Crib Bumpers Are They Right For You And Your Baby?

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If you go to your local department store or big box retailer to but bedding for your childs crib

, you will have a wide selection of complete bedding packages or bed in a bag options. Most of these packages will include a crib bumper, which is used to protect a baby from hitting its head against the hard surface of the cribs frame and railings. Although good in theory, crib bumpers have been the source of a lot of controversy in recent years.

Until recently, crib manufacturers had no regulations on how their cribs were designed. Consequently, many cribs were built with fairly wide spaces between the vertical slats or railings. Babies and toddlers could easily get their legs, arms, hands, feet and even heads caught and trapped between the railings and unfortunately, there were injuries and even some deaths due to this. Crib bumpers were used to not only prevent a child from hitting their head against the railings, but also to prevent the child from getting an extremity trapped or twisted between railings. In recent years, regulations have been passed that require crib manufacturers to build cribs with railings no more than 3 inches apart. So the threat of a baby getting its head caught no longer exists. Babies can and still do get limbs caught and can also inadvertently hit their heads on unpadded railings. Therefore, parents are still using crib bumpers. Many parents also like the look a crib bumper brings to the design of the nursery as they can be matched or complement the rest of the bedding or dcor of the room.

Parents of children who sleep in cribs should know about the risks associated with crib bumpers so they can make an educated decision on whether they are something to use or avoid.

Although very uncommon, there unfortunately have been instances where a child has ended up with its face pressed up against the crib bumper and has either suffocated or incurred brain damage from re-breathing exhaled carbon dioxide. The risk of suffocation, however small exists. It should be noted however, that suffocation risk also exists from loose blankets and other items that are commonly placed in a childs crib such as stuffed animals.
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There is also a small risk of strangulation. Crib bumpers are commonly attached to the crib frame with strings or ties. If the ties are too long or become untied, a baby can inadvertently get the ties wrapped around their neck and strangle themselves.

If you are a parent who is considering using a crib bumper in your childs bed, you should make sure than any extra tie length is trimmed and also consider purchasing a breathable crib bumper. Breathable crib bumpers are made of a permeable, mesh like material that a baby can breathe through should they somehow end up with their face pressed up against it. The breathable material also allows for good air flow, so there is no risk of carbon dioxide buildup.

Although the risk are very small, they do exist and parents should educate themselves on their options when it comes to keeping their baby as safe as possible while in their crib.

by: Megan Casas

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