Alternatives to Baby Bumper Pads

If you're like many parents, the first thought you have when putting your baby into a crib for the first time is that his arms and legs could easily get caught between the slats. To combat this problem, crib bumpers were invented that cover the spaces close to the mattress on the inside of the crib. But these products present their own problems, which were the motivation for an alternative to be created.

Problem

Regular crib bumpers have a few issues that make them potentially dangerous, so much so that many pediatricians advise against using them. These include the ability for your baby to become entangled in them or suffocate against them when he's young; then, when he gets older, he might try to climb on the bumpers, which could result in a dangerous fall.

Solution

The solution to all those problems comes in one design, known as the breathable bumper. The most famous of these is made by BreathableBaby, and the website can be found in the Resources section of this article. Rather than being made of cloth or vinyl or having thick stuffing inside, the breathable bumper is made of soft mesh with a light foam insert. Even if your child sleeps with her face right against the bumper, she can continue to breathe through it without a problem. Also, if she tries to climb on it, the bumper simply collapses down and doesn't give her anything to stand on.

Installation

It's very simple to install a breathable bumper. There are two mesh panels with Velcro on the ends. You simply put the panel on the inside of the slats, wrap it around the end slats and secure it by folding the end over, around the last slat and sticking the Velcro hooks to the Velcro loops on the outside of the bumper. The length of each bumper piece depends on the type of breathable bumper you choose.

Types

There are three styles available, depending on whether you have a slatted crib, solid-ended crib or if you are buying one for a gift and don't know what style of crib the recipient has.

Breathable Bumpers for Slatted Cribs fit convertible, solid back and sleigh-style cribs. You get one short panel and one long one; the long one covers the head, back side and foot of the crib. The short panel covers the front side, which is the side that raises and lowers on some cribs.

Breathable Bumpers for Solid-End Cribs come with two short panels. These wrap around the slats on the two sides of the crib, as the head and foot are solid and don't need a bumper.

If you're not sure, there's also a Breathable Bumper that fits all cribs. It has one short and one long panel, but the long one has an adjustable fit that can be wrapped double for a solid-end crib.

Features

Breathable bumpers are made in a variety of colors. The fabric is wide enough to prevent him from getting arms and legs caught in the slats while sleeping and is padded with a lightweight piece of foam inside to protect his head from bumping against the wood. It's adjustable, easy to put on and take off, machine washable, and dries quickly on low heat.

Benefits

This alternative bumper design keeps your baby safe without endangering her in any way. It reduces the risk of becoming entangled, suffocating or falling while trying to climb. And because you don't need to remove the bumper to change sheets, it's more convenient than some other bumper designs.

References

• Breathable Baby Bumpers
• Breathable Baby FAQs

Resources

• Purchase Breathable Baby Bumpers