In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) expanded its safe sleep guidelines to recommend that parents never use crib bumpers. Based on the 2007 study, the AAP stated: “There is no evidence that bumper pads prevent injuries, and there is a potential risk of suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment.”

Are cot bumpers a good idea?

Avoid using cot bumpers in your baby's cot – they are a hazard for choking, suffocation and strangulation.

When can you use a bumper in the cot?

Before 4 to 9 months old, babies can roll face-first into a crib bumper — the equivalent of using a pillow. There's certainly a theoretical risk of suffocation. After 9 to 10 months old, most infants can pull themselves to a standing position and use the crib bumper as a step to fall out of the crib.