what do you use instead of cot bumpers?

[nzbabies]

I just read that some people think that cot bumpers are not safe as the baby can climb onto them and out of the cot. Also that the ties can be dogdy. So if cot bumpers aren't totally safe, what can I use? (otherwise my lo will definitely bump her head as she likes to snuggle up to the side of the cot)

[Seona1973]

What age is your lo? TBH I never used anything for my lo's except for maybe some small soft toys.

[MrsBadger]

depends on age of child

[ChocOrange05]

I used to roll up some towels and put them underneath the sheet by the bed, it was only when DS was 8mo so I didn't think there was any danger of him getting his face/airways trapped against it and it was quite low down but just enough so if he moved against the bars it would cushion him. We stopped it at about 10/11mo though and he now sleeps with his head right against the bars but it doesn't seem to wake him.

HTH

[chopstheduck]

I really wouldnt use anything. She isn't going to bump her head that hard by herself. Mine had nothing.

[babyOcho]

DD has never had them. Occassionally she will roll over and bump her head, but as chopstheduck said, it's never going to be that hard.

[Seona1973]

according to the sids website cot bumpers have neither a good or bad effect so are ok to be used from birth until your lo starts to get mobile.

From sids website:

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.

[PotPourri]

Persoanlly I like bumpers. And pleased to see that SIDS guidance has changed a bit. DS1 would definately have bumped his head. I ahve taken out though as I am moving him to a bed next week so wanted him to get used to not having that soft cocoon.

[MrsBadger]

ok, I stand corrected

[reup]

I never used them for either of my 2. They just bumped their heads. It never even woke them up!

[nzbabies]

Thanks for all the answers. She is 8mo.

[nzbabies]

and she is in a sleeping bag so can't climb at the moment anyway.

[DrCosyTiger]

Hi NZBabies, I would second the rolled up towel tip. My DD is almost 9m and I have a rolled up towel under the sheet at the top end of her cot. Without it she wriggles upwards - even in her sleeping bag, she's a real wriggler - and gets her head stuck between the top bars which wakes her up and makes her cry.