We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Crib Bumper Pad?

Tricia Christensen
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,675
Share

A crib bumper pad is a padded cushion that fits around a baby’s crib on the inside of the crib. They come in many different styles, often coordinated to match other bedding, and are usually affixed to the crib by ties around several slats. At one point, the crib bumper pad made a lot of sense, since the slats in cribs technically were large enough for a baby to get his/her head through. It is highly recommended that you do not use an older crib for this reason, but instead purchase one that has much smaller mandated distance between slats, so that you do not risk the life of your child.

This of course begs the question as to whether a crib bumper pad, in use with a new crib is really such a good idea. In fact, there are numerous organizations, especially Sudden Infant Death (SIDS) awareness groups that suggest bumper pads aren’t very safe and may increase risk of accidental suffocation. Similarly a large quilt that may accompany a crib bumper pad is considered unnecessary and hazards the same risk for a child being accidentally suffocated. SIDS awareness groups recommend using small light blankets or blanket sleepers instead of large comforters under which a baby could become trapped.

If you do decide to use a crib bumper pad, you should settle baby in the middle of the crib, and you should remove the bumper pad when baby can roll over or start to move around in the crib at night. Some restless babies are able to wriggle themselves over to the side of a crib, even if they can’t roll over yet. If you note that your baby is able to change positions easily, you should get rid of the crib bumper pad sooner.

Though many crib bumper pads are pretty, and often very attractive to new moms, current crib safety laws make them largely unnecessary. In particular they may pose a risk to your child, and no aesthetic value is worth the life of your baby. One potential solution is a variety of crib bumpers that are made of mesh instead of being heavily padded. Since mesh allows for breathability, this may be a good solution if you worry that a baby’s arms or legs might get stuck between the crib slats. Look for breathable bumper pads that are recommended by SIDS groups.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By ajpurves — On Apr 12, 2008

If you had an improvement safety feature to the existing bumper pad....called the better bumper pad...would it make a difference to you as a parent/caregiver...when purchasing your bedding for your nursery.... it consists of a normal bumper...but has a added feature that parents seem to look for....

an added material that is sewn to the bottom of the bumper which prevents Little arms and legs etc... getting caught under the bumper.....it needs less ties and also has 2 designs 1 for your standard traditional crib that doesn't not convert to daybeds etc... has material attached to all 4 sides. legs/arms CANNOT get under.

design 2 allows a security and longevity for the more common cribs today the 2 in 1 etc... standard 3 side attachment back and 2 sides all attached. 4th piece attaches to front of crib by a zipper under the mattress which allows removability and converts easily to a crib daybed with the added security of the extra padding a parent needs.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-crib-bumper-pad.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.