From the Guidelines
Crib bumpers are not recommended for newborn and young babies due to significant safety concerns, as they pose serious risks of suffocation, strangulation, and entrapment, as stated in the 2016 recommendations for a safe infant sleeping environment 1. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other major medical organizations strongly advise against their use because the potential dangers of crib bumpers far outweigh any perceived benefits of preventing minor injuries from limbs getting caught between crib slats. Some key points to consider include:
- The risks associated with crib bumpers, including suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation, as highlighted in the 2011 expansion of recommendations for a safe infant sleeping environment 1.
- The fact that modern cribs are designed with appropriate slat spacing, eliminating the original purpose for bumpers, as noted in the 2016 updated recommendations 1.
- The availability of safer alternatives, such as wearable blankets or sleep sacks, which can keep the sleep environment clear while keeping the baby warm and preventing entanglement in loose bedding. For safe sleep, babies should be placed on their backs on a firm, flat mattress in a crib with no soft bedding, pillows, bumpers, or toys, as recommended in the 2016 guidelines 1. It is essential to prioritize the safety of newborn and young babies by avoiding the use of crib bumpers and instead opting for a safe sleep environment that minimizes the risk of suffocation, strangulation, and entrapment, as emphasized in the 2011 and 2016 recommendations 1. Key considerations for a safe sleep environment include:
- A firm, flat mattress
- No soft bedding, pillows, bumpers, or toys
- A wearable blanket or sleep sack as a safer alternative to keep the baby warm
- A crib with appropriate slat spacing to prevent head entrapment By following these guidelines and avoiding the use of crib bumpers, parents and caregivers can help ensure a safe sleep environment for newborn and young babies, reducing the risk of morbidity, mortality, and compromising quality of life, as supported by the evidence from the 2016 recommendations 1.
From the Research
Medical Evidence for and Against Crib Bumpers
The use of crib bumpers for newborn and young babies has been a topic of debate, with various studies examining their safety and effectiveness.
- Against Crib Bumpers: A study published in 2007 2 found that crib bumpers can cause death, particularly due to suffocation and strangulation by bumper ties. The study analyzed 27 accidental deaths attributed to bumper pads and concluded that their use prevents only minor injuries.
- Mechanisms of Injury: Another study from 2016 3 reported 48 suffocations caused by crib bumpers, with 67% of these incidents involving a bumper alone, and 33% involving wedging between a bumper and another object.
- Alternative Hazards: Research from 2019 4 highlighted that unintentional suffocation is a leading cause of injury death among infants, often attributed to soft bedding, overlay, or wedging, rather than crib bumpers specifically. However, this does not negate the risks associated with crib bumpers.
- Historical Context: A 1985 study 5 discussed the effectiveness of measures to prevent unintentional deaths of infants and children from suffocation and strangulation, including the use of crib bumpers, but did not provide conclusive evidence for their safety.
- Design and Construction Issues: The 2016 study 3 also noted design, construction, and quality control problems with crib bumpers, which can contribute to their hazardous nature.
- Lack of Preventive Benefit: There is no substantial evidence to support the idea that crib bumpers provide a significant preventive benefit against serious injuries, as they may only prevent minor injuries, according to the 2007 study 2.
Summary of Findings
The majority of the evidence suggests that crib bumpers pose a risk to infants, primarily due to suffocation and strangulation hazards. While there are other causes of unintentional suffocation and strangulation, the specific risks associated with crib bumpers indicate that their use is not recommended.