If you chose beddings for your baby, you should know that it is not enough to buy bedsheets and a blanket (by the way, do you know that one of the best is a cashmere baby blanket?). A must have for newborns are bumper pads.
Since the sides are used mainly for children under one and a half years old, it is easiest to find on sale models designed for standard cribs 60×120 cm. They can be attached to the backs with ties or Velcro, or they can be worn on top.
Types of Bumper Pads
Flat Pillows
The first type is more popular – it consists of three or four flat pillows. If there are three pillows in the side (the length of the product is 190 cm), it will not completely cover the bed. This option is suitable for cribs with the front wall already removed. But four pillows (product length – 360 cm) protect the entire perimeter, so they are ideal for the smallest.
Bumper pads that cover only three sides are not very comfortable for the smallest children.
If the side is put on the bed rails, it will completely cover its walls. These models are more difficult for a child to pull off. But if the baby learns to stand up, such protection will prevent him from grabbing the bars for support.
Separate Pillows
Another type of bumper pads is a set of separate pillows that are not sewn together. Such a model is convenient for washing, because you can remove only those parts that are dirty. But still not very comfortable for an older baby. The more details, the greater the risk of getting tangled in the ties and pulling the pillows off the rods.
Protection differs in height – the most popular options are 30 and 50 cm. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- High ones better protect the child from injury, completely block the view during sleep, which means they are suitable for restless children.
- Low, as a rule, are recommended for very young children, when they have not yet learned to get up, and the bottom of the crib is raised. However, according to reviews, such protection is also suitable for kids who are learning to get up, because with such bumper pads it is easier for them to grasp the rods for support. Low protection is not suitable for children who are actively spinning in their sleep.
Another important parameter of bumper pads is the thickness of the cushion. In factory models, it varies from 2 to 4 cm, in custom made it can be more. It is clear that the thicker the protection, the more reliable it is. The quality of the filler also plays an important role. For example, if a sufficiently dense foam rubber is used, then it can be thin.
If the sides are made in the form of a set of pillows, then it is desirable that the elements are fastened together
What are the Bumper Pads Made of
When choosing a side, it is very important to pay attention to the material from which it is made. Main requirements:
- Natural fabric (cotton, calico) for the outer part.
- Easy to wash (so don’t choose delicate fabrics that will stain).
- Quick-drying base and cover.
- Of the fillers, foam rubber or hallcon are best suited. They do not clump or lose their shape.
- Pastel muted color. Vivid drawings can excite your baby, distract and, as a result, affect the quality of sleep.
If parents have a desire to purchase elegant bumpers, then it is better to focus not on bright prints, but on pastel patterns. Embroidery will be an interesting solution.
Important Details
When buying protection, you should pay attention to details such as the mount. Models are available that are fixed on the bed with ties, Velcro, buttons and locks.
- Velcro is the most convenient for parents, but since it comes apart easily, it can be dangerous for babies who are already able to reach them or pull hard on the side.
- Custom-made bumper pads are often fitted with buttons. Make sure the buttons are large enough and firmly sewn on, otherwise the child may swallow them or stick them in the airways.
- Ties are the most popular fasteners. It is better to choose models of sides with relatively long and wide ribbons, because the baby can untie thin ones.
Wide and soft ribbons are not dangerous for the baby, moreover, they are easy to tie.
Additions
Now you can find bumper pads in a crib with toys that are attached with Velcro. Such details will allow the baby not to be bored in the crib when he is awake. In addition, since they can be easily removed and attached, the baby will be able to further develop hand motor skills during the game. At the same time, you need to understand that such details can distract the child while falling asleep, so it is quite possible that toys will need to be removed at night and during the daytime.
Bumper pads equipped with pockets are on sale. They can store the necessary accessories, diapers, cream and powder, rattles, wet wipes and more. They are really very convenient when it comes to very young babies, up to 6-8 months. But even for this age, only those pockets that are located on the outside of the side are safe. And when the child learns to sit and even more so to get up and is able to reach the contents of the pockets, it is better to refuse to use them altogether.
How to Care for Bumper Pads
Bumper pads, like other baby bedding, will need to be washed regularly. If their surface is not dirty, then the standard washing frequency is once every 2 weeks. If drinks are spilled on the fabric, the child burps up or stains it in another way, the protection must be cleaned immediately.
When choosing a model, keep in mind that fillers such as foam rubber can easily withstand washing in a washing machine – they do not lose their shape even after a strong spin. But synthetic winterizer fillers can get confused, warped, so they need to be washed only by hand or on a delicate mode, without spinning. Models with removable covers are very easy to clean – they are easier to wash, dry faster, in addition, if necessary, they can be easily ironed.
Crib protection is an important detail in arranging a sleeping place for an infant. When choosing between different options, pay attention to all the details and nuances. Think about how long you expect to use the side – it will serve the baby up to 5-6 months or will protect the crib further. And for convenience, it is always better to have a spare option on hand, it will help out when the main side is heavily soiled or needs repair.
More information about goods for newborns you can be read here.