Why do they sell bumper pads if I’m not supposed to use them?

The simple answer….because we keep buying them. Believe it or not, there is very little legislation that addresses the type of products that can be sold and advertised as “baby products”.  Welcome to the overwhelming world of baby gear – there a lot of products that you will not need.  Some of them helpful, others that are innocuous, some that can be harmful.

Bumper pads no longer have a function in today’s contemporary world of “safety approved” cribs.  Bumper pads were used to prevent baby from escaping through the crib bars, or entrapping a body part between the rails. All newly manufactured cribs have to have corner posts, slats, spindles, or rails that are not more than 2 3/8 inches apart. (Download Federal crib regulations 2001 ) This concept of preventing “escape” or “entrapment” is no longer an issue.
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Additionally, safety experts such as the Illinois SIDS Alliance,  Kids in Danger, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all caution against the use of bumpers in the crib.  Bumpers have been implicated in SIDS and suffocation deaths of infants.  For the older infant or toddler, bumper pads become an unsafe “toy”.  They can be used as a “stepping stool” to help propel the toddler over the crib rail. Also, they often have ties, buttons, or appliqués, which can be eaten, choked on, or wrapped around little fingers, hands, or legs.

Moms and grandmothers have often asked me about baby moving around in the crib and potentially “bumping”  his or her head on the crib bars.  Does that happen?  Yes, it may happen.  But it is very rarely serious – they crib rails aren’t dangerous.  Healthy babies weather this just fine.

My advice is to look for nursery bedding that can be purchased as separate items, and skip purchasing the bumper pads.  However, you’ll find that many retailers have gone to “bundling” the bumper as part of the inclusive package.  Like all the other baby “stuff” it is the parent’s choice to decide on what is a good use of their money.  I admit…..I also purchased an all inclusive bedding package that included bumpers, which happened to be my favorite part of the entire ensemble. Be creative, have fun, and find another use for them.  One mom I know used hers as a wall border for her “jungle-themed” nursery.

Comments

[Nancy Cowles]

Thanks for posting this important safety information on crib bumpers. The best crib for a baby is a 'bare' one -- no bumpers, no sleep positioners (also implicated in suffocation deaths), no fluffy quilts or pillows. See our website for more information: www.kidsindanger.org.