Bumper Pads or NO Bumper Pads.

Updated on March 11, 2009
M.B. asks from Ballwin, MO
28 answers

Ok ladies,
At my sons 6 month check up my pediatrician informed me that my 6 month old son probably needs to be sleeping in his own room. He sleeps in his pack n play at night in my room, and during the day he sleeps in his bouncer or swing in the living room. Normally I would have disreguarded her telling me to sleep in his own room, but he is a light sleeper and has troubles napping with all the comotion of my 4 year old. SO I agree, he should probably be sleeping in his own room now. But this little booger is on the move, hes not crawling yet but somehow finds ways to get around. I kept checking on him, one minute hes trying to pull his mobile down and the next hes got his arms and legs stuck in the slats of his crib. I guess I will have to move his mattress down so he doesnt pull down the mobile. But FINALLY my question is, and I forgot to ask the pediatrician, whats the word on bumper pads these days? Yes or No? And if no, how do I keep him from getting his arms and legs stuck in the slats? Also the back of his crib has no slats, its just flat, and with my experience with bumper pads, they are all one piece, so I wouldnt even be able to put the bumper pads on there correctly. Im hoping these days I could get a bumper pad in seperate pieces so I can just get one for the front, because thats the only part he gets stuck in. Ok, I think thats it, sorry so long! Advice?

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So What Happened?

Hi Ladies! Thanks so much for the advice! I was sort of out of the loop these days as far as bumper pads. But thanks to all of your advice, I have decided NO bumper pads. I really dont want my little guy out of my room yet, because apparently Im a freak. I just feel a lot more comfortable being able to check on him throughout the night without getting up and going in his room five times. But I have noticed he is starting to get attached to that and its hard for him to fall asleep in his pack n play unless he can see me! Which isnt good. I didnt have any problems like that with my daughter, she would just go with the flow and adjust to things with no problem. I moved her out of my room when she was about six months and she acted like nothing changed.....no problem. This guy is a little tougher, so we are "practicing" during the day with his naps in his bed, which I cant say is going very well. He cries a lot and gets his legs and arms stuck. But Im hoping with more practice it will get better!

Thanks ladies! Your responses were funny and very helpful!

Featured Answers

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K.G.

answers from Kansas City on

Once my kids started moving I took the bumper pad out and I believe most pediatricians will say NO on bumper pads.

However they do sell breathable bumper pads for around $30 and you can get them at One Step Ahead or many other locations online.

http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

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E.K.

answers from Lawrence on

I bought a mesh bumper at one step ahead that is breathable but prevents legs and arms from going through the slats.

1 mom found this helpful
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V.F.

answers from Topeka on

Yes bumper pads are very important and they do go all the way around and only tie on the sides. I always lowered the bed at around 3 months so you definitely need to lower it.

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M.L.

answers from Wichita on

My three year old still sleeps in her pack and play :) But, for my first two I wove the bumper pad in and out between the slats. It didn't fit all the way around and probably looked funny but I felt safe they wouldn't get hurt,

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S.T.

answers from St. Louis on

We have the same type of crib that you do and ran into the same dilemma. Our bumper could not be used because it was too dangerous because you couldn't tighten it across the back of the crib. I wouldn't recommend using it now that he will be pulling up soon. They stand on the bumper, and can use it to climb or fall out of the crib. I wouldn't worry too much about him getting stuck in the slats. I always find my sons arm hanging out while he's sleeping, and he always gets it out on his own. Good luck!

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S.B.

answers from St. Louis on

Molly,

Please don't use a bumper pad. It makes the sleeping environment unsafe. Especially if you put them in his sleeping environment now, he would be 19 times more likely to die to SIDS when something is changed in thier normal sleeping environment (meaning position, blankets, pillows, or bumper pads). I lost my youngest son to SIDS and feel very strongly about this. With current crib regulations you shouldn't have to worry about him getting stuck in the crib. And believe me, you would rather that than the alternative.

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E.W.

answers from St. Louis on

I purchased the breathable bumper and it worked great. It is just a mesh barrier (it's still a little soft) that keeps their appendages in the crib. It has two pieces one for the back or front and one for the other three sides. It sounds like a good solution for you. They have them on Target's website.

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S.D.

answers from Topeka on

I wouldn't use it they are a hazard meaning your child can suffocate if caught and unable to wiggle out.He may be on the move but if his arms or legs gets stuck he'll be fine he may cry to let you know but he'll be unable to cry or at least you may not be able to hear his cry if he gets caught up in the bumper resulting in death of your child.It's not recommended they be used we all know it increases SIDS.I don't know why there still being sold other than for decorative purposes only but there should be a warning label on the darn things.He is at a good age to be sleeping in his own room be sure to have a monitor in there.

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D.H.

answers from Kansas City on

I was really tempted to put bumper pads in my daughter's bed when she was that age (just a few months ago!) because she was doing the same thing, squirming around and getting her arms or legs through the slats. Nothing dangerous, just kind of annoying! But, her doc said that he never recommends bumper pads, but even if I had them already, he'd tell me to take them out at about 6 months anyway because she'd be able to pull up soon and use the bumper pad as a step to try and climb out of the crib. So, I didn't use them and endured her getting limbs through the slats for a little while, I think it lasted just a couple of weeks and then she got it figured out, didn't move that much as she slept and/or was big enough to get herself out.

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R.H.

answers from St. Louis on

You may run into more problems putting the bumper pad in. I initially was going to tell you that you could fold the bumper pad so that it would go only where you wanted it to, but changed my mind for 2 reasons. The first is that they are now saying that you should have at least one "ventilated" area, for instance maybe the entire front rail of the crib, to reduce the risk of SIDS. Well, your son being 6 months old probably doesn't have that high of a risk anymore, but still, why take the chance? The second reason is that if your little guy is already figuring things out, it would be just a matter of time before he figures out how to use that bumper pad as a step stool to reach the mobile or worse, he could accidentally push himself up over the rail and onto the floor. So, my advice would be no bumper pad. Good luck!

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A.S.

answers from Kansas City on

No bumper pads. They pose more of a safety risk than anything. Our daughter never had a bumper pad and we never had any problems with arms/legs getting stuck. Honestly, I'd rather her get stuck than risk her suffocating herself on the bumper or getting stuck in the bumper and risk strangulation. Plus, as they get older they can use the bumper to climb out.

The AAP doesn't recommend them and most pediatricians will tell you no because of the increased risk of SIDS and other dangers I've already mentioned.

If you really want a bumper, get a mesh bumper. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266849. They aren't as much of a safety risk.

If you do use a regular bumper pad, it's safest to get rid of them before babies get the least bit mobile, so usually when they are newborn infants. At 5 months, I definitely think it's a little late to introduce one. If he's not all that mobile yet, he will be soon, and that's just asking for trouble.

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B.B.

answers from Topeka on

Hey there.... I had the same problem when my son was about 6 months. Suddenly he was mobile enough to get himself stuck in the slats and we extracted him several times a night. Most everyone I talked to told me that bumper pads were fine and some even seemed shocked that I had not put one in so I looked up what the SIDS alliance had to say on this subject on the internet (thinking maybe I was a little overparanoid) and they still say bare is best till they are out of the crib. I decided to go with their advice as it is not worth it to take chances. Turns out after a few nights our son figured out how to extract himself. I would just wait it out. Better safe than sorry I think.

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C.W.

answers from Topeka on

Hi Molly!

I feel like I just went through the same thing. I took my daughters bumper pad out because she started crawling allover the bed and I didnt want her to sufficate. She began crawling a little after 6 months (she is now 10 months)and thats when we took them out. My pediatriction says that once they are mobile and can roll and army crawl, no more bumper pads! Also, when they put their legs and arms through the sides of the cribs, it is totally normal. I promise that they figure out eventually that it hurts them and they wont do it again. It may take a couple times of you moving him and showing him that he shouldnt do that, but eventually he will understand that. My daughter did the same thing, and as a first time mom I freaked! But, then my doctor explained that to me, I relaxed about it and now she doesnt do it anymore. Honestly the safest thing for any infant is nothing in or around the crib. We also had to take down the mobile and instead when we went to put her in her crib for good, we bought the Baby Enstein Turtle Aquarium that snaps onto the side of the crib and it soothed her when she woke in the night. She now knows how to turn it on all by herself. I think it took us about a week to get our daughter in her crib WITHOUT using the Cry It Out method (no woman likes to hear her baby cry!) and just going in a rubbing her back for a few minutes, really helped her learn to go to sleep on her own. Just be consistent with what you are planning on doing to get him to his crib and I promise he will be just fine! Good luck mama!

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B.S.

answers from Springfield on

Bumper pads are great looking and make the bedroom look finished. I have raised 5 kids all with bumper pads from the time they got out of a cradle with no problems but use your own judgement. My last one lost the bumper pad when he started pulling his pants down and peeing on it. With his crib I drilled little holes in the solid part of the bed to run the tie strings through - worked like a charm. Since it will become his headboard at some point I will have to either fill the holes or give him great looking pillows to cover them.

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K.G.

answers from Wichita on

Get breathable bumper pads! You can find them at onestepahead.com . We used them with both my kids and love them!

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B.W.

answers from Kansas City on

Its a waste of money and you truly don't need them. They could also be a sofocation hazard.

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J.H.

answers from St. Louis on

My kids sleep in my room until they are 3 months old, then I'm ready to let them go! haha! Anyway, my Ped said no to bumper pads. My son already slept on his stomach (his choice) so my Ped said it was one less danger in his crib and they don't really serve a purpose except decoration. I had a "safety bumper" on the crib, which is a lightly padded mesh material that I had used with my first son for awhile. I think the only purpose it served was to keep him from bumping his head directly on the rails before he was really stable on his own b/c his legs just went right uner it through the slats. I'd say your 6 month old is probably stable enough to figure out how not to hit his head by now. I woudl def. move his mattress down, he'll start pulling up before you know it. My son now has the fattest squishiest thights (and cutest) thighs I've ever seen on a child and they do get stuck in the slats on his crib, but he lets out his "Hey, my leg is stuck" cry and I go help in out. Other than that he really like being in his crib, he has room to move around and I put a few soft toys in there that he plays with before he falls asleep or when he wakes up.

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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

My almost 2 yr old still sleeps with bumpers in her crib. Frankly, I don't have the nerve to take them out because she cuddles her back into them, both sides of the bed, when she sleeps. I think it depends on your child...use your instinct. My baby has always been at the 97% height & weight, so she has always been strong and I knew she'd never suffocate. Her bed is at its lowest setting, and mine are super soft too so if she steps on them, they totally collapse, so no worry about her climbing out on them.

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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

If your child is very active when he sleeps then you might consider bumper pads. My daughter was all over her bed, always banging her head on the sides. The instructions tell you to place the bumper so that it's tucked an inch or two below the top of the matress so that your child doesn't get tangled up in it. It was never an issue for us. However, as one respondant pointed out, the bumpers are a little inconvenient when changing the sheets. My daughter started trying to walk and climb at about 10 months and we had to remove the bumper. She used it to give her a leg up and climbed right out of her bed. I still can't believe that she didn't fall and break her neck (Thank God)! We immediately took the bumper pad out (and all other toys) and lowered the mattress to it's lowest level. We also purchased a crib tent. Now at 20 months, she hasn't crawled out of her bed since. As for arms and legs sticking out between the slats, good luck. She doesn't do it very often any more, but for a while I don't think she could sleep without an arm or leg hanging out through the slats. I worried about it every time I saw it, but there were never any issues (other than a worried mommy). A bumper that comes in pieces is a great idea but I can't tell you if they make them like that or where you can purchase one. If you're very crafty, maybe you could custom make your own. Oh, yeah, my daughter's bed was in my room until she was 18 months old. I caught hell about it from Grandma and was warned it would cause me problems in the future. It didn't. In fact, the very first night she slept in her own room was the first time that she slept completely uninterrupted through the night. She loves her room and if she can't be outside, she'll drag you in there, close the door, and hold you hostage for as long as you'll let her! I hope you find this helpful. Good luck.

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T.M.

answers from St. Louis on

I have 2 kids. I think that a pack n play is not gonna be as comfortable as those mattresses are very thin. And usually by 6 months they do not sleep well in a bouncer or swing (although it might seem that way). I would agree w/ your doctor and move him into his own room and bed. Is there some reason that you don't want him in his room? I left my kids bumper pads in their crib until they outgrew their crib (my youngest is 16 months and still has hers - I never had any problems with it). I think that once you do move him into his room and bed you will notice that he will be sleeping much better. Try using a humidifer or something for some 'white noise' in his room. Good luck.

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G.N.

answers from St. Louis on

Ya lower the crib to the next setting down. ONly time you take the crib pads out is when they learn to stand up, cuz then they can stand on them gives them leverage. You can always weave the bumper pad thru the whole front of the crib where the slats are so he wont get his leg or arm stuck in the slats.

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C.H.

answers from St. Louis on

Hi Molly,

I have to second the breathable mesh bumper pads. They are mesh but also have enough cushion if they hit a body part on the bed it won't hurt. It eased my mind and works great for my little rolly polly. I got ours at Babies R Us, I think it was $30. Well worth the price.

Good luck!
C.

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C.W.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi there. I would just call the doctor to see what they say. It is still a controversial issue amongst moms and you would probably feel better calling the doctor and see what they say. There were a lot of things that they told me to do with my son that I had not even thought of that could be hazardous. Bumper pads can cause suffocation but those mesh ones sound like a good deal. Like I said, I would call your babies' doctor and see what they say and ask them to explain why. Most doctors explain anyway but at least that way you know the reason and can make a more informed decision.

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L.H.

answers from St. Louis on

This is always a debated topic among parents. There is no scientific data to suggest bumper padding is bad for the baby, but the bumpers instead are there to protect your baby's arms and legs from being caught in the crib slats.

My advice is if you have a cheap crib set (under 100.00) do not use the bumper padding. The cheaper bumper is generally going to be thin, flimsy and you will not be able to attach the bumper as secure as you would like.

High quality bumper padding, or the 4 piece sectional bumpers are better. Glenna Jean, Cocalo, Lambs and Ivy bumper are excellent quality. Here is a link to a picture: http://angelbabybedding.com/images/angelica-crib-set-smal... You can see in the picture how thick the padding is and the ties with Cocalo, Glenna Jean and Lambs & Ivy are always large ties to ensure a good fit as well.

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C.A.

answers from Wichita on

My husbands g'ma told me that she saw somewhere that bumbers are a safety hazard, which I've seen several articals online also. I remember seeing somewhere that they are ok. My son is 18 months and still has his bumpers(it makes the bedding look complete!)I've never had a problem with them. I've read good and bad stuff about mesh bumpers too sooooo I don't know? http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4ADBR_enUS31...+

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C.B.

answers from Kansas City on

we had a bumper pad when my son was born - no issues whatsoever. but i do think they are more helpful for smaller babies, it did help when he would scoot himself to the corner and wedge his head into the corner of the crib! (at least i felt better knowing there was a cushion there!) but if your issue is a mobile 6 month old, i would skip it - they are big enough to get their arms and legs over, under, around and through the bumper pad. at his age it won't stop him. my son was also very strong and there were lots of times i would find the bumper pad scrunched up and him laying between it and the crib. it sounds like in your situation i would just skip it. (and they're a pain when changing the bed, like someone said!)

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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

First of all, there's no absolute right time to move the kid out of your room. We moved our daughter at 2 months because she amuses herself in her crib and it keeps US up, but if you all are able to sleep, you shouldnt feel forced.

That being said, the crib bumper thing is a suffocation hazard. If your kid can move around pretty well, and you arent afraid of him getting stuck and not being able to turn his head or get away from it, you shouldn't have to take it out. We kept our DD's in until she started pulling herself up b/c we were afraid she would use it as a step stool to climb out of the crib. I know there's a mesh one out there that is supposedly less of a suffocation hazard, but should be able to keep him from getting caught in his crib. http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

good luck!

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M.E.

answers from St. Louis on

I am using a mesh bumper pad I got from Babies R US, really not padding, just mesh to keep arms and legs in. It's see though and air flows freely. Not as cute as all the "decorative" ones, but no suffocation hazard, and best for airflow so reduces SIDS.

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