Baby re: Standing in his crib! Mattress lowered, but...

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Hi there,

Well my little gentleman started pulling himself up to standing last week, so we lowered his crib mattress. We had breathable bumpers on his crib and everything I read (including the crib instructions) said to remove the bumpers when the mattress is lowered. I understand the logic here b/c he immediately used them as a step stool, but we're having trouble with him sticking his limbs through the bars now. When he pulls himself up, he tends to slide and his legs go through the bars. Yesterday, while I was getting his bath ready, he started screaming b/c his leg was stuck up to the thigh.

I'm so worried about him wrenching his arm or leg in the wrong direction and breaking something. 

I'm basically a single mom M-F because of Casey's hectic movie schedule so I need a safe place to be able to put G when I'm getting ready in the morning and getting his bath ready in the evening.

Did any of you leave the bumpers on? Anything to say about it?

I know that ultimately, I have to go with my gut - but I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance.

TIA! 

lala5507

I never used bumpers.  I can only remember a couple of times that the girls actually got stuck.  I never felt like a couldn't leave them in the crib while I showered or whatever.  I guess you have to decide what would be be more of a worry for you - climbing out of the crib with the bumpers or possibly getting stuck without them.

Meghan&Rich

We did keep the bumper on - although neither of my boys tried that hard to climb out of the crib.  We also have the breathable bumpers but it was flimsy enough that they couldn't really use it as a step stool.  The lowest point for our mattress is pretty low as well, so even the few times they did try to climb out, they probably wouldn't have made it over.  For various reasons, I was a nervous nelly about getting stuck, so for us the bumpers worked.

What about using a pack n play?  Our mornings can be somewhat hectic with both of us leaving at different times, so we kept one in our room for this reason.

Temp520258500005569

Meghan&Rich:

We did keep the bumper on - although neither of my boys tried that hard to climb out of the crib.  We also have the breathable bumpers but it was flimsy enough that they couldn't really use it as a step stool.  The lowest point for our mattress is pretty low as well, so even the few times they did try to climb out, they probably wouldn't have made it over.  For various reasons, I was a nervous nelly about getting stuck, so for us the bumpers worked.

What about using a pack n play?  Our mornings can be somewhat hectic with both of us leaving at different times, so we kept one in our room for this reason.

That's a really good point about them being flimsy, I didn't even think of that. He couldn't really get much leverage b/c once a lot of weight is put on them, they buckle. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Our bedroom is too small for a P&P, unfortunately. But that's a great suggestion. Thanks again! 

LittleD8081

I left the bumpers, too...and not the breathable kind. My kids always liked to snuggle up against the soft bumper (when they would lay on their side with their back to the crib rail).  B still uses a bumper and when he stands on it, it totally buckles.  He couldn't use it to climb out if he wanted to...but, his crib is pretty low to the ground (I can barely see his eyes when he is standing straight up).  Go with your gut. 

MrsAmers

ryanthegirl:

Meghan&Rich:

We did keep the bumper on - although neither of my boys tried that hard to climb out of the crib.  We also have the breathable bumpers but it was flimsy enough that they couldn't really use it as a step stool.  The lowest point for our mattress is pretty low as well, so even the few times they did try to climb out, they probably wouldn't have made it over.  For various reasons, I was a nervous nelly about getting stuck, so for us the bumpers worked.

That's a really good point about them being flimsy, I didn't even think of that. He couldn't really get much leverage b/c once a lot of weight is put on them, they buckle. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Ditto the breathable ones being flimsy. We are actually still using them in Todd's toddler bed. They've been in his bed since day one and will stay in until he converts to the big boy bed.

northhillsbride

Meghan&Rich:

We did keep the bumper on - although neither of my boys tried that hard to climb out of the crib.  We also have the breathable bumpers but it was flimsy enough that they couldn't really use it as a step stool.  The lowest point for our mattress is pretty low as well, so even the few times they did try to climb out, they probably wouldn't have made it over.  For various reasons, I was a nervous nelly about getting stuck, so for us the bumpers worked.

What about using a pack n play?  Our mornings can be somewhat hectic with both of us leaving at different times, so we kept one in our room for this reason.

As usual, Meghan said everything I was going to say. With both boys, I left the bumpers in and we never had an issue. Good luck!

jessiegirl10.18

We still have the breatheable ones in C's crib as well.  Same thought process as others, that they are too flimsy to use to stand on.

gwennythepooh

We also have the breathable ones. Any time she's tried to stand on them, they just fold down.

AmandaJLewis

i never used bumpers either, and EJ got both legs stuck out of the side one night. It was pretty hilarious seeing her fat legs flailing out the side of the crib.  I think a stuck leg is safer than a baby flipping out of the crib.