being in the room.

Can we just put our babies in little plastic, but breathable, bubbles, until 18????