Are crib bumpers hazardest?

Question

My baby who is 4 months old has been turning over in her crib and starting to sleep on her tummy. I never used the bumpers for the crib because I heard that they are a suffocation hazard. Well, a couple times she has gotten her legs stuck between the rails of the crib. I'm worried she's going to break her legs! I also find her with her poor head up against the rails as well. I looked into getting those breathable crib bumpers, but it doesn't fit the type of crib that I have. I have also tried a sleep wedge/positioner, but she's pretty strong and wiggles out of it. What do you think is more of a hazard...the bumpers, or no bumpers? I'm not sure what to do about this...

Answer 1

Well, if you have suffocation on one side and a broken leg on the other then I would say bumpers are more of a hazard.  My kids each got a leg stuck a couple of times but never broke a leg; I think a broken leg in a crib is a bit of a stretch.  Like you, I skipped bumpers to avoid the suffocation hazard.

Answer 2

I did not use bumpers, because of choking hazard. I also had my child in a pack n play until 9 months old. His legs get stuck sometimes, but I keep a monitor on and check on him if he is crying/screaming.

Answer 3

I think if you put the bumpers up properly, there is no need for concern.  I've been a nanny for 4 infants, I have one on the way, and all of them including mine, have bumpers.  There's never been a problem, they are tied tightly onto the crib and the baby hasn't been able to even pull them off.  I'd be more afraid to not have a bumper... to be honest.  To me that sounds much more dangerous.

Answer 4

dont use the bumper. i made my own breathable because they didnt fit my crib either. just go get the material and size it to your crib then sew up the edges and add ties.

Answer 5

My daughter is doing the same thing. Just make sure you install the bumper properly and it'll be okay. Good luck!

Answer 6

I use a bumper and I've always used one since he was born.  Haven't had a single problem.  Especially if your baby can lift her head up, move it side to side, roller over both ways, and if you put a blanket on her face for a second and she can pull it off herself, you have nothing to worry about.  I dont know why people fuss over bumpers.  My son moves a lot during his sleep and I would hate to see how many bruises he'd wake up with if the bumper wasn't there.  

Answer 7

I called my pedi and asked about the bumpers and she said to be sure to keep the bumpers in place until 12 months ... so we've still got ours in (my son is 10 1/2 months old) and we've had no problems.

Answer 8

i think no bumpers are more of a hazard. With mu daughter she woke up screaming a couple times because she had gotten her legs stuck in the bars and then tried to roll over. I was worried about her breaking her legs or hips doing it. Also, she continually kept smacking her head against the bars so we definitely have them in.

Answer 9

It's 2008, there is always going to hype about what to do/what not to do. I think it has a lot to do with doctors, and companies trying to sell their stuff for safety, and to make more money, etc. My grandmother, and mother are borth nurses, and they just think it's ridiculous with some of the things people are telling us NOT to do with our children. If something is going to happen, it'll happen..somethings are unpreventable. I've used the bumpers with my first daughter, and have am using them with my second. Of course, if you don't feel comfortable using them, then don't. But personally I think it's more dangerous not using one.

Answer 10

honestly we have never used crib bumpers, we have a wooden crib.

my son rolls around a lot and often has his head against the rails and will put his arm through sometimes but nothing bad has ever happened and he is able to get his arm out (he is 7 months old).  

i don't think they are necessary.

Answer 11

I used bumbers with my first baby and she constantly stuck her head under them to snuggle, no matter how well fitted they were. They came off, i had two more children and i never used them again. your baby will wake before she breaks her leg, it's just not going to happen. If she is sleeping with her head against the railings, then she will do that, bumpers or not and this could be a big hazard. they are only designed as a draft blocker for babies under 4 months, and not in a basinette, once baby is mobile, they have to come off. Hope this helps.