Bumper pads are often included in a high-end nursery bedding set, along with a fitted sheet, quilts and even pillows. But most experts, including Health Canada and the American Academy of Pediatrics, warn against bumper pads, as they can pose a severe health risk to a baby. If you feel like your baby's crib needs a bumper pad, make sure to follow specific baby crib bumper safety guidelines to ensure that your crib bumpers aren't a health hazard to your infant.
Purpose
Baby crib bumper pads once served a purpose with cribs that were not built to the United States. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) standards. Older cribs, or cribs that were handmade sometimes had rails that weren't close enough together, allowing a child to stick his head through and potentially strangle himself. Since the CPSC guidelines for crib safety were released, all cribs sold must have rails that are less than 2 1/2 inches apart. Bumpers are also sometimes used to protect baby's head from bumping against the hard wooden slats of the crib.
Hazards
Unfortunately, the benefits of crib bumper pads are outweighed by the hazards of using one. The Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri reported 27 deaths in 20 years from crib bumpers, from strangulation and suffocation. Also reported were 25 nonfatal injuries. While the chances of your baby being hurt by a bumper pad are slim, they are not worth chancing.
Fit
If you must use a crib bumper, make sure that you choose one that fits snugly around the perimeter of the crib. Your baby should not be able to pull the bumper away from the side of the crib, and shouldn't be able to become wedged between the bumper and the side of the crib. Test the fit by running your hand around the perimeter of the crib, between the bumper and the outside of the crib. You shouldn't be able to fit more than one finger between them. If you can, tighten or discard the bumper.
Material
Most crib bumpers come made from cotton and batten that make them appear fluffy and soft, to match the crib bedding set. These are the most dangerous materials for bumpers, as they can conform to the nose and mouth of the baby and cause her to suffocate. Instead, look for a crib bumper made from breathable mesh, so that if your baby's mouth gets pressed against it, she can still breathe.
Ties and Accessories
You might love the lavish ties and bows that come with your crib bumper, but they can be a severe hazard to your baby, and should be removed. If your bumper has ties, tie them and then cut away any excess that your baby could get a hold of. Remove any type of accessory, like boys or small hanging toys. Even if they are sewn on, your baby could pull them free and choke on them. Keep him safe by making sure that his crib is a safe zone, free of hazards.
