April 16, 2010

Country Mom: Safety Rant.

After seeing comments recently surrounding whether or not crib bumpers are dangerous- I just have to throw the facts on here for you to see for yourself.

"While SIDS deaths cannot be attributed to a specific cause, we do know that crib bumpers have caused infant deaths due to strangulation or suffocation, which indicates that the dangers may outweigh the benefits. A study from Washington University in St. Louis (PDF) looked at infant deaths attributed to crib bumpers from 1985 to 2005 and found that 27 children under the age of 2 died due to strangulation or suffocation by bumper pads or their ties. The study also found another 25 children who were injured but not killed by bumper pads. "

Not all babies are the same- as you know- some of them will turn their heads when posed with a suffocation risk, others, sadly will not. It's much like using car seats. Perhaps you'll never be in an accident, but why risk it? Perhaps your baby will never be faced with possible suffocation, but why risk it. As a mother who lost a baby, all I can say is. Be smart, be safe. Your baby's safety is more important than that cute crib bumper.

And you should also note- not all SIDS deaths are caused by suffocation. We're not trying to scare you, or make you think you can completely prevent infant death, but safety is key.

7 comments:

  1. Another fantastic post. Thanks for the info.

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  2. I don't even understand how this is a debatable issue for a parent. Crib bumpers serve NO REAL PURPOSE anymore and are DANGEROUS... in years past, they were to keep a child from slipping through the cracks of their crib slats - seems warranted, right? Well, unless your crib is from, say, 20 years ago, that fear should no longer be relevant with the more up-to-date standards in crib construction.

    So, if you're a parent who decides to STILL use them just because you think they're cute, or whatever the reason, all the while knowing that they are in fact hazardous and will put your child at an increased risk of DEATH, then of course that is your decision...

    but it's just not the right one.

    It had to be said.

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  3. I have had LOs bumper pad that came with the set off his crib for MONTHS!! I then went and bought a breathable bumper thing at BRU, I finally put in on yesterday. what are ya'lls thoughts on those?

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  4. I seriously don't understand how they can get by with selling them. It seems to me that considering they are a hazard that they would stop approving for them to be sold in stores. They are so kick to recall a toy because a child got its finger stuck in it but they won't recall ALL crib bumper pads when there are children suffocating in them. grr.

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  5. Hi Sarah! First candle specifically advises against the use of "pillow-like" bumpers...i.e, the padded kind you normally receive in your crib sets. While I do not believe they have done any product reviews specifically on the "Breathable Baby" branded bumper, I have done a bit of researching and they do seem to minimize (if not diminish) most of the concerns associated with the padded bumpers.

    I will say, however, that I have not actually seen one on a crib, but if they work as the product reviews indicate, and are installed properly, I feel they could be a safer alternative to a heavy, padded bumper.

    Since you got one for you LO, let me ask...How do you feel about it? Do you feel the material is breathable and would permit good air flow to your baby? Are there any loose ties? Is there any space between where the bumper meets the mattress?

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  6. Beth... I agree. Same goes for all of the sleep positioners and crib/mattress wedges you see out there as well. I especially don't understand how some of their packaging can say "helps reduce the risk of SIDS" when the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as all of the leading SIDS research organizations, advise against using them all together. How misleading to the consumer!

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  7. I've never used crib bumpers for the same reason. After going through so many miscarriages I was terrified of something going wrong when they were born - so i went a bit over cautious

    Thanks for putting this out there

    Devan @ Accustomed Chaos
    http://accustomedchaos.blogspot.com

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