Are Baby Bumpers in a Cot Necessary? My Experience as a New Parent

As a new parent, I, like many others, initially believed that baby bumpers were an unnecessary addition to the cot. When setting up my little one’s sleeping space, I focused on keeping it as safe and minimal as possible, following all the sleep guidelines about reducing suffocation risks. Baby bumpers were something I deliberately left out—until my baby started rolling around more actively.

The Reality of a Moving Baby

At around six months, my baby became more adventurous in her sleep. What started as gentle wriggling soon turned into full-on rolling and scooting around the cot, especially when she was awake and trying to explore. It wasn’t long before I started hearing small thuds followed by cries—she was bumping her head on the wooden bars of the cot!

At first, I brushed it off, thinking she’d learn to adjust. But after a few nights of repeated head bumps and little arms and legs getting stuck between the cot slats, I realised we needed a solution. That’s when I revisited the idea of baby bumpers.

The Debate Around Baby Bumpers

There’s a lot of discussion around whether baby bumpers are safe. Traditional padded bumpers have been discouraged due to suffocation and entrapment risks. However, there are now safer alternatives designed with breathable materials that offer some cushioning without posing the same hazards.

Mesh bumpers, for example, allow for airflow while preventing little limbs from getting caught in the slats. Some parents opt for padded liners that are thinner and safer than older-style bumpers. The key is choosing a design that reduces the risk of suffocation while still providing the protection needed to keep a baby from hurting themselves.

Finding the Right Balance

For us, a breathable, low-profile bumper turned out to be the right choice. It gave just enough padding to soften the impact when my baby rolled into the cot bars but didn’t create a risk of restricted airflow. Since adding them, there have been fewer nighttime wake-ups from head bumps, and I’ve felt more at ease knowing she’s comfortable and safe.

Should You Get Baby Bumpers?

Every baby is different, and what works for one may not be necessary for another. If your little one isn’t moving around much in the cot, you might not need them. But if, like mine, your baby is an active roller and seems to be bumping into the sides frequently, it might be worth looking into safe bumper options.

Here are a few things to consider:
✔ Go for breathable materials – Avoid thick, padded bumpers that could pose suffocation risks.
✔ Ensure they are securely attached – Loose bumpers can become a hazard if the baby can pull them down.
✔ Monitor your baby’s development – As they grow, they may no longer need them, so be ready to adjust.

At the end of the day, parenting is all about adapting to our baby’s needs. What I thought was unnecessary at first turned out to be an essential addition to our cot setup. As always, safety comes first, so if you decide to use bumpers, choose wisely and keep your baby’s sleep space as secure as possible.

Have you experienced the same thing with your little one? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!