Baby Crib Bumper Safety

Many expectant parents are excited about decorating the baby nursery and outfitting the crib. Most bedding sets on the market include crib bumpers but research now suggests crib bumpers should not be used due to safety concerns.

Basics

• Crib bumpers are soft, pillow-like decorative items placed inside the crib on top of the mattress. The crib bumpers are attached to the crib slats with ties or snaps.

Concerns

• Many parents use crib bumpers to protect the babies from bumping their head or getting their extremities caught between the slats of the sides of the crib.

Risks

• The plush consistency of most crib bumpers can cause suffocation if the baby's face is pressed against the material. Older babies may be able to use the bumpers as a step to climb out of the crib and could fall. In addition, the ties of the crib bumper can present a strangulation hazard.

Recommendations

• First Candle and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that all soft items are removed from the crib, including pillow-like crib bumpers.

Alternatives

• In response to safety concerns, several companies have produced mesh crib bumpers that allow air to pass. This addresses the parent's concerns of the babies getting extremities stuck between the slats while also reducing the risk of suffocation.