When should a cot bumper be worn?
Summary
Today's trendy crib bumper pads are among the most popular decorative accessories for young children's bedrooms. But is it really safe to use? Does the crib bumper prevent baby from breathing comfortably? And at what age can you opt for a baby bumper pad? Rêves & Merveilles answers all your questions!
What is the purpose of a cot bumper?
Protecting baby from the bars of the cradle
As all parents know, the sleep of the youngest children is often restless! Baby's crib, surrounded by bars, can represent a safety hazard for them, as they can get their arms or legs caught in them, or even hit their head. Many parents therefore choose to surround the crib with a fabric bumper pad to prevent any bumps. This blocks access to the bars, preventing babies from bumping into them.
This system is also adopted for its ability to prevent any draughts that might disturb babies while they sleep.
Baby bumper pads: a decorative touch
In addition to children's mattresses and sheets, baby bumper pads add a decorative touch to the bedroom. Many models are available, in white or color, with adorable patterns and soft textiles. In the shape of a braid or a little cloud, with or without a cover, the crib bumper adapts to your preferences, to fit perfectly into the aesthetics of your child's bedroom.
Are there any risks in using a crib bumper pad?
Precautions to take to protect babies
A crib bumper, while very attractive, does not protect your little one against the risk of unexpected infant death syndrome (IIDS). In fact, it's a component that may have certain safety flaws.
According to official recommendations, baby cribs must comply with current standards. This prevents your baby from slipping between the bars. Also, it's officially recommended to put your little one to sleep in his or her sleeping bag, on his or her back, in an uncluttered crib, without cushions, sheets or stuffed toys.
Can crib bumper pads increase the risk of MIN?
The problem with the crib bumper is that this accessory is not breathable. Your baby changes position during the night, and runs the risk of burying his face in it. As your baby doesn't yet have the reflex to straighten his head or push away anything that hinders his breathing, he runs the risk of suffocating. All you need to do is adopt it at the right moment. It is recommended to use it from 12 months onwards, when baby starts to better control his movements and roll over without difficulty.
The crib bumper: a false good idea?
From an external point of view, a crib bumper provides a cocooning space for toddlers every night, offering protection and reassurance. But is this really the case?
However, lying in the crib, your baby may feel uncomfortable at not being able to observe his environment. The crib bumper, positioned on the sides and at eye level, prevents this.
Your baby will then tend to feel more anxious, as he won't be able to see or try to identify the source of noises outside his crib. This situation is likely to prevent him from sleeping peacefully. So, should you give up on the bed bumper altogether? Not necessarily! It's all a question of timing and choice of model. Rather than installing a crib bumper too early, it's better to wait until baby grows up and starts moving around more.
What's the best way to protect your baby while he sleeps?
Choose a bed that complies with current standards
Today's childcare products are subject to strict regulations, ensuring their safe daily use. For example, the bars on baby cots are designed to prevent them from getting their heads stuck.
We can only recommend that you opt for a quality crib with a firm base and a soft, breathable fitted sheet.
Minimum age for using a crib bumper pad
From the age of 12 months, you can trust your baby enough to sleep surrounded by a crib bumper, as he'll be able to straighten his head and push away any object that interferes with breathing.
It's also at this age that you can incorporate more elaborate furniture into the sleeping area: a flat cushion and a soft, breathable blanket, in cotton gauze for example.
What if you still want to opt for a crib bumper pad?
If you're still worried about your baby hurting himself by bumping into the bars of his crib, you can opt for bumper pads. They're the perfect option for an enveloping sleep environment. This option guarantees optimum safety for your baby!
You can also opt for a modular crib bumper, which can be hung on the outside of the bars and up high. In this way, you can create a comforting, beautifully decorated sleeping area, while allowing your baby to freely explore his environment.
Our tip: attach the crib bumper about 15 centimetres above baby's face, which will create an ideal space for your baby to breathe easily, even if his face is close to the bars.
You can also add a crib bumper to your child's playpen, perfect for ensuring his or her comfort during playtime. However, be careful not to leave your baby unsupervised in his play area, to avoid any risk.
Rêves & Merveilles helps you choose a safe bed for your baby
To guarantee your baby's comfort, don't hesitate to discover Rêves & Merveilles creations: we offer a wide range of cozy items for babies and older children, which have the advantage of perfectly meeting current safety standards. Whether you're looking for an original children's bed, safety cribs or accessories to decorate your bedroom, we've got you covered.
Exclusivity, safety, respect for the environment and good taste are at the heart of the collections presented by Rêves & Merveilles. On our website, you'll find a wide selection of children's furniture and accessories to meet your every need, as well as your expectations in terms of quality and comfort!
