The controversy over crib bumper pads

When it comes to safety, the question of whether or not to use a crib bumper pad has been hotly debated.  Some groups think that bumper pads increase the safety of a crib while others feel that they pose a suffocation threat.  This article will discuss the risks and advantages of crib bumper pads, and give guidelines about how to use them safely.

Crib bumper pads were a necessity before the implementation of current crib safety laws, when a baby’s head could be caught between slats that were spaced too wide apart.  With today’s regulations, the slats on a crib should not be wide enough for a soda can to pass through, negating this risk.  Some parents also worry about a baby injuring him or herself by banging the soft spot of its head against the crib.  This is not really a concern, because even the soft spot requires a harder impact than a baby is capable of before sustaining injury.  However, bumper pads can still prevent accidental injury when a baby sticks his or her limbs through the crib slats, posing the risk of a broken arm or leg.  In this way, a crib bumper pad can help protect your baby’s health.

Therefore, the trick is to select crib bumper pads that are safe for your child.  Fluffy or quilted bumper pads should be avoided.  Pads that are made of an open mesh that allows airflow into the crib are a good choice.  The pad should also tie securely to the sides of the crib, to prevent it from flopping down where it can cover the baby’s face.  The ties should not be longer than seven inches, to avoid the risk of the child becoming entangled in them.  All crib bumper pads should be removed once the child starts pulling him or herself up on the crib walls, to prevent him from using it as a boost out of the crib.  By following these guidelines, you should be able to select a safe and attractive crib bumper pad for your nursery.

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