Talk to me about crib bumpers

I admit that I am woefully naive. I see some people saying they will use bumpers, some people saying they will only use breathable bumpers, and some people saying they won't use any.

Are bumpers a suffocating hazard? What is a breathable bumper? Can someone walk me through this?

Message edited 2/28/2011 11:22:56 AM.

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

They say no bumpers will help SIDS from not happening. A baby can suffocate if it's face gets planted in them and bumpers prevent good air circulation in the crib

I plan to use them and the nursery will have a ceiling fan

it really is what you feel comfortable with - i have never heard of anyone not using bumpers before this site but if i feel uncomfortable with them in i will defiantely take them out if dd is a mover

Message edited 2/28/2011 11:24:11 AM.

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

breathable bumpers have holes in them - looks like mesh - that way air can circulate but provides protection against a baby's leg or arm getting stuck in the crib slots.

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

A friends ped recently told her NO bumpers, not even breathable ones. He said I'd rather you come to me with a kid with a broken arm from getting stuck in the crib (which he said was super rare) vs. walking into the nursery to find your child not breathing because their face was smushed up in the bumper.

We haven't found a ped yet, but we won't be using any bumpers.

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

I plan to use breathable bumpers the minute this baby can move around in the crib. Its just what I feel more comfortable with.

This is what they look like. Definitely not as cute as the ones that come with your bedding.

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

I plan to use a breathable bumper.

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

I didn't use one with DD and it was mainly because I didn't like the style of the bumper that came with the bedding set. I was going to look for another style, but never had time. DD never got stuck in the bars. Maybe once I found her arm through the slat while sleeping and I just moved her to the middle. She is 16 months now, and we really didn't miss the bumper at all. I think its more a fashion statement than anything.

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

I plan to use them until the baby can really move on its own. Then I will switch to breathable bumpers.

I have many friends who have done this and they all have healthy babies and had no problems.

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

I keep hearing no bumpers at all...I don't plan on using one. The bedding set we chose has one but my mom plans on doing something else with it

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

It's not just suffocating, they prevent air flow through the crib. I don't plan on using them, maybe breathable. I would love to make them into something though. I saw directions to make them into a valance, I'll have to see.

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

I've used bumpers with DD since she was in the crib. We had no bumpers for one night bc I was washing them and it took too long and she was up all night banging herself into the rails...I plan on using them with this baby too

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

I use the BB, even though they are they ugliest things ever! lol Between those and the Angel Care monitor I have I can sleep in peace knowing my DD is safe at all times!

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

I used regular bumpers with DS and will with DS#2.

My peds only concern was to take them out when he got old enought to use them to help launch himself out of crib.

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

I dont plan to use anything. If I need I will get the breathable ones. I have heard to many negative things about the bumpers so I am nervous and this my first so I will be nervous anyway.

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

I registered for the breathable bumpers.

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

DD is 8 mos and we use regular bumpers...they are very thick and pillowy. I have had no problems with them and DD actually puts her face into them to fall asleep at night...I think it's comforting to her. She moves all over and would be banging her head like crazy if they weren't there.
From what I've been told by several doctors - they really aren't a SIDS issue anymore once your baby has good head and neck control - that your baby will have survival instincts and not allow themself to suffocate if that makes any sense.
I will probably remove them when DD can stand up on her own and is taller/bigger b/c the bumper could pose as a step for her and she'd be able to climb out of the crib too easily. But for now they are staying in - never had any problems.
I get the concern though - I didn't sleep a wink the first night we put her in the crib - she was bet. 3 and 4 mos old....I was soo paranoid about her face being anywhere near the bumpers.
Just do whatever is comfortable for you.

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

I LOVE the bumper that comes with my cribset...therefore I plan to have it on the crib before the baby sleeps there, and then I will see how the baby moves in the crib once she sleeps there.

I can totally see myself putting the bumpers on when company comes, and taking them off at night for the baby to sleep.

I was also talked into a video monitor, so we will be able to see if DD has rolled into the bumper, assuming we are not asleep as well.

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

I had no bumpers until they were around 6 or 7 months, and got the breathable ones then to keep the pacifiers inside the crib.

Re: Talk to me about crib bumpers

I am not getting a matching bedding set. I am just coordinating separate pieces. With that said, I am fairly certain we are going with breathable bumpers. I just don't want to be THAT story.