The Safety Concerns Behind Baby Crib Bumpers

Many parents work hard to make a beautiful room for their new baby to live and sleep in. However, this room isn't always safe. What many parents don't realize is that there is often a safety concern with the crib bumpers on the market today. Crib Bumpers are used for two reasons. First they are beautiful and make the crib look pretty. Second, they protect the baby from getting his or here arms and feet stuck outside of the crib. However, crib bumpers don't provide additional crib safety and have a lot of safety concerns behind them.

The Facts.
Each year many babies are born. They are brought home and placed in cribs and bassinets. However, not all of these sleeping places meet safety regulations and even some that do are dangerous for the baby. Some of these babies survive, while others get hurt and even die. This is a scary thing and because the danger is out there it should be recognized. Crib bumpers are one item that isn't safe to have in the crib with the baby.

The Dangers.
Crib bumpers actually provide three concerns to the baby. First, most are at least somewhat fluffy. They can cause a suffocation issue if the baby's face gets pressed up against the crib bumper. The second safety concern is that the crib bumper could cause the baby's head to get stuck under it and pressed into the mattress which can also cause issues. The last safety concern is the ties. Many ties are too long and can become wrapped around the baby's neck causing additional safety issues. Because these concerns are met with tragedy at times it should be noted that crib bumpers should not be used.

Alternatives.
When crib bumpers aren't used a baby can get his or her arms or legs stuck outside the bars or slats of the crib. This can be traumatizing to the baby and the baby's parents, but usually isn't dangerous. If the parents wish to prevent this there are things that they can do. The best option is to buy a crib bumper that is completely mesh. The mesh versions of crib bumpers still keep the baby's arms and legs inside the crib, but they eliminate the safety concerns. The ties can still be a safety concern, however you can secure the crib bumper to the crib with double knots and then trim the ties short. Then if they come loose they won't be long enough to wrap around the baby's neck and cause safety issues.

With so many dangers out there it is best to keep safety in mind when we buy baby items and outfit the crib. With that in mind it is best not to buy fluffy and beautiful crib bumpers. Instead go with breathable mesh and increase the safety of the baby.