Do you need bumpers for a newborn's crib and how to wash them?

Bumpers in a crib: advantages

The question of the benefits and harms of “protection” was repeatedly raised by the famous pediatrician Komarovsky. Do you need bumpers in a newborn's crib and what are their advantages?

The likelihood of injury to the child while sleeping or playing in the crib is reduced. The baby will not get stuck between the bars of the bed or get hit when turning over.
The sides protect the baby from drafts and isolate the air flow from the cold walls and retain warm air inside the crib.
Protecting your baby's vision from too bright lighting and excess noise, which allows you to fall asleep and calm down faster.
The sides make the crib more comfortable, which will have a positive effect on falling asleep.
The drawings on modern borders allow them to be used as a developmental aid. Thanks to them, toys fall out of bed much less often.
The sides serve as protection against pets entering the baby's crib.

Bumpers for a crib: pros and cons

First, you need to understand why mothers even hang bumpers or, as they are less commonly called, bumpers in their cribs. Of course, the main task of this accessory is to protect the baby. Active kids will especially need bumpers: they will definitely protect the baby from bruises on a hard bed. Also, without bumpers, a child can easily dislocate an arm or leg if it gets stuck between the bed bars. In addition, the sides help protect the baby from drafts. This accessory retains all the heat inside the crib.

In addition to ensuring the safety of the baby, bumpers have other functions. They also prevent pacifiers and toys from falling out of the crib and onto the floor. Accessories with interesting prints and patterns can interest the baby and help the baby explore the world around him. Also, many doctors claim that the bumpers in a baby’s crib create a comfortable psychological environment for him. Indeed, the baby falls asleep faster and sleeps more soundly, since he is not distracted by everything that is happening in the room. And, of course, beautiful borders can become a real decoration for the bedroom and make the room more comfortable.

However, recently you can often hear the opinion that bumpers can also harm the baby’s health. The main argument is that the sides interfere with the flow of fresh air. The bumpers in a crib for an older baby also do not guarantee complete peace of mind for moms and dads: when the baby starts to get up and take his first steps, they can serve as a step for him.

Also, many people are afraid of the dust that collects on the fabric. It is this factor that often stops young parents from buying bumpers. Indeed, small children should not inhale the dust that bumpers may collect. In order not to harm the baby’s health, it is enough to remember to wash these accessories. And so that the sides do not deteriorate due to frequent washing, you need to carefully select the filling and material.

By the way, at the link you will find a “Crib Sheet” for mothers of newborns: tips on child care from a leading expert.

“Against” the sides in the crib

In turn, American scientists have published sad data that the bumpers in a crib can be dangerous and even cause the death of a baby.

Textile sides accumulate dust, which can cause allergies in a child.
The child's vision is limited, the flow of fresh air is reduced, which can negatively affect the functioning of the baby's brain.
A child can unhook some sides on his own and become entangled in them, which poses a threat to life.

Even the famous pediatrician Komarovsky spoke about whether bumpers are needed in a crib?

He does not recommend leaving unnecessary items in the baby’s crib during sleep unless absolutely necessary, which includes, in addition to blankets, pillows, and toys, “protection” on the crib. Their 100% safety has not been proven, especially for children under 1 year of age. But for children from 12 months of age, the risk of using such an item, according to Komarovsky, is significantly reduced.

If you have decided to buy them for a newborn, you need to constantly ensure that they are well fixed. For fixation, Velcro, ties, snaps, buttons, and zippers are used. The latter are considered the safest.

If the sides will be attached with ties, then it is better that their length is designed to be attached to both the rods and the top of the cradle. The parameters of the sides must correspond to the dimensions of the crib.

Why do you need bumpers in a newborn crib?

On the one hand, the side is a very convenient thing, because it:

protects the baby from injury, because the child can get injured by hitting the hard bars of the crib;
retains heat and protects from drafts
does not allow the child to put his arms and legs between the bars of the bed, preventing dislocations;
keep the child occupied (young children enjoy looking at the bright pictures on the sides);
prevent small toys and pacifiers from falling out of the crib.

The arguments look quite convincing, because when buying bumpers, young parents care primarily about the safety and health of the child. However, recently they have begun to talk about the dangers of this accessory. Moreover, we are not just talking about an allergy to the material and dust, which accumulates in large quantities on the fabric; scientists believe that the bumper can cause the death of the baby.

Scientists from the United States studying the problem of child mortality came to this shocking conclusion. Doctors are also concerned about the problem. According to statistics dating back to 1985, over the past seven years, the mortality rate of children due to the use of protective bumpers has increased several times.

In the dry language of statistics

Between 1985 and 2012, 77 children died due to bumpers in cribs. More than half (67%) of deaths occurred due to the bumper itself, the remaining part of the children (33%) died as a result of being caught between the bumper itself and other things in the crib (pillow, blanket).

The authors of the study believe that the above figures are greatly underestimated.

Public reaction

Despite the data obtained, the sides were not prohibited from being sold; manufacturers were only recommended to fulfill a number of conditions when producing the product:

do not use hard materials for production;
Do not make borders with fabric that is too thin.

Since the publication of the study results, the bumpers have been perceived as a problem. Their use has been banned in some US cities and states. Doctors systematically warn parents about the danger that threatens the child when using bumpers, and we are talking not only about “classic” tight accessories, but also about nets. In 2012, bumpers were included in Consumer Reports' list of the most dangerous products for children.

Despite all the evidence, crib bumpers are still being manufactured. Industrialists are in no hurry to admit that their products are dangerous to children's lives.

One of the authors of the study, doctor from Washington Brad Tuch, believes that drastic measures are needed to resolve this issue. The professor believes that mothers and fathers should consciously refuse to buy protective bumpers for a crib, and then production will stop. To do this, you need to clearly show moms and dads the danger they are exposing their baby to.

The main argument when buying bumpers is the safety of the child, the desire to protect him from injury, but in the first few months of his life the baby is not yet so active as to cause significant bodily harm. The maximum injury that a baby can receive is a minor bruise. The baby's life will be in much greater danger if he gets stuck between the bumper and other things in the crib or if the bumper covers the baby when he tries to get out of the crib on his own.

Why wasn't it banned?

This is not the first study of this kind; Dr. Thach and his colleagues have previously talked about the dangers of the sides of newborn cribs. In 2007, a report was released that found 27 infants had died due to crib bumpers. Then the scientists turned to a special safety commission, but were unsuccessful. Manufacturers only reduced the thickness of the side, but these measures were clearly not enough.

Is everything so scary?

Manufacturers of products for small children claim that their product meets all the requirements of the standard, in addition, the sides are designed to help small children avoid injury.

In 2013, at the initiative of manufacturers, an additional study was conducted. The resulting report stated that the bumpers had never been the cause of death in a newborn.

Representatives of the Institute of Child Health claim that such different data were obtained due to differences in the methods of collecting information. Institute scientists suggest parents stop using bumpers.

Opinions are divided on the safety and unsafety of crib bumpers. On the one hand, the baby can actually get caught between the side and other objects in the crib, the side can fall on the baby, blocking his breathing, and on the other hand, if it is absent, the baby can stick an arm or leg between the bars of the crib and dislocate a limb or get a bruise. In any case, even if a little fidget exploring the world grabs a twig with his hand and it gets stuck between the sticks, he will loudly call for help from mom or dad, which will be impossible to do if the side closes the airways.

In what cases is it recommended to use bumpers?

Do you need bumpers for a baby crib? They are not a required accessory. Whether to buy them or not depends on the opinion of the parents. They will be relevant when the baby grows up and begins to stand on his feet, albeit tentatively. This will help avoid injury during falls.

Sometimes they can also be used as a panel for educational toys, which can be placed in special pockets and changed frequently.

In order not to put too much strain on children's vision, it is better to start using them from 3 months. In addition, it is during this period that the child begins to become active. Until what period to use them is a purely individual question and depends on the child.

What are crib bumpers?

Children's furniture is only a small part of what the modern industry offers for caring for a newborn. It will definitely need a mattress, hanging toys and such a convenient thing as protective bumpers or sides. They are the same mattresses, but thinner, designed to cover the walls of the sleeping bed. The sides for the crib are made of fabric, inside of which a special soft filler is placed. They are tied to the bars of the crib with ribbons or attached with Velcro.

Size

Protective sides for newborn cribs are often offered along with furniture, but if you need to sew or buy them separately, focus on the most common size of 120 by 60 centimeters. The average height is 40 centimeters. Elements for different walls may differ in height. When choosing, you should start from what is preferable: so that the child has maximum protection (if he is very mobile), or a good view (high sides will close the baby’s room).

Fabrics

The choice of fabric is no less important than the height of the walls or their pattern. After all, the product must be completely safe, not cause allergies in the baby, easy to wash, dry quickly, and breathable. The best natural fabrics for this:

linen;
cotton;
flannel;
chintz;
calico

Filler

Filling material is another important aspect when choosing baby accessories. Pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular options:

Foam rubber. This material is good for its wear resistance, but bad because it retains moisture and takes a long time to dry, which can contribute to the development of microbes inside the fabric.
Sintepon. This is one of the best fillers. It dries quickly, washes well without deformation. It is important that the padding polyester is stitched, otherwise it may roll.
Holofiber. The new filler, whose properties are not inferior to padding polyester, is hypoallergenic.
Hallcon. This is an elastic, wear-resistant synthetic material that retains heat well.
Periotec is a hypoallergenic elastic fiber.
Polyester. This fiber also does not cause allergies and retains its shape well. Does not absorb odors or moisture.

Proper care of edges

Like any children's textiles, the “protection” for the crib needs to be washed often so that dust does not collect on it. It is recommended to do this at least once every 7 days. To prevent the quality of textiles from deteriorating, you need to take the right approach to caring for them.

Be sure to process before use. This will remove any possible bacteria on them. It is very important for a newborn to avoid contact with them. During the first wash, the powder may not be used. As an option to replace the first wash, go over the material with a hot iron or steam cleaner.
Do I need to wash the crib bumpers and how to do it correctly? To ensure that the sides retain their shape and color, do not wash them at temperatures above +60°C. It is advisable to use a delicate wash. If there is high-quality foam inside, then even twisting will not change the quality of the material.
Do not use laundry detergent for adult laundry, only for children's laundry.
The material from which the sides are made usually dries quickly. But for good drying it is better to use an open balcony or fresh air.
Do not bend the sides during the drying process. Before hanging them on the crib, iron them well.

How to choose crib bumpers

To choose bumpers that will serve young parents for a long time and will not harm the baby’s health, it is important to pay attention to several points at once:

Fabric cover material

One of the most important criteria here is hypoallergenicity. You should not choose artificial fabrics that can negatively affect the child’s health. It is better to pay attention to cotton fabrics: satin, calico, chintz or flannel. Since the sides have to be washed often, it is better to choose more durable materials that are resistant to mechanical stress.

Filler

Poor-quality filler can also form clumps very quickly with frequent washing. Also, some materials can cause allergies in the baby. To avoid this, be sure to check what kind of filler is used for the sides.

Sintepon. It is more common than other fillers. Its differences are elasticity, low price and light weight.
Foam rubber. Many mothers prefer this material to padding polyester, as it retains its shape better after washing and can be used longer.
Natural wool. This material is used very rarely as a filler, but it can be found in some manufacturers. The advantage of wool is that it retains heat well. However, in the hot season, this material can increase the temperature in the crib, which is why the baby can easily overheat. Another serious disadvantage of natural wool is that it very often causes allergies in babies.
Holofiber. More expensive in price, as well as more dense and voluminous synthetic material. Its advantages are that it does not absorb foreign odors, does not lump or crumble. Holofiber is considered very wear-resistant.

Height

Another important point when choosing sides is their height. Experts often recommend buying low bumpers for babies under 4 months. Their advantage is that they provide the baby with the necessary visibility, but they provide less protection from drafts. It is recommended to choose higher sides for an older child who is starting to sit down or stand up. They will reliably protect the baby from possible injuries.

Color and designs

Experts recommend buying bumpers with illustrations for children. Both bumpers and graphics should be pleasant, not too bright colors. Colored details will be very useful for developing attention in children and will teach them to distinguish between different objects. But it is very important not to buy bumpers that are too bright, because harsh colors can irritate the child.

Removable covers

To extend the life of the sides, you should choose models with removable covers. Not all parents know, but it is not at all necessary to wash the filling for the bumpers every time, because with frequent washing it quickly loses its shape. And removable covers on the bumpers allow you to remove and wash only the fabric.

Types of sides for a crib

Different crib bumpers differ in many ways. Which baby’s parents choose depends only on individual preferences. The designs and colors for boys and girls are different. The height and number of parts vary. The sides can cover two, three or all four walls of the crib. Some options are pre-made as developmental elements. Others are attracted by the fact that they come complete with a canopy and bed linen.

Side pillows

Soft bumpers in the form of pillows are offered by ByTwinz. Together with them you buy a complete set of bed linen (sheets, pillowcases, duvet cover):

model name: Lilies;
price: 5000-5500 rub.;
characteristics: pillows size 30*30 cm, filling – holofiber, fitted sheet (120*60 cm), blanket (100*140 cm), duvet cover (105*145 cm);
pros: the set includes everything necessary for arranging a bed;
cons: not found.

The Italian manufacturer HoneyMammy offers high-quality pillows for the walls of the bed. They can protect all sides of the berth or some separate part:

model name: HoneyMammy;
price: 4100 rub.;
characteristics: length – 60 cm, height – 40 cm, material – cotton, filler – hollowfiber balls;
pros: the filler is well ventilated;
Cons: Requires hand washing.

For boy

Soni Kids offers an inexpensive set for boys. It is made in traditional blue color and decorated with cute animals:

model name: Baby Phillimon;
price: 1674 RUR;
characteristics: fabric - calico, filling material - holofiber, set includes a blanket, sheet, canopy, all embroidered with ruffles of the same tone;
pros: the filler is anti-allergenic, the sheet has elastic;
cons: not found.

Offers an equally advantageous kit. The bumper reliably covers the entire sleeping area, and the canopy covers it from above. The theme of the set is teddy bears:

model name: Mishkin's dream;
price: 1290-2238 rub.;
characteristics: fabric material – cotton, calico, filled with holofiber, colors – blue, white, yellow, attached with ties to the bed bars, pillowcase size – 40*60 cm, sheet size – 60*120 cm, duvet cover – 110*140 cm ;
pros: low cost, the kit includes all the necessary items for a bed;
cons: not found.

For girl

The Russian brand Lapulandiya offers charming crib bumpers for newborn girls. The fabric pattern will immerse your little one in a sweet fairy-tale atmosphere:

model name: Side houses 120x60;
price: 5400 rub.;
characteristics: large soft bumper in the form of a house (45 cm), two short ones (30 cm each), large side (30 cm), materials – cotton, holofiber, thermofiber;
pros: suitable for rectangular and oval furniture;
cons: not found.

A set in pink tones is offered by “Sleepy Gnome”. It covers three side walls of the furniture, leaving room for the baby to see:

model name: Sleepy Gnome Provence;
price: 1330 rub.;
characteristics: dimensions 360*42 cm, materials – satin on the outside, cotton on the inside, filling – hard holofiber, with ties;
pros: removable covers with zippers;
cons: not found.

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Canopy and sides

If you want to cover your sleeping area from all sides, you can purchase a kit that includes a canopy. The option, suitable for boys and girls, offers:

model name: Moth;
price: 2650 rub.;
characteristics: the bumper consists of 4 sides 40 cm high, the canopy is sewn with a veil;
pros: low cost, hypoallergenic materials;
cons: not found.

A delicate transparent canopy decorated with a blue ribbon will not only be a charming crib decoration for those who love classic items. It will bring a beautiful design element to the children's room:

model name: Classic;
price: 4290 rub.;
characteristics: the set includes a blanket (110*140 cm), a pillow (40*60 cm), a bumper covering the entire perimeter (360*40 cm), a tulle canopy (500*170 cm), a duvet cover, a pillowcase, a sheet, material – calico, filler – hallcon;
pluses: a canopy bracket is provided upon request;
cons: not found.

Developmental

The side of the crib can perform not only a protective function, but also a developmental one from the first months of life. To do this, you need to choose a model decorated with pictures and pockets. This is what the Vivais brand offers:

model name: Funny pictures;
price: 904 rub.;
characteristics: double-sided, 1 side is intended for children from 0 to 4 months, made in contrasting colors with simple images, a safe mirror, the second - from 4 to 12 months, equipped with three-dimensional elements for games;
pros: suitable for two age groups;
cons: not found.

A folding book will help you decorate your crib to benefit your baby's development. It will act as a protective barrier and entertain the child:

model name: Tiny Love;
price: 450 rub.;
characteristics: fastening method - ties, double-sided, one side is suitable for newborns, made in black and white, the other side is colorful, with convex patterns, satin material;
pros: suitable for two age groups;
cons: not found.

Velcro

The pillow sides are conveniently attached to the crib using Velcro. MagBaby offers this option. Velcro is securely sewn to ribbons decorated with bows. They will become an additional decoration for the crib:

model name: Classic Bicycles;
price: 2100 rub.;
characteristics: the set includes six side pillows, holofiber filling, size – 30*30 cm, additionally includes a sheet, size 120*60 cm, fabric – 100% satin, colors – white, blue, intended for boys, covers the crib with the letter P;
pros: removable pillow covers with zippers that are easy to wash;
cons: not found.

An equally interesting option from the same company is designed for girls. It costs twice as much due to the fact that the number of pillows is doubled. This design will give the crib a flirty look:

model name: Paris for the whole crib;
price: 4000 rub.;
characteristics: the set contains 12 square pillows that cover the entire crib, fastening is with Velcro, sewn to ribbons with bows, colors are white, pink, pillow size is 30*30 cm, holofiber is used as a filler, a sheet with an elastic band size 120 *60 cm, fabric – 100% satin;
pros: removable pillow covers with zippers;
cons: not found.

With strings

The most common way to attach the upholstery to the crib is with ties. The Russian manufacturer “Sleepy Gnome” offers inexpensive folding options that cover the furniture around the entire perimeter:

model name: Counting table;
price: 1500 rub.;
characteristics: consists of four parts, height – 35 cm, fabric – calico, cotton, author’s drawing, filler – hallcon, size – 120*60 cm;
pros: there are removable covers, delicate seams;
Cons: shrinks after washing.

Offers another popular product among customers. The bumper covers the entire crib, attached to it with ties in each corner:

model name: Mystery of Dreams;
price: 1450 rub.;
characteristics: the set includes four items, sheet size – 60*120 cm, colors – green, blue, blue, pink;
pros: low cost, complete set;
cons: not found.

Until what age do you need bumpers in a crib?

Parents decide for themselves how long the bumpers will be in use. In any case, their use will be advisable in the first six months of the child.

The first month after the baby is born, the sides can only be hung on three sides. The child is not yet turning over and therefore it is more convenient for parents - they see the baby and are able to control whether everything is fine with him and how he is feeling. The option with three side walls will be good for those mothers who believe that bumpers isolate the baby from the outside world.

In the future, someone refuses protection at 8-10 months, when the baby is already free to sit and stand on his feet. Some people use the bumpers for a longer time, up to 2 years, in terms of their convenience.

Of course, here you need to focus on the child’s temperament, how he grows, how he develops, and whether the protective sides cause him any inconvenience.

Pros and cons of using bumpers in a crib

Let's look at the advantages of using bumpers:

A crib with sides looks cozy and beautiful. The baby will enjoy looking at the sides with pictures; some children subsequently begin to talk to them.
The sides protect the child from drafts. During sleep, you can open the window and not be afraid that the child will freeze. With sides, the child is not as if in a vacuum, as many mothers think; the bumpers allow air to pass through quite well.
Quite often, babies wake up in the middle of the night from hitting the wall or bars of the crib. The sides soften these impacts. That's why you don't need to buy sides that are too thin. Also, when sleeping without sides, the baby’s leg or arm may get stuck between the bars.
You can easily attach another toy or any safe object to the side. The baby will be pleased that the environment in the crib has changed and new objects have appeared for tactile exploration.
The bumpers prevent toys and pacifiers from falling out of the bed. In addition, a toy that falls at night can frighten and wake up a child.
Many people have pets in their apartments, including dogs and cats. A dog can stick its nose to the baby and lick it, and a cat can scratch the newborn. The sides are good protection in this case.

But there are not only advantages to using sides, but also many disadvantages :

The sides do not allow you to see what the child is doing, but it is important for the mother to know that everything is okay with him.
The sides collect dust well, and then the baby can breathe it in. For this reason, they need to be subjected to a cleaning process every now and then.
If a child wants to look at something, it will be very difficult for him to do so, since the sides block the view.
An arm or a leg can still get caught in the joints between the sides, so this is not a super-safe solution for getting your limbs stuck in the bars of the crib.
Due to the fact that the baby can turn around unsuccessfully, bury his nose and suffocate, in some countries bumpers are not recommended until 2-3 months. An orthopedic pillow with a recess for the head should be placed in the crib, which will help the child lie in the center of the crib.

Despite the above, bumpers are still a necessary and convenient thing. The choice in this matter, of course, is up to the parents.