What can I use instead of a cot bumper?

Keep your crib bare except for a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. If you’re concerned about your child being cold, you can use a sleep sack or another wearable blanket.

Are cot bumpers illegal?

Cot bumpers have been banned in Chicago and Maryland, in the US, after they were linked to the deaths of 27 children across the US over a 20-year period up until 2005. Charities said parents should keep cots clutter-free to reduce the risk of cot death and warned against using bumpers for babies under one-year old.

Are knot cot bumpers safe?

With knotted (or flannel as they’re also called) cot bumpers, the spaces in-between the knots could trap your baby’s hand or foot if they move around in their sleep, increasing the risk of accidents or suffocation.

Why are cot bumpers still sold?

While health professionals agree that crib bumpers are dangerous for children, many parents still purchase them because they believe they will “increase the attractiveness of the crib, falsely perceive them to be safe, or mistakenly believe that they would have been removed from the market if they were dangerous,” …

Is cot bumper necessary?

In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) expanded its safe sleep guidelines to recommend that parents never use crib bumpers. Based on the 2007 study, the AAP stated: “There is no evidence that bumper pads prevent injuries, and there is a potential risk of suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment.”

How many babies have died from cot bumpers?

Babies were still dying in crib bumpers — 48 fatalities from 1985 to 2012. And the problem seemed to be getting worse. Three times as many deaths — 23 — had occurred in the most recent seven-year period than during any prior seven-year period.

Are cot bumpers safe for 6 month old?

Small babies may be able to squeeze their bodies through, but not their heads. Avoid using cot bumpers in your baby’s cot – they are a hazard for choking, suffocation and strangulation. See more about safe sleep for babies.

At what age are bumpers safe?

Firstly, you shouldn’t use bed bumpers for children younger than two years old (between 2 and 5 is optimal). Secondly, make sure there is no gap between the rail and the mattress the child is sleeping into. Fatalities can occur if the child slips into a gap between the mattress and the rail and suffocate.

Are mesh bumpers safe?

In response to the danger of traditional crib bumpers, some manufacturers have created mesh crib bumpers. These are intended to avoid the danger of suffocation, even if the baby’s mouth gets pressed against the bumper. But the AAP still recommends against any kind of bumper.