Are Crib Bumpers Safe? Everything You Need To Know
In our early days of parenting, my husband, Terry and I would want to try different products for better baby sleep because as parents, we always want to do more for their safety and comfort.
Perhaps, seeing your baby hitting their head against the crib or getting recommendations from other mothers might encourage you to use products like crib bumpers or crib bumper pads. The question is, then, are crib bumpers safe? Should you be using them?
No, dear parents. They are not. Back in 2014, I wanted to try using crib bumpers for my child, Fiona. And I was all set to get it, too. It was totally accidentally that I came to know more about this product and I decided against buying one.
Therefore, I want to pass on the knowledge about crib bumpers to other parents who might think about getting one. Let’s explore more about the product and why they are not safe. I’ve also listed down some alternatives and answered some FAQs.
Table of Contents
Are Crib Bumpers Safe for Babies?
Nope.
They do not follow AAP and CPSC safety standards. Even surveys show that 60% of parents do not want to use bumper pads.
Why?
- Babies always need to sleep on a flat surface on a firm crib mattress. So, inclined sleepers and bumpers are a huge no-go since they do not create that flat, firm surface.
- This matters because babies do not develop good neck, spine, or head control during the initial 6 months at least. So, when you add crib bumpers, it can block their airway or trap their limbs, leading to suffocation, strangulation, entrapment, or SIDS!
Did you know? These crib bumpers were marketed to be a remedy for situations like suffocation, entrapment, and more. Those ads were simply misleading! They are not safe for babies, period.
Crib Bumpers Banned!
You cannot legally buy, sell, or manufacture products like crib bumpers, crib bumper pads, bumper guards, crib slat covers, and other products meant to cover a crib’s sides in the US anymore (Safe Sleep for Babies Act 2022).
And I know that all this is just heartbreaking to read about as a parent. But, it is important that you check the CPSC website for any product recalls and be careful about the products you approve for your baby.
What are Crib Bumpers?
- These are padding to put around the crib’s edges, so a baby does not fall through it or get their limbs stuck in the slats.
- Before their ban, there were different varieties of crib bumpers sold in the market, such as padded or mesh bumpers and vertical crib liners.
- These are made of cotton, foam, or organic materials, known for providing a soft surface, making it comfy for baby skin. It used to come in aesthetic designs and attractive colors too.
Recommended Reading: How to Choose the Perfect Baby Crib?
Why are Crib Bumpers Not Safe and Why to Avoid Using Them?
What could be more important to a new parent than their baby’s comfort and sleep?
Marketers have often used this sentiment or technique to sell baby products that claim to be safe and helpful, like crib bumpers.
- It was marketed as a product to protect a baby from crib slats, avoiding accidents and head injuries. These bumpers tie around all over the crib, so the baby cannot fall through it.
- It’s often believed that bumpers prevent babies from getting into trouble when playing or sleeping around the crib rails.
Well, I used to think this way too, and I thought why not give it a try for my daughter, Fiona because she would never sleep still and would also roll over suddenly. Thankfully, I dropped the idea after talking to mothers in the neighborhood who had bad experiences with them (they were so helpful!).
So, if you’ve got a baby who doesn’t lie still and rolls over when they sleep, there are other ways to ensure they have a safe sleep environment. Read it below.
Alternatives for Traditional Crib Bumpers
All your concerns are genuine, whether about your child’s leg getting stuck or possible head injuries. And there are better ways to ensure sleep safety than using crib bumpers.
- Invest in a good quality standard crib that has narrow slats and rails to avoid unwanted gaps.
- I also recommend that you cover your baby in wearable blankets to keep them safe from the startle or Moro reflex and sudden movements.
Please do not use breathable crib bumpers, mesh liners, or any soft materials in your baby’s crib to get them to sleep comfortably. Talk to your pediatrician about products you have doubts about, and make the safest decision for your baby.
Related Article: Are Baby Walkers Safe?
FAQs Related to Crib Bumpers
1. Are Crib Bumper Pads Safe?
No! Crib bumpers or crib bumper pads are now banned in the US! They aren’t safe for your baby and can cause dangerous situations like suffocation, strangulation, and SIDS.
Please check the CPSC website for product recalls and keep your baby safe!
2. Why Are Crib Bumpers Dangerous?
Crib bumpers can cause various hazards, some of which I have mentioned below:
1. Since your young baby does not have good head or neck control (especially if they are younger than 6 months!), any inclined position can be harmful to them. This can block their airway or suffocate them, and we do not want that.
2. Your baby can get stuck between the crib bumpers you fondly installed for their safety. This can suffocate them or trap their limbs, leading to accidental injuries that I know you want to avoid.
3. If your baby rolls over, stands up, or makes any sudden movements, they might fall out of the crib, suffer injuries or other accidents.
3. Can We Use Crib Liners in Place Of Bumper Pads?
My answer is still a big NO!
While crib liners are not banned, the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) does not recommend any third product for baby sleep safety. Only a bare crib and a comfortable crib mattress are safe (without liners, bumpers, pillows, or extra bedding).
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Conclusion On Crib Bumpers Safety
Crib bumpers might seem like a cozy and cute choice for your little munchkin, but they’re not safe, dear parents. They’ve caused over 100 infant deaths in the US. Experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics say they don’t help babies sleep and can be dangerous.
The sale of crib bumpers is even banned in the US. Instead of bumpers, choose cribs with narrow slats and rails, and use wearable blankets or swaddles to keep your baby cozy and safe.
Let’s focus on what truly keeps our little ones comfortable and out of harm’s way. Happy parenting.
