Cot bumpers might look soft and protective — but they are not safe for babies and are not recommended in any safe sleep guidelines.
1. Suffocation Risk
Babies can roll or move their face into the bumper and:
- Re-breathe their own air (carbon dioxide buildup)
- Be unable to move away due to limited head control
This significantly increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
2. Airflow Restriction
Bumpers reduce airflow inside the cot.
- Babies need a clear, breathable sleep space
- Soft surfaces trap heat and air
Overheating + poor airflow = increased SIDS risk
3. Climbing & Fall Risk (Older Babies)
As babies grow:
- They can use bumpers as a step to climb out
- This increases the risk of falls and injury
4. Strangulation & Entanglement
Some bumpers (especially tied ones) have:
- Ribbons or ties
- Loose fabric
These can pose a strangulation risk
5. They Don’t Prevent Injury
A common myth is that bumpers:
“Stop babies hitting their head or getting stuck”
In reality:
- Minor bumps are not harmful
- Getting a limb briefly caught is not dangerous
- The risks of bumpers are far greater than these minor issues
What a Safe Cot Should Look Like
- Firm mattress
- Fitted sheet only
- No bumpers, pillows, toys, or loose blankets