Adults enjoy a plush, cozy bed full of fluffy pillows and downy comforters. It follows that parents would want to create an equally cozy -- and cute -- sleep environment for their little ones. Bumpers are a part of many crib bedding sets, and they add a cushy touch to baby's crib. However, crib bumpers are potentially hazardous, can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, and are not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Dangers
The American Academy of Pediatrics considers crib bumpers a safety hazard. Bumpers that are pillowy and plush can suffocate a baby who pushes her face up against them. Crib bumpers also pose a strangulation hazard for babies and can increase the risk of SIDS. Bumpers can trap a baby between the bumper and the side of the crib, and also can limit the flow of fresh air in the crib.
Ages and Stages
For newborns, parents should be concerned about suffocation and SIDS. For older babies who can pull themselves to a standing position and for toddlers who can walk and climb, crib bumpers pose another hazard: Children try to stand on a crib bumper to climb out of the crib and are seriously injured in a fall. If you do use a bumper, Baby Center recommends removing it by 8 to 12 months to avoid this hazard.
Bumper Safety
If you still decide to use a crib bumper, Baby Center recommends looking for the safest styles. Choose a bumper that is thin or made of mesh material that allows a baby to breathe. Choose a bumper that is firm rather than plush. Make sure the bumper fits the crib properly -- tight in the corners and on the sides -- and that there are no dangling strings or other hazards. The bumper should tightly tie or snap at each corner, at the top and bottom of the edges and along the sides. Cut off the excess strings after the bumper is tied in place.
Concerns
Of course, crib bumpers are cute. But many parents risk of using a crib bumper because they're afraid their child will roll against the hard edges of the crib and sustain a head injury. The Parents website says not to worry about this. Your baby will be safe even if she occasionally bangs her head against her crib. Babies' heads are tough enough to handle the bumps and bangs of growing up.
