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What do you know about crib bumpers? A lot or just a little? You're reading this right now because you want to get a crib bumper for your child or as a gift to a relative or a friend expecting their child. This is to provide an answer to the questions you might have or will have regarding the crib bumper. Questions like, are they safe? If they're not, are there any safe crib bumpers? At what age should a crib bumper be introduced? My kid isn't over one year old, is a crib bumper safe for him or her? Are breathable crib bumpers even safe at all? Do I even need a crib bumper? Wait a minute! Are crib bumpers illegal? All these questions are what would be addressed in the content below. Shall we? What Is A Crib Bumper? They are pads that are placed in the inside of a crib starting at the bed level and rising less than afoot. To put it simply would be making comparisons with them and wallboard, except they're soft. They are meant to protect babies from injuries like the baby rolling against the flat surface and injuring him or herself or to prevent them from getting stuck in-between the crib bars. This is the major reason why some mothers opt for crib bumpers. No mom wants their children getting injured or even worse, so they go on to do whatever it would take to ensure their child's safety or perhaps to give the child a better night's rest. However, there is a never-ending debate on whether these crib bumpers are safe or do they come with certain complications. We'll be doing our best to answer this question in the best possible way in the section below. Are Crib Bumpers Safe? There is a major concern that infants could suffocate if their nose gets stuck under or even against the pad meant to protect them. The American Academy of Pediatrics has statistics to back up this claim, but we won't be going into numbers here. One thing we would like crib bumper lovers to realize is ever since 1973, federal regulations have been put in place to make it mandatory to prevent crib slats that are wide enough for a baby's head to poke through, from being made. So, if your reason for looking for a crib bumper is because you think your child's head would get stuck in the slats, that won't happen. Or perhaps you're getting it because you don't want your child to bump his head, did you know even with the aid of crib bumpers, babies still hit their heads? In fact, a 2015 study showed that infants hitting their head and getting their limbs trapped in the crib slats still happened when bumpers were used in the crib. A baby expert by the name of Kulich offered an argument stating that crib bumpers are in fact dangerous for toddlers as well, because children between the ages of four and nine-month roll, and when and if they do, what they roll into would be the crib bumper which in turn may lead to them suffocating. According to Kulich, "worries over head injuries suffered from hard hits against the bars are more of a product of vivid parental imagination than reality." He said, "A baby’s not going to generate so much force that they’re going to slam themselves into the bars of the crib to the point where they’re going to cause serious damage." What we do know that could guarantee the safety of your child in the crib is if he sleeps with nothing but a tightly fitted sheet. That is safe. Crib bumpers are pads placed in the inside of a crib starting at the bed level and rising less than afoot. To put it simply would be making comparisons with them and wallboard, except they’re soft. They are meant to protect babies from injuries like the baby rolling against the flat surface and injuring him or herself or to prevent them from getting stuck in-between the crib bars. This is the major reason why some mothers opt for crib bumpers. No mom wants their children getting injured or even worse, so they go on to do whatever it would take to ensure their child’s safety or perhaps to give the child a better night’s rest. Best Crib Bumpers in the Market Check out these 10 crib bumpers below! 1. Designthology Baby Breathable Muslin Crib Bumper Ever since its launch in 1979, the product has catered to the needs of mothers and their babies all over. Their baby bedding solutions have proven to be just the thing that babies need to get them that ever-present extraordinary night’s rest, by gently caressing a baby’s sensitive skin throughout the night. Check Price on Amazon Pros: - It was made with high-quality cotton which acts as a natural antibacterial that protects the skin of the baby from skin irritation. - It can be cleaned easily. - There are a variety of colors to pick from. This guarantees that there is something for every nursery decoration. - As it comes with four detachable panels, this makes it easy to install, and also ensures it stands on its own, completely erasing the fear of it sliding down. - Unlike other crib bumpers made with polyester fibers, the cotton muslin makes the area very breathable. - Designthology is an approved U.S. designer brand, and complies with the US safety laws, which includes CPSIA guidelines and testing. - There is no risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. - For people in the U.S. there is a 100% worry-free experience as there is a 30-day free trial. - There is 24/7 customer service. Cons: - The fabric gets softer after every wash. - It can’t be used for portable mini cribs. - People who are not in the U.S. don’t get to experience a 30-day free trial. 2. Breathable Standard Microfiber Polyester There is no safer baby bed product than the ones TILLYOU creates. Ever since they came to be in 1997, TILLYOU has made their ultimate goal, designing and manufacturing only high-quality products that would make your baby have a cozy night's rest. Check Price on Amazon CPSIA and CPSC also agree as to the hypoallergenic and baby-safe products TILLYOU create have passed the requirements and fit the standards of CPSC. Pros: - It is made with 100% microfiber polyester which is softer than any other fabric on the planet. Its sleekness and smoothness is something to absolutely feel. - Because it's microfiber polyester doesn't mean it can't be washed. It can be, as the fabric is also easy to clean and take care of. The properties of the fabric also make it durable, lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and hypoallergenic to a baby's sensitive skin. - The high-density microfiber filling the crib bumper is padded with, will prevent the arms, and legs of your child from being stuck in the crib slats, and also protect their head from the crib rails. - It is easy to install. - As crib bedding comes in different colors, the crib bumpers TILLYOU makes also comes in different colors and patterns, so as to make the perfect fit for your crib bedding. - The best part about any business transaction is if there is a form of guarantee involved. If you're not satisfied with your TILLYOU product, you get to enjoy a 100% money-back guarantee in the form of a refund or a replacement if you so desire. Cons: The bumper makes it easy for children to climb out of their cribs, which sometimes leads to SIDS. 3. LOAOL Baby Crib Bumper Here’s the thing about the LAOL crib bumper, it is adaptable. How so? It can be easily adjusted to fit any area of the room – and perhaps its most beloved attribute is that it is braided and the pillow can be used for cozying during different child events like story time, and even sleeping. Check Price on Amazon And we all know comfort is what every mother looks for their children. This is why you should get LAOL if you’re thinking of getting a crib bumper. Pros: - The braided crib bumper prevents your kid from hitting their head against the crib, thereby completely erasing the worries you might have as a parent regarding your children safe when you’re going to bed at night. - The crib bumper was designed to have no ties, which makes it suitable for any and all crib or bed designs there is. - It could also serve as a replacement for back cushion or a sleeping pillow. - The LAOL crib bumper pad can easily be washed, but it should be noted that this should be done in low temperature and when it’s time to dry, it is recommended to dry in the shade. - It covers all four sides of the standard crib. - Talking about safety, the LAOL crib bumper has got you covered. It guarantees a good night’s rest for your child and also for the parent as well. - If a child is still at the infant stage, the bumper could be used as a circle shape that will be a visual multi-color stimulation. Cons: - It can’t be dried in the shade. - There is the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. 4. BreathableBaby Classic Patented, Safer for Baby, Anti-Bumper If we’re to rate crib liners, this breathable mesh crib liner by Breathable Baby will be on top of that list. It gets this position because unlike the crib bumpers that are padded, the liner keeps children and their limbs safe without the risk of them suffering from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) – which is more common with padded crib bumpers. Check Price on Amazon Another advantage it has is that it is completely lightweight, can be breathed through and it is generally recommended by doctors over padded crib bumpers. Mothers will generally like this crib liner as it can come in any pattern and can fit all crib sizes and styles. Pros: - A lot of people prefer it, meaning it is trusted by many to be a saving grace. - It stops the arms and legs of the child from being trapped in the slats of the crib. - It is imbued with something called the A.C.T. air channel technology, which basically means there is an unlimited airflow. - It contains 100% polyester. - It is easy to adapt for even solid-back cribs and four-sided cribs as well. Cons: - There is always the fear that the child will get suffocated or get stuck under the crib bumper. 5. Safe Nursery Crib Bumper Pad As other crib bumpers, the Biloban crib bumper pads will prevent your baby’s limbs from getting stuck in crib slats. Biloban is beloved by many moms which quickly earned it the tag “the choice of happy moms”. And with good reason. Check Price on Amazon Pros: - They feel right at home in-between paneling and the mattress. - Because of their sturdiness, they are the best protectors to prevent your child from sustaining a crib related injury. - Because they are firm and are made with microfiber, they easily stand on their own and stay right where they are supposed to be. This is also because of the reinforced stitching that makes it firmly secured. - They are super cozy, 100% hypoallergenic and have a lead-free microfiber surface which makes it very comfortable for your child to sleep in. - Its rightly measured thickness and beautiful stitch work brings about a better flow of air and generally shields the child from any crib related injuries. - The diamond design beautifies the baby bedding and makes it look clean and tidy. - It is easy to wash. - As Biloban highly believes in satisfying its customers, customers can easily reach them for support should in case they need it. - The delivery of their product as at when due can be relied on. Cons: - Biloba baby crib bumpers can be returned if the customer is not satisfied with the product, but in some cases, if the product is gotten from Amazon, Amazon will not accept your return request, and you have to contact the customer support for Biloban to get help. - It cannot be ironed or dry cleaned. 6. Baby Bedding Sheets Braided Crib Bumper Apart from the goals of keeping the baby safe from bodily harm and the sudden infant death syndrome, the brand is loyal to the goal of promoting culture, and creating awareness about global infant and mother's health, and it's not just that. Check Price on Amazon They make it their business to make parents understand that babies are the start of something new and the love of their family would contribute greatly to the mental health of the infant. This is largely why Parkside wind births into existence products that would ensure absolute comfortableness for babies worldwide. Pros: - It prevents infants from getting their limbs stuck in crib slats and also protects the head of the child from hitting the crib walls. - There is increased airflow. - It is made in different colors, which means you get to choose any color of your choice to match your nursery. - It can be baby-proofed by using one of the braids to separate an area, so as to keep your baby in a safe area. - They can be easily cleaned. - It makes for a beautiful baby shower gift. - The material it is made with makes it extremely soft to touch. - Because of its wondrous design, it can fit any and all crib designs you have. - The crib bumper can used for multi-purpose reasons: sleeping pillow, back cushion, bedding decoration etc. CONS: - If the mixed color bumpers are washed in a machine, the color would be tampered with. 7. Mamibaby Baby Crib Bumper Pads The way the name beautifully rolls off the tongue isn't the only thing comfortable about this brand, the product is just as comfortable, but even more so. Check Price on Amazon Their crib bumper acts as the knight in shining armor protecting the heads of babies from coming into contact with the crib slats, which often results in a lot of crying from the child's part and on the mother's, unrest, especially if it is at the middle of the night. Pros: - It is breathable, very skin-friendly, and it lasts for a very long time. - The material it is made with makes the bumper easy to wash. - It can be easily installed: all you have to do is attach the crib bumper pads onto the fence of the crib. - As the crib bumper is made from high quality, and 100% hypoallergenic fabric on the outer layer and a high density microfiber filler in the lining, the child would get a beautiful night's rest from the feel of the bumper. - It is washable with a machine. - The bumper can fit into any crib, and perfectly. - To aid in setting up the product or for other help needed, there is a team on standby 24/7 ready to answer any queries you might have. - There is a 12-month warranty. Cons: - The child can make his or her way up the bumper using it as standing support to get out of the crib. This often results in accidents. 8. Little Bedding by NoJo 3 Little Monkey Traditional Bumper The Nojo four-piece nursery crib bumper is as simple as it is beautiful. Although simply made, it has the most stylish design that instantly captures the hearts of mothers and attracts the sights of children. Check Price on Amazon Let’s not forget that the best attribute of a crib bumper is that it helps keep babies safe from the horror that is hitting their head against the crib slat walls. Pros: - It can be easily attached. - It is easily adjustable to fit most cribs. - It has a stylish design that is appealing to the eyes. Cons: Children run the risk of being stuck under the crib bumper or even worse if they attempt to climb out of the crib using said crib bumpers – in the process, they might fall and injure themselves. 9. Infant Soft Pad Braided Crib Bumper This braided bumper is on the top 10 list of crib bumpers to go for if thinking of getting a crib bumper. Not only does it come in a circle shape which will be a visual multicolor stimulation, but it is also made out of high-quality cotton that is in a soft and comfortable lining and it comes in a total of twelve colors. Check Price on Amazon Pros: - It can be easily adjusted to any area of the room. - It is usable as a pillow during storytime, sleeps or even playtime, and when used as a pillow, it can serve the following purposes: bed bumper, breastfeeding support, and lastly, a developmental toy that becomes useful for strengthening your baby’s shoulder belt. - Its soft texture guarantees a night of comfort for your child. - The crib bumper pads will prevent your child from rolling into the crib slats and bumping his head against them. - To create maximum safety, the crib bumper comes with no ties. This is large to protect the fingers and toes of your beloved child. - It makes for a great gift. - It can be easily spot cleaned or machine washed. Cons: - It only comes in twelve colors. - It does not support bleaching. When Should My Child Start Using Crib Bumpers? Typically, toddlers aren't at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) through crib bumpers. This only becomes a problem as they start to get older. Why? As they get older, children would start to see crib bumpers as something of a launching pad - something they can step on to get elevated just so they can get out of the crib. By doing so, some children end up hurting themselves. With that said, crib bumpers are not safe for newborns and older babies, but at the same time, they are and often recommended by pediatricians as a preventive measure, but not before making sure the parents know to make a few changes and checks to the environment, like getting the right type of crib bumper. There are two kinds of crib bumpers you can get: Traditional Crib Bumpers: The traditional crib bumpers is what we have been talking about. Breathable Mesh Bumpers: This kind of bumper completely wipes out the fear that mothers might have about their child suffocating if he happens to fall against the padded bumpers. As the name suggests, if a child happens to mistakenly get stuck under a crib bumper or finds his or her nose buried into it with no way out, such a child would be able to breathe nevertheless. They would also help keep the child’s limb in the crib i.e. Keep them out of harm’s way or them getting their hands or leg stuck in between the crib’s slats. The best part about this kind of crib bumper is that the materials used to make it are easy to trace back to where they came from. This at least gives you some peace of mind regarding the safety of your child. The mesh bumpers are typically made with materials such as bamboo and cotton. If you know anything about these materials, you would know they are smooth on the skin and good for even those with sensitive skin. So, you don’t have to be worried about your child with the sensitive skin reacting to the materials, it is absolutely safe to use, and in case you’re wondering, they’re very easy to clean as well – not like they need a lot of that anyway, as they are not prone to harboring bacteria. All you have to do is give them a wash now and then and the bumper will remain germ free and still have that good smell. Are Breathable Mesh Bumpers Safe? As previously established, these mesh breathable bumpers are the best option if looking for a crib number. Here's more explanation: Over the years, people have had different experiences with crib bumpers - some bad, and you can see why according to the most recent data from the U.S. National Center for the Review and Prevention of Child Deaths, which recorded 32 crib bumper deaths in 37 states between 2008 and 2011. As a response to these numbers and individual experiences parents have had with their kids with these crib bumpers, there came an introduction of the breathable mesh bumpers. They allow more air in and if there was no risk of an older baby trying to use the bumpers to climb out of the crib, they would be absolutely safe. But here's an idea, how about you as parents attach the bumpers to the outside of the cribs instead? You might have probably realized by now that the whole concept of crib bumpers are contradictive in nature. Even those who supply it recommend that parents try not to use it, but even if they do, they should make sure to make some checks before doing so. It still stands that the best way to keep a baby safe in the crib is to place the baby on his or her back in the crib - with no crib bumpers, pillows, blankets, toys, anything that could put the child in danger - except a fitted sheet. "Bare is better.’” NOTE, While it might seem like stress, choosing the right and best crib bumpers once a child is able to use one will ultimately give you peace of mind and of course, help protect your child. Precautions For Using Crib Bumpers Parents should limit the use of crib bumpers for children that are under a year old. For children past one year of age, crib bumpers can cause problems for them. Don’t blame a kid for being curious and attempting to climb out of the crib. However, if a child is past a year and a half, the risk attached to crib bumpers greatly reduces. To be completely safe, parents should make sure that the children are “carefully swaddled” and also, parents should remove padding or blankets that could get near the child’s face. This means excess and unnecessary pillows and blankets should be removed from the crib. For children that you feel are too young for mesh bumpers, just dress them warmly, use a “swaddling onesie”, or you could even adjust the temperature in the room. Anything to keep them as safe as possible. Tips For Using Crib Bumpers Bedding tips It is recommended that babies should be laid to sleep on flat surfaces with nothing but a light blanket. However, if you're worried about your child being cold, you should probably dress them in them a sleeper. This is what we refer to as swaddling. But there is also the likely issue of your child moving out of the swaddle, so you should probably just get a sleep sack instead, which is basically a zip-up bag that babies can wear like a vest. It has holes in it for the arms and neck. The setback of this kind of sleep sacks is that they have to fit properly, so you might need a few over time. Bumper pads As there have been a lot of reported incidents concerning bumper pads, which are but not limited to, strangulation death, suffocation death and very near-suffocations. It is noteworthy to mention however that bumper pads are primarily a concern for younger babies. Once a child is older than six months, the risk of the baby getting trapped and injured becomes unlikely, which only happens if the crib bumper is not installed properly, that is loose and not securely fastened. Denis Leduc, an associate professor of pediatrics at McGill University in Montreal and past president of the CPS says, “A six-month-old who can roll from tummy to back has the head control and the neck muscles to be able to move away from the bumper pad.” Don't forget the breathable mesh bumpers. They are designed to allow there to be a free flow of fresh air. They are the best option you have as a parent when thinking of getting a crib bumper. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Ever since the back to sleep option has been brought up, the rate of babies experiencing the sudden infant death syndrome has dropped considerably. Again, the best way to guard against SIDS is to place your baby on their back, just until they can roll and move freely on their own and choose their own sleep position. NOTE: It has been found that a mother-to-be smoking during pregnancy heightens the risk of SIDS. Also, it is a good idea to not allow anyone to smoke around your child. Related Questions These are some of the more common questions that have been asked by people curious about what the product is all about. These questions and answers were compiled from different sources, so as to provide you, the readers with a range of answers from people from different walks of life. Are there safety standards for baby cribs? Yes, there are some very exact standards for your baby's crib. In 1974 it was made a law that cribs should no longer be painted with lead-based paint. It was discovered that the ingestion of lead (from any source) could cause learning disabilities and other difficulties in young children. The slats of the crib must be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, this is to prevent your baby from getting his body or head stuck between the bars causing injury or strangulation. The sidebar should be 26 inches above the mattress when it is in its lowest position. If your child is more than an inch taller than the sidebar it is time to move him into a regular bed. Are there some hazards in my baby's crib that I need to be aware of? Your mattress must fit snugly in the crib; an ill-fitting mattress could cause your baby to slip between the mattress and the sidebar causing suffocation. The mattress height should be able to be adjusted to at least three different levels. When your baby becomes more mobile you will want to put the mattress in the lowest position to prevent your baby from climbing or falling out. The slats should be tight, loose slats could pinch little fingers. Do not put the crib near a window to prevent your baby from possibly falling out or becoming tangled in Venetian blind cords. How can I tell when my baby is ready for a regular bed? When your child stands more than a couple of inches taller than the sidebar with the mattress in the lowest position. If your child is climbing out of the crib, for his safety put him in a regular bed. How should I put my baby to sleep in his crib? Place your baby on his back or on his side for sleeping. Use one-piece sleepers rather than blankets. Your baby could slip under the blanket and possibly suffocate. Remove all pillows and toys as well, in order to prevent suffocation. Is it safe to cover my baby with a blanket? A blanket sleeper will keep your baby sufficiently warm while sleeping. If you absolutely need to use a blanket, tuck it in around the bottom of the mattress. Place your baby with his feet toward the end-panel and the blanket should go no higher than his/her chest. Is a mesh sided crib safe to use for my baby? Yes, a mesh crib is safe provided the mesh is less than 1/4 inch in size, smaller than a tiny button on baby's clothes. The should be rips, tears, or loose threads. If staples are used to attach the mesh they must not be exposed and the mesh must be securely attached to the top rail and the floor plate. Can I safely use bumper pads in my baby's crib? While bumper pads are not necessary, they can safely be used. They must be very close to the edge of the mattress and properly secured. The bumpers must be flat and not puffy, as your baby could get stuck between the bumper and the mattress and suffocate. What can I do to keep my baby's crib safe? In order to keep your baby's a safe place, you should make sure to all connections are secure and that there are no broken or missing parts. Regularly, check the teething rail for splits or cracks. Make sure the mattress spring support and your crib will withstand your baby's increasing mobility. The mattress itself should have no splits, tears, or holes. How can I tell when it's time to lower the mattress? When your baby becomes more active, when s/he begins to pull himself to a standing position or when he sits up alone it will be time to lower the mattress to prevent your little one from either climbing out or falling out. Can I hang a mobile over my baby's crib? Mobiles and crib gyms can be used to entertain your baby but when your child is able to get on to their hands and knees or pull themselves up. This will prevent your baby from becoming entangled in them. If after everything you've read, you're still interested in buying crib bumpers, then check out these 10 crib bumpers below!