Crib Bumper Safety

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"Alert on pillow like bumper pads"

 

Despite crib bumper safety warnings lots of parents still use pillow like bumper pads. Between 1987 and 2001, 23 incidents involving bumper pads have been reported to Health Canada.

Bumper pads may reduce the flow of oxygen rich air and the rebreathing of carbon dioxide may increase the risk of SIDS.

 

Why do people still use bumper pads?

• To prevent children from getting hurt against the side of the crib.
• To prevent entrapment of baby's limbs between the slats.
• For aesthetic reasons.

According to Health Canada the risk of a baby getting hurt by hitting his head on the sides of the crib and getting injured is nearly impossible.

Crib Bumper Hazards.

• Pillow like bumper pads can cause suffocation. Especially young babies are not able to move their head away from the bumper pad.
  
  
• Babies can also suffocate when they get wedged between the bumper pad and another surface.
  
  
• Another possible hazard is the strings that tie the bumper pad to the crib. Crib ties should be no longer than 7 to 9 inches. Twisted around baby's neck they can cause strangulation.
  
  
• Once your child is able to stand up they can climb on the bumper pads and fall over the sides of the crib.

 

Advantages of a breathable crib bumper.

If you insist on using bumper pads they should be thin, firm, well secured and not pillow like. That is why the breathable crib bumper is a safer option. other benefits of a breathable crib bumper:

Reduce the risk of suffocation because the breathable material allows the air to circulate. They can not be used as a climbing mechanism when babies are able to stand up. It tucks below the mattress for extra protection. They are made of machine washable and fast drying materials.

 

 

Have a look at this Breathable Crib Bumper that is compatible with most crib styles including convertibles and sleigh cribs provided they have slatted ends.

They come in solid colors to match any bedding set.

 

 

 

 

Crib bumper patterns.

You may also like Crib safety standards Crib mattress safety Crib net safety Co-sleeping safety

 

It is not that hard to make your own crib bumper and it can save you a lot of money.

As long as they meet the crib bumper safety recommendations.

 

 

Conclusion.

Health Canada recommends not to use bumper pads. Bumper pads compromise the safety of children with negligible perceived benefits.

Back to baby crib safety page.