Side to sleep. Back to sleep. No honey before age 1. Rear facing until age 2. No cow’s milk before age 1. There are lots of “recommendations” for a new baby these days. The one that I am currently pondering, is whether to use a bumper in baby #3’s crib. I used one for both Ella and Andrew – but not sure what to do now.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is no evidence that crib bumpers protect against injury, but they do carry a potential risk of suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment because infants lack the motor skills or strength to turn their heads should they roll into something that obstructs their breathing. Scary.
Andrew loved his bumper. He would actually smoosh his entire face right into it and sleep all night. I’m pretty sure this is what the experts are afraid of. Ella, on the other hand, didn’t ever sleep too close to it. So, I’m sure she was fine.
I’ve actually already purchased bedding, but am contemplating taking the bumper back – but it’s so darn cute! Obviously, it’s not so cute that I want to put my baby at risk of death.
What are you thoughts? To use a crib bumper or not? Help me out!
No babies here so I have no advice, but man, what a lot to have to consider! Can I just put my future children in protective bubbles 24/7?
Bubbles would be good! I can say that the anxiety gets a little tiny bit less with each one. You kinda feel like you have some idea what you are doing. But, it’s still VERY scary at times to raise a child.
I say no crib bumper because the AMA recommends against it. If you do use one, use one of the “breathable” ones that doesn’t increase the risk of SIDS. Of course, the decision is a personal one, but i hope this helps!
I may try those breathable ones! Good idea!
I would use a bumper for my next baby and did for my first 2. They also say that the use of a pacifier reduces sids too, think about how many babies don’t use a paci. I think you have to do what you think and if you are worried about it then don’t use them!
I agree – why use it if I’m bothered by the idea? It’s not like it’s a huge deal to NOT use it but could be a huge deal TO use one.
I used a bumper for Baby #1, but after the recommendation and new studies/ information released, decided it wasn’t worth the risk for Baby #2. They’re cute, but not cute enough to risk my child’s life, ya know? I don’t think I could live with myself if I used a bumper knowing the risk and my child ended up suffocating.
LOVE the colors & everything about that photo. Have you shared photos of baby’s room? I want to see more!
Very true! Cute is not worth the risk. But, like Jenny said…I also would hate for baby to get stuck in between the slats. That happened to my brother on more than one occasion.
No, I haven’t posted photos yet! Just started on bedding this weekend. Painting coming soon!!
I did use one with Jacob for quite a while. I swaddled him to sleep, and, there was no moving period for him, so I knew there was little to no risk. I took it out when he started rolling over, and, he got a leg stuck in the slats in the middle of the night. I woke up to him screaming, went in & found his little leg red & even a little bruised already. I think it can go either way, but, for me it was better to have it. Now, your also not supposed to let them have a pillow until like 2, well Jacob hacked onto Cole’s pillow pet at 6 months and there is NO sleep in this house unless he has that penguin! ha! Honestly – do what your gut is telling you. With Cole all the regulations were back sleeping, well, night 2 in the hospital a nurse came in after 2 long hours of screaming, flipped him over & said “looks like he’s a stomach sleeper!” that’s the last we heard of that baby till morning! ha! As Mom’s we do the best we can, and let the rest lie in God’s hands 🙂
You’re right…we do the best we can do!