Hi! At what age is it "ok" to use a crib bumper? I have read mixed reviews about them but my daughter will turn 1 in 3 weeks. She keep knocking her head on the side of the crib, and it just seems cozier to have a bumper pad in there. I think she would be more comfortable but I want to make sure it is safe now. Thanks!
Is it worth the risk?
I'm with Bug. Skip them.
A kid won't hit their head very hard while sleeping, right?
I see you have a lot of responders already. For us, we are firm believers in the 'naked crib' (no bumper, blanket, toys, etc). We simply used a fitted sheet. Like most responders, you daughter will not be incapacitated because she hit her head on the rails of her crib. I would forgo it personally. One other thing to consider, in my state, they have or will be banning the sale of them because they cause more harm than good. Just something to consider!
No age, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Bumper pads should not be used in cribs. There is no evidence that bumper pads prevent injuries, and there is a potential risk of suffocation, strangulation or entrapment." You can read to full info if you want to, on the AAP website. (On a tablet, and I can't figure out how to post the link...sorry.)
Good for you for knowing that bumpers are not appropriate for young babies! But for older ones like yours they can still pose a strangulation hazard because of the ties that hold them on (suffocation is the big hazard for younger babies). And kids use them as "steps" to climb out of cribs. Unless she is whacking her head hard and more than occasionally, I would not use one at all. She's going to figure out that staying in the middle of the crib is nicer. I think bumpers are there to comfort the parents, not the kids, really.
Bumpers are not safe, nor needed at any age.
Skip the bumper. Your kiddo will be fine.
I took them out. Much better.
He had his crib mattress & I didn't put a blanket in there w/him until he
was much older. I dressed him right for the season.
I later took the stuffing out of the bumpers & hung the material up as
curtains.
Can't really answer your question but I can tell you that I used bumpers with both my children (now age 21 & 6). Both were healthy babies with no risk factors.
Use the mesh, breathable crib bumpers.
I used themn from birth to age 3...
Bumpers have been used for a zillion years. Little heads do not need to be knocked on the side of the cribs. Arms and legs get caught without them. SoI am pro bumper. Never a problem for my kids or grand kids. Use common sense with what else you put in crib. When raising kids, if you use common sense, you will raise happy healthy kids.
I am sure she will be fine, just make sure they are secure.
My son did the same every now and then but it will pass and it probably bothers you more than them. I wouldn't bother with a bumper. We had to get a breathable bumper for our son because he kept getting his legs caught between the rails. Works great! You could try something like this. It's not super padded but might make you feel better.
Mesh bumper! Kids get used to the crib and its boundaries. It helps, and is not dangerous. Good luck! I would never recommend the padded ones. Too many horror stories.
Use a breathable bumper if you feel you need one. It won't suffocate her if she puts her face next to it and she can't climb it.
Both of my kids used crib bumpers until they went into their toddler bed at 2 years and 3 months.
I tried twice without it and their limbs got stuck thru the railings. Also, both of my kids use to snuggle up against the bumpers and they were so comfortable.
we didn't use a bumper for fear of creating a smothering hazard, but i know that they now have smoother bumpers that tie to the slates to lessen the danger.
and our 9 month old will also sometimes lose his balance and bonk his head. It's ok. It passes quickly as they learn more gross motor skills.
