As a new parent, you might be wondering if a baby bumper is a necessary purchase for your baby’s crib. A baby bumper is a piece of padding placed on the inner sides of a crib to protect the baby from hitting their head or getting their limbs caught in the crib slats. While baby bumpers may seem like a good idea, they actually pose a safety risk for infants.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, baby bumpers have been associated with an increased risk of suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment. These risks are particularly high in younger infants who are not yet able to roll over or move away from a bumper. In addition, baby bumpers can also interfere with air circulation, increasing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome SIDS.
So, what can you do instead? The safest sleep environment for a baby is a bare crib with a tight-fitting sheet. If you’re worried about your baby hitting their head, consider using a breathable crib liner that allows air to circulate freely or a small headrest. If you’re concerned about your baby getting their limbs caught in the crib slats, wrap the crib slats with mesh.
Remember, the safety of your baby should always come first. Avoid unnecessary risks by sticking to the recommended sleep guidelines and avoiding the use of a baby bumper in the crib.
