Crib Safety

Dr. Alan Greene answers the question, Could bumper rails hurt my baby?

Published on October 3, 2005

Can Bumper Rails in a Crib Really Cause Sids? What if My Baby Hits Her Head?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) kills about 3,500 infants every year and the causes of SIDS are still not fully understood.

We know that the risk of SIDS increases with soft, cushy bedding that babies can bury their faces in and not get enough to breathe. We also know that it is best to put babies down on their backs, but when they are strong enough to roll into a different position, the risk of SIDS is usually decreasing. Also, it drops off substantially at 6 months.

RELATED: When Do Babies Roll Over?

Don't worry about your baby hitting her head on the sides of the crib. Head bumping is usually not a problem. They are built for this as they learn to crawl and walk and stand. Getting a leg caught could be an uncomfortable possibility, though. If you want to use something on the side to prevent this, I would pick something that is the lightest and breathes the best. The cushioning itself is not terribly important. I don't know the specific brands of bumpers well, but I think Safety First makes one.

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!