Cot 'bumpers'

[radnrach]

My baby is now 6 months old and has made the grand move to his big-boy cot. He's all tucked in there nice and tight, fast asleep.. and then I go and read the internet. I was given a cute cot bumper by my aunt, and thought nothing of it. But apparently they are not recommended for babies under 1 year old? Due to risk of suffocating? And overheating?

It's all I can do to run in there screaming and rip the bumper off the cot...

Does anybody have any thoughts on this? Do you use one? Do you not? I'm unsure whether this is just another one of those things that I shouldn't really listen to. And as always, I'm an over-worried first time mother.

[sanity girl]

I used one for my first child (now 4) as we were given it by in-laws, although most nights she ended up in bed with us and a big duvet anyway! Number 2 (6 months) sleeps happily in his big cot without any bumpers. I'm sure your little one will be fine with the bumpers, but to be honest I'm not sure I really see the point of them - a bit fussy and unnecessary. I think the reasoning is that it's best to go without so that air can circulate freely etc.

[candj]

Just make sure it's tied down securely, flush to the side of the cot and can't ride up or become loose. I've always used one from about 4-6 months when baby was moved to cot bed. I've also read stories saying they are dangerous I suppose because baby can smother his face with it if he manages to wiggle towards it (but after the fact). Living in a Victorian period house we get plenty of air circulation!

[The Nappy Lady]

I was on the FSID website the other day and they seem to imply cot bumpers used to be 'not recommended' but have changed their stance - see here; http://fsid.org.uk/page.aspx?pid=412

They say:

Bumpers: there are cot bumpers in the cot. In the past, there were concerns that bumpers might make babies too hot, increasing the risk of cot death. However, research has shown that they have neither good nor bad effects. Take it out when your baby can get up on her hands and knees so she can?t climb out. Make sure there are no trailing strings or ties.

Hope this reassures you. I think FSID is the best place to check this stuff as they are always most up to date.

xx

[prm]

I was also wondering the same and found a safe cotbumper option. They sell it in Jojo Maman, if you look in their website it's called Airwrap - may have it in stock at the ED branch but otherwise it's free delivery on the website and at ?26 for the 4 sided option, it's the cheapest I have found it.

[akc74]

I have just bought an Airwrap from eBay (brand new though!) and decided I don't want it and am going to get a more traditional bumper. Does anyone want to make me an offer - if so drop me a PM?! It's still in its packaging and it is the 4-sided version. It was about ?26 as suggested incl delivery. I know I am not supposed to sell stuff here, but given the topic, I hope I am allowed?!