They were originally designed to prevent babies’ heads from falling between crib slats, which used to be farther apart than they are today. Bumpers were also intended to create a soft cushion surrounding baby, preventing babies from bumping against the hard wooden sides of a crib.

Why should you not use crib bumpers?

Using a crib bumper pad may put your baby at greater risk for suffocation, SIDS, strangulation, and even falls. Bumper pads also can reduce air flow, lead to rebreathing stale air, and cause overheating. Additionally, child safety organizations recommend against crib bumpers because they pose a risk of suffocation.

Why do they still sell crib bumpers?

While health professionals agree that crib bumpers are dangerous for children, many parents still purchase them because they believe they will “increase the attractiveness of the crib, falsely perceive them to be safe, or mistakenly believe that they would have been removed from the market if they were dangerous,” …