bumper pad debate

[evthing4reason]

So i noticed someone had wrote about not buying the bumper pads, so i wanted to stir things up and see everyone feelings on the debate and what you are planning on doing.

Yes- they do say not to use bumper pads because of a risk of sids. But what aboiut the risk of broken bones and bumps and bruises? I';ve talked to many moms who have gone out and gotten them because of arms and legs getting stuck in at very bad angles. Also all the precautions we are supose to take with sids-- swaddling them, using the foamy thing that keeps them in place (not sure what it called, ) np pillows or blankets or anything in the crib...It sometimes feels to me like we take things to far, then we worry about it even more

THAT BEING SAID, i did have a cousin pass away because of sids, she was just 2 months younger then me so my family know the pain of sids. I will most likely be given the pad to put under the sheet that sounds an alarm if the baby stops breathing. But i will probably have bumper pads in the bed. Whether they are the regular ones or the new special air flow ones you can get.

In parenting I believe that you should do what's right for you. That no book or friend or mother or in-law had the right answer. it's you and only you (well and maybe your partner) that has to be comfortable with the choices you make. So how about a friendly debate on the subject and NO JUDGING each other on any choice we make thorughout our pregnancy and infant years. I beleive when it come to YOU and YOUR BABY there is no right or wrong.

[ovaz129]

Our pediatrician explained to us that your baby would have hit itself with such force, an impossible force, to get bruises or broken bones.  Plus, although that would be sad, I think that it would be even worse not to have your child because it suffocated in the padding.  

If you are worried about legs and arms getting stuck between the rails, they sell mesh bumpers.  This allows the child to breath through the rails if he/she did get their face smashed up against the sides.

It is a personal decision, but I tend to go with what the latest reports say and what is recommended by pediatricians.  I figure that a big deal wouldn't have been made about it unless children weren't dying from bumpers.  I guess, you don't hear of children dying from NOT having a bumper in their bed. :)   A child can't fit his/her head through the rails anymore anyway, because of the regulations mandating they be spaced so close together.  

[justice6920]

I agree with evthing4reason...... You have to do what works best for you.... and what you feel is the safest for your child.... With my first daughter i used bumper pads BUT also had the little thingy that holds her in place so she was IN THE MIDDLE of the crib always and was no where near the edges..... and when she got old enough and big enough to roll around on her own she pretty much just stayed around the middle..... Maybe i was lucky but i never had any problems with finding her with her face near the edge..... So with with this new one I am thinking that i will be getting a bumper pad as well..... and definitely the snuggle thing to keep him away from the edges

[Irish741]

I have read a bit about the bumpers too and talked to a few new moms. I am still on the fence about it as I need to do more research. I think there are benefits and drawbacks to both sides of the argument...as there are with all arguments. I think it is great to have the information out there about the risks, but it should be up to the parents to make the final decision.

Once I do a bit more research on the issue I can informatively make a decision and join in the debate. I am interested in what people who do have a strong opinion on the subject have to say though.....