Cot bumpers

Is your baby cot safe for your baby? Are cot bumpers necessary?

Are cot bumpers really necessary for your newborn? Are cot bumpers safe? How much do they cost?  These are a few of the questions that will now be answered.
First, what is a cot bumper and what is its purpose? It is a fabric piece which is attached to the inside of a baby cot It makes the cot look attractive, gives a young baby something interesting to focus on and helps keep the baby cot draught-free. It also helps keep your baby’s attention and gives them something to focus on. A wooden baby cot or crib has hard slats from which the baby needs protection. She may hurt herself by rolling over onto them or even get her head stuck between them. Therefore, many parents install cot or crib bumpers to provide a soft barrier between the child and the bed slats. Even a beginner sewer can create crib bumpers in an afternoon and save a lot of money in the process. Handmade bumper sets for baby cot or baby cribs make a good gift as well for expecting parents. Cot bumpers are usually bought by parents as part of coordinated bedding set. The look lovely in the cot, cushion baby against bumps and keep out draughts.

Why are cot bumpers sometimes considered unsafe?

There have been concerns regarding safety:
1. There can possibly be a danger of strangulation and or suffocation if the baby’s head is smothered by a crib bumper or cot bumper pad.
2. The baby can overheat with the restriction of air flow. If you decide to purchase a bumper, please make sure the ties which secure it are attached properly and out of reach for your child. Also, make sure the room temperature is comfortable and not hot. This bumper should always be removed once your baby is in a sitting position, as the infant may use it as a climbing device for getting out. This could be extremely dangerous as the baby could potentially fall. Breathable cot bumpers are a good option to help keep airflow moving.
If you do use a bumper, ensure that the fabric ties which attach it are secured properly and out of your baby’s reach, and that the room temperature is well controlled. A cot bumper should be removed altogether once a baby is sitting, as it may be used as a lever to climb out.