Why are cot bumpers still sold???

[xitedmum]

Walking around the Baby Show (London 20/10/18) I couldn't believe how many cot bumpers were on display. I thought these were a definite no-no. Why are they still sold or does anyone use one and why?? Are they not as dangerous as people made out? Thanks!!

Yes all have a pretty lovely nursery and an injured or dead baby or have a bare cot and at least minimise as many risks as you can.

These are sold my money grabbing retailers. Nothing more.

I wish they were banned as I have a family member from years and years ago who lost their 9 month old baby cos of these stupid fucking things.

Research has been done and it is safer to not have them at all. They don't say this to piss off manufacturers and retailers they say it because it's bloody true.

Throw them away if you have them. Do not buy them ever.

I have a mesh bumper on as I don't want the kids sticking their fingers in the plug sockets. There isn't anywhere else that the cot would fit.

@Kpo58 What possible harm could sticking their fingers in the sockets do? Sockets have an inbuilt safety mechanism. Cot bumpers are a much much MUCH bigger risk.

@Kpo58 can't you put something in front of the socket? Obviously not a socket cover but even something like a hard back book propped up in front of it?

You can fix a broken limb you can’t bring back your baby. It’s not at all worth the risk.

A child is not going to seriously hurt themselves by banging into the bars or getting arms and legs 'stuck'.

I cannot understand why anyone would have any kind of cot bumper and even after Preston's mum has posted about their tragedy people are still posting bullshit excuses why they need them.

Because people are idiots who believe it will never happen to them until you’ve had the horror of finding your baby not breathing and even thankfully coming back then you realise that the little stuff don’t matter!! Get a brusied Leg, wake up crying because they knocked them selfs on the bars but they are breathing!! They are alive!!

I bought a gorgeous set of bumpers the week I found out I was pregnant, as soon as I found out how dangerous they were I got rid. @justiceforpreseton I am so incredibly sorry for your loss

Thank you for posting @Justiceforpreston and for working so hard to raise awareness of the dangers. I had no idea how hazardous they were until my DSis was pregnant last year. Now I cringe when I go into Mothercare and see the cots dressed with padded bumpers and blankets, it's just so unnecessary.

Bumpers aren't just a suffocation risk, they're also a strangulation risk. Not the ties but the bumper itself. It's essentially a strip of fabric and if your baby manages to pull it free, if the ties snap or come undone, they can get it wrapped around their neck. An older baby or toddler can use it as a step to climb out of their cot or as a height booster to help them grab things in the vicinity of the cot such as bunting, blind cords, curtain ties, etc. They make a cot more dangerous, not less so.

This applies to the mesh ones with the velcro too.

The only thing that should be in any cot is a baby. That's it. No toys, no bumpers, no fancy cushions. Just a baby.

@Justiceforpreston I read your story on facebook when I was pregnant with my DD and never purchased bumpers because of it (I'd been eyeing up a beautiful bedding/bumper set in Mothercare only the week before I saw your post), she's now 3 and she slept in a completely clear cot and I wanted to say thank you for everything you've done with raising awareness and sharing your story. You and your beautiful Preston have saved so many babies

After reading these heart breaking stories I definitely will NOT be using any sort of bumper. Thank you all for sharing your stories. I can't believe that there are still people who don't know the risks to bumpers let's hope this post informs everyone how dangerous they can be!!

xcitedmum
Thank God, you have made the right decision. Preston’s Mum will be glad to hear that and for everyone who makes that decision, it makes the pain a fraction more bearable.
She started her campaign, determined that he would not be forgotten.
If you google it and read the full story, it is truly, utterly heartbreaking. Preston was a beautiful wee boy whose legacy will live on. I hope that one day these stupid cot bumpers will be completely banned.
Please spread the word about how dangerous they are.

I mean if you are told someone could harm your child and you could take away that risk why wouldn’t you.... your own opinion isn’t that smart or logical in comparison to the studies done so why take the risk?

*something could harm