Cot bumpers - advice

[Dipsydoodlenoodle]

Firstly, sorry, I wasn't sure where the right place to post this was.

FTM here, I've read that 'traditional' cot bumpers are not recommended. I've also read that breathable cot bumpers are ok?

Just looking for opinions, breathable cot bumpers, yes, or no? and are they even really needed? or even alternative options?

Thank you.

I’ve always thought that cot bumpers are unsafe and unnecessary? I’m a FTM too and that was what I thought

I think they are mostly unsafe. However when ds was younger he had a habit of getting his legs trapped in between the bars and also dropping his dummy out the side. Both of these things causing him to wake up screaming. We bought the very ugly looking but breathable cot wrap (Airwrap I think?) and it did help. However he was an older baby at this point (possibly over 1) and he could maneuvre himself around. Also it was a cot bed so lots of space.
As a general rule I think they should be avoided though, especially in young babies or if they're just there for aesthetic reasons.

We also had an airwrap for our son. I think it was called that anyway, it's like a breathable mesh that stops them from getting limbs stuck in the cot bars. It's also secured with velcro rather than ties.

I wouldn't bother getting them unless you have an issue with your LO getting their limbs stuck through the bars.

We use a nest inside DS's cotbed.

It stops him from rolling all over the place and getting him legs stuck. He sleeps much better with it.

He's in a sleepyhead grand now he's quite a large 16mo. But he had a Purflo sleep tight nest when he was smaller which was approved for overnight sleep.

I'd try not to use them if you can. There's nothing wrong with baby rolling round and having the odd little bump. Its only if legs and arms keep getting stuck that there's an issue

Approved by who?

The Lullaby Trust say all seep nests and similar are not safe.

Bed guards are not safe until 18 months and they are similar to air wrap style bumpers so I would assume they are not safe until 18 months.

I wouldn't use them. They're a proven risk. Google justice for Preston, it's just heartbreaking.

We had air wraps because they always hit their arms and legs stuck in the bars, even in a sleeping bag

They’re unsafe and in most cases, unnecessary. I have 3 children and have never felt the need for bumpers.
If your child starts getting limbs stuck, cross that bridge when it comes to it. But until a need arises (if it does) then you don’t even need to think about them 🤷🏻‍♀️.

We never used cot bumpers or a sleep nest and we never once had an issue with arms or legs getting stuck. You don't need them

@Pissinthepottyplease

Approved by who?

The Lullaby Trust say all seep nests and similar are not safe.

Bed guards are not safe until 18 months and they are similar to air wrap style bumpers so I would assume they are not safe until 18 months.

It's technically a baby bed not a nest but it's a very familiar shape.

I looked at the research and was happy to use but that's just me. Others should use their own judgement.

Cot bumpers make great cat beds

We added breathable bumpers after DD transitioned to the cot because she made a game of pushing all her dummies through the slats on to the floor and then waking us when she couldn't find them in the middle of the night.
Didn't plan to use them but I need my sleep 😀

I think they're not recommended and pretty dangerous. My dd kept getting her legs stuck out the bars so I bought wee padded wraps that wrapped round each bar individually bit like a bottle cooler they us in Oz!

I've always used a sleeping bag, adjust the tog according to room temperature, there's no issue with trapped legs then x

They aren't recommended and aren't needed. It's not worth the risk.
The purflo that other users have said is recommended for overnight sleep is technically a sleep pod/nest and could still lead to asphyxiation. Its not recommend by lullaby trust. It doesn't say who has approved it!

That is great thank you all. That was what I thought the general advice was; just glad to get some real opinions.

All nests, pods, bumpers (even the ‘breathable’ ones) are really unsafe, unnecessary and actually a waste of money.

The only type of safe cot / sleep space is a clear one

Do not use them! I have seen many cases of SIDS as a paeds nurse. Google Justice for Preston - they are not safe.

@MarshmallowsOnToast that is so dangerous I don't even know where to begin!

Please get rid!!!

my 3 month old is having the same issue, she’s recently discovered rolling over and her legs get stuck, her arms get stuck and she bangs her head. all the advice is against cot bumpers so we’re not going to get them but do any veteran mums have any alternate recommendations? I’ve seen the individual bar covers but I assume that’s the same as a cot bumper in terms of safety?

@MarshmallowsOnToast what research did you look at please? I know it says safe on the website but just wondering who says it's safe.

@GMumma there isn’t really an alternative to cot bumpers. The evidence shows that the safest way for a baby to sleep is in a clear and empty cot. at 3 months she isn’t going to have the force behind her to give her head a good bang, as she won’t be able to move quickly enough.

Really nothing should be in the cot apart from baby and mattress x

Not safe and older babies can use them to climb out of the cot - I had a heated argument with DH about this and we rarely argue!