Are mesh, breathable cot bumpers a safe alternative to padded ones?

WHAT ARE COT BUMPERS AND WHY ARE THEY USED?

A cot bumper is a fabric liner put around the inside of a cot or crib’s bars. They are used for:

Softening the impact if a baby knocks their head on the sides.
Preventing a baby’s limbs from getting stuck through the cot slats.
Preventing a baby from throwing a dummy on the floor.
Creating a visual shield from the parents, siblings or other stimuli that might prevent a child from settling.
Purely for decorative purposes.

What are the two main types of cot bumper?

Traditionally cot bumpers are a padded fabric which is tied to the cot’s slats. Due to safety concerns, you can now buy mesh bumpers that are often attached to the cot with hook and eye fastenings (Velcro). They are also often called cot wraps and cot liners.

What are the safety concerns with the padded cot bumpers?

Babies struggle to regulate their temperature and if their head is pushed up against a padded fabric corner they may overheat. Overheating is a known factor in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This is why parents are told to place their babies’ feet at the foot of the cot.
If their face is pressed up against the fabric sides, they may find it hard to breathe and suffocate.
The ties used to attach the bumpers pose a strangulation risk.
These bumpers are often quite firm so can be used by babies to climb up and then possibly fall.

What is the evidence for these concerns?

There do not appear to have been any studies relating to safety in the UK. There has been one well-publicised case of the tragic death of nine-month-old Preston Brian in Loughborough in 2013. His family firmly believe that a padded cot bumper was responsible for his passing.

In response to a petition started after his death the UK government said in 2014, ‘We feel we do not currently have enough evidence to support a ban on the sale and use of cot bumpers.’

There is just the British Standard 16780:2018 for cot bumpers, which details all the features they should and shouldn’t have for safety. This includes ties that should not have a loose end of more than 220mm and that there should be no 3D embellishments.

There have been studies in the USA and a report by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) stated that between 1990 and 2016, there were 282 injuries and 107 baby deaths associated with crib bumpers.

It is worth noting that these fatalities recorded were all instances where cot bumpers were present. The number of cases where the cot bumper actually caused the death is a lot smaller.

The CPSC concluded that cot bumpers should not be used as the risks far outweigh the benefits but their recommendation only relates to padded cot bumpers. Since 2022 the sale of padded cot bumpers has been banned in the USA.

Here’s what the NHS says about cot bumpers:

Avoid using cot bumpers in your baby's cot – they are a hazard for choking, suffocation and strangulation.

They also warn that babies could climb on them and fall out of their cot.

And here’s what safe sleep experts the Lullaby Trust say:

We do not recommend the use of any sort of cot bumpers and urge all parents to follow our safer sleep advice to use a flat firm mattress in a cot or Moses basket with no loose bedding, pillows or bumpers.

But what about the mesh cot liners? Are they safe?

The Lullaby Trust are very clear in their messaging. No cot bumper is safe. The only safe cot is one free of any bumpers, pillows or loose bedding. But you can buy mesh bumpers that appear to address and fix the safety concerns of the padded ones.

Look out for:

Velcro (hook and loop) fastenings. If there are ties, make sure they are tripled stitched and with loose ends no longer than 22cm.

Collapsable liners, which can be pressed down with a child’s foot and so can’t be climbed on. Alternatively, stop using the bumpers once your child is able to sit up unaided.

Certified breathable mesh for breathability and temperature regulation.
Open corners for even better ventilation.

Those with safety concerns point out there is still the danger of entrapment with the possibility that a baby could get trapped between the bumper and the crib.

What could you do instead if your child repeatedly gets their limbs stuck between the bars?

If your baby’s limbs are getting stuck a lot, try using a baby sleeping bag. These help a little as they prevent legs from being free to roam although not the arms.

THE BEST MESH COT BUMPERS/LINERS TO BUY

If you still want to buy a mesh cot bumper, here are the four most reputable brands.

This was last updated on 13 January 2024.

If you buy through a link, I may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.

1. PURFLO COT WRAP

The 3D mesh fabric is designed to enable air to circulate and is certified fully air-permeable for breathability and temperature regulation.

Easily attaches with Velcro.
Collapsible if a baby presses down on it so it can’t be used to climb out.
Fits most cots up to 140 x 70cm.
Comes in two pieces.
Can be used from birth until a baby can sit up unaided.

Check price on Amazon

2. BREATHABLE BABY MESH LINER

The original breathable mesh liner which has been independently tested to ensure safety. It meets the requirements of the domestic bedding safety standard BS 1877 Part 10 and BS EN 16780 for Children’s Cot Bumpers.
Machine washable.
Attached with both Velcro and short ties. The ties are triple sewn in two places and have a free length of just 22cm.
Designed to collapse with pressure.
Can be used from birth until a baby is ‘sitting up and active’. This is so there is no chance of the liner being used as a climbing aid.
Comes in different sizes, colours and prints.

Buy for £25.00 at Argos

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