Cot bumpers, also known as crib bumpers are dangerous for your baby while they sleep. They can be described as strips of padded fabric which attach to and line the inside of cots/cribs. Although decorative and thought of as protection for your baby's head against the rails, it is dangerous to have in the cot/crib/bed. Health agencies and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) awareness groups are recommending that parents skip the crib bumper for safety reasons. Some of the dangers are listed below.
Dangers:
* Your baby could be considered a higher risk to SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome).
* Your baby could suffocate if they push their face against it.
* Your baby could overheat and die if they end up with it covering their heads which would not allow their excess heat to escape through their heads.
* Your baby could get caught in the tie strings, cords or ribbons if they're not tied tight or their length is not shortened.
* Your baby could gain extra height standing on the cot bumper (together with cuddly toys, etc.) and be in danger of falling out of their cot.
Recommendations:
* To avoid suffocation weave the bumper through the slats/rails of the crib/cot to ensure it does not fall over onto baby or leave gaps where a baby could get its head stuck.
* Tuck some of the bumper down the edge of the cot mattress so your baby can't get themselves under or between it.
Alternatives:
An alternative to traditional bumpers are breathable cot wraps. Some brands include: Airwrap safety Bumper, Safe Dreams Breathable Cot Wrap and Breathable Bumper
Studies and Reports:
* According to a 2007 study published in the "Journal of Pediatrics" 27 infant deaths were directly attributable to cot bumpers in the US over a 20 year time period. Of the 27 deaths, 11 infants suffocated when their face was found in close contact with the padding, 13 died after being wedged between the bumper and another object and three were strangled by a bumper tie.
* "Health Canada" reported 23 incidents involving bumpers were reported to them over a 15 year period. In France a cot bumper was recalled in 2006 after a 9 month old baby died due to strangulation by one of the cords.
* A US cot death charity named the "First Candle SIDS Alliance" warns that "soft or pillow-like bumpers should never be used."
Note: The actual number of deaths associated with cot bumpers may likely be significantly higher since the data used for statistics, only consists of deaths reported to doctors and organizations voluntarily.
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