Is it safe to use bumpers in a baby crib?
One of
the most exciting parts of pregnancy is preparing a room for your newborn. You
choose the perfect decorations and the right crib set. Many crib bedding sets
come with protective pads that attach around the crib bumpers, but are they
safe for your baby?
Are crib bumpers safe?
The
crib bumpers are designed to prevent your baby's arms and legs from being
pinched between the crib bumpers while sleeping. However, crib bumpers are not
considered safe for your newborn or child.
Crib
bumpers and any other soft, soft or soft objects in the crib are a choking
hazard. These items can be dangerous as your child can roll over through them
and be unable to roll over on their own.
Bumper
alternatives. While experts advise against plush or soft bumpers, you have
other options. For example, there are many types of breathable mesh crib liners
that attach to the sides of the crib. Mesh crib liners prevent your baby's foot
from getting stuck in the railing without creating a suffocation hazard for the
crib.
Safe sleep recommendations
- Alone. No one else should sleep with your
baby. This also means that there should be no extra blankets, toys, pillows or
cushions.
- Back. The safest position for a newborn is on the back. Babies are not yet strong enough or conscious enough to move their heads if they cannot breathe.
- Crib. Your child should sleep in a crib, bassinet, or playpen specifically designed for children's sleep. Do not let your child sleep on swings or other play equipment.
It is
important to note that while experts recommend that babies sleep separately in
their own beds, some parents, especially breastfeeding mothers, prefer to keep
babies close together in the same room. Being close by helps you hear better if
something is wrong while your baby is sleeping and can make breastfeeding late
at night easier.
Other considerations for safe sleep
- Safe sleeping positions. Newborns should be placed on
their back. As children get older, they may move from side to side. They should
be placed on their backs until they can roll from side to side and from stomach
to side on their own.
- Safe sleeping surface. You may be tempted to make sure
your child is comfortable with soft blankets or mattresses. These items can
pose a choking hazard, so do not use blankets or blankets in the crib. Instead,
use a tight-fitting sheet and make sure the surface of the mattress is firm,
not soft. If your child cuts the mattress while lying on it, the mattress is
too soft.
- Comfortable temperature. Make sure your child is at a
comfortable temperature to help him sleep through the night. Blankets are not
recommended as they present a suffocation hazard, but if you are worried that
your child will be too cold at night, use warm socks or pajamas. Use lighter, more
breathable fabrics in warm weather.
- Use a pacifier. Some research shows that a
pacifier during sleep helps prevent sudden infant death syndrome by giving you
more confidence that your baby is safe.
- Breastfeed if possible. Breast milk provides better
nutrition for your baby and is associated with a lower risk of sudden infant
death syndrome. If you are unable to breastfeed directly from your body, use a
breast pump and bottle feed. Your breast milk is designed to meet your baby's
needs and contains antibodies that help fight disease and infection.
- Avoid smokers. Passive and passive smoking contributes to an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome for your child. Passive smoking occurs when your child breathes air when someone is actively smoking nearby. Third-hand tobacco smoke is residue that remains on walls, toys, and clothing.