Q&A: Are Bumpers Safe?

A. Bumpers are meant to prevent crib injuries, but new research from Washington University School of Medicine, in St. Louis, Missouri, suggests otherwise. Once babies are old enough to wriggle or roll around, they may get trapped or suffocated by the bumpers. Older babies can use bumpers to climb out of the crib and get hurt. Study author Bradley Thatch, MD, says bumpers should not be used at all. If you choose to use them, be sure they're removed before your child can move or roll, usually by 3 to 4 months.

Copyright © 2008. Used with permission from the February 2008 issue of American Baby magazine.

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