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Baby crib bedding sets not only include a
comforter and sheet, but also a baby crib
bumper. The crib bumper is made up of
several padded panels that tie around the
inside of the crib. This bedding accessory
gives the crib a cute decorative lining that
complements the rest of the nursery set.
Using a baby crib bumper seems practical
since it comes with the rest of the crib
set, but is it really necessary?
With the concern of SIDS (Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome) in the forefront today,
limiting the amount of bedding within a crib
is highly recommended by the American
Pediatric Association. Crib bumpers have
been shown to pose a suffocation risk as
some newborns will roll into the bumper
unable to turn their head away from the
fabric. Since bumpers are usually padded,
the fabric does not allow little ones to
breathe through safely forcing child to
re-breathe high levels of carbon dioxide. In
addition, bumpers can become untied and
drape over little ones posing the same
re-breathing risk or strangulation.
Some parents will still find that crib
bumpers provide a useful service despite the
risks involved. Some babies move around so
much that constant bumping into the crib
walls can leave little ones banged up and
can wake up children. Having some sort of
protection between child and the wooden
slats or walls of a crib will appeal to
parents especially if there is a constant
pattern of injury or interrupted sleep. In
addition, some parents have found their
child’s limbs caught between the crib slats
and bumpers help to prevent this from
happening.
When considering a baby crib bumper, there
are a couple safer options available that
will keep baby safe and secure while
protecting against bumps. One of these
options is the
Breathable Baby Universal Crib Bumper.
This product has a mesh, lightweight padding
and fabric that allows airflow. In addition,
bumper attaches to the crib walls with heavy
duty Velcro eliminating the dangers of
string ties found on traditional bumpers.
Another product design becoming more popular
is the individual fabric slat panels like
Wonder Bumpers. A single bumper pad
wraps around each slat and zips to close
providing a snug cushion for little ones
without decreasing airflow since a small
space still exists between slats.
Parents can find comfort in knowing there
are products available that will protect
their little ones at night. Knowing this
should help everyone sleep better at night.
Resources:
http://baby.about.com/od/livingwithbaby/a/baby_bedding.htm
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/work-play/Pages/A-Child-Care-Provider%27s-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx
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