What Is the Purpose of Bumpers in a Crib?

Parents use crib bumpers to serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. Bumper pads are a common component of infant bedding sets, and many parents feel that their baby's room is not complete without them.

  1. History

    • An older crib with wide slat spacing

      Bumper pads first became popular when crib slat spacing was wide enough to pose a strangulation risk for babies. Crib bumpers were originally intended to protect against this risk.

    Safety

    • Slats on a crib

      Although standard crib slat spacing has been decreased to eliminate the risk of strangulation, many parents still use bumper pads for safety. Crib bumpers can prevent babies from lodging their limbs between crib slats. Many parents also like to provide a cushioned surface to protect their baby from the hard crib surfaces.

    Aesthetics

    • Crib bumpers are widely used for aesthetic reasons. Some parents also believe that a bumper pad makes their baby's crib more cozy and comfortable.

    Stimulation

    • Baby in a crib with a bumper pad

      Some bumper pads feature colorful patterns, characters and varied textures that can provide entertainment and stimulation of the senses for young babies.

    Warnings

    • Several organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, recommend against the use of crib bumpers. Bumper pads were implicated in 27 deaths and 25 injuries between 1985 and 2007. Experts believe that risks including strangulation and suffocation far outweigh the benefit of protection from minor injury.

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