Cot bumpers

I would bet that you'll find the pros and cons somewhere on Mumsnet; however, I believe there is a breathable version available that looks something like a cellular blanket.

Teddymac I had a cot bumper in the cot for my grandchildrens' visits but was firmly told it was not allowed these days - just as the baby must be on its back - mine were all on their fronts. Strangely our latest 6 week old grandson is only calm when put on his front so his mother is most concerned! The best thing to do is go with the flow, don't offer too much advice and be there when needed

There are cot bumpers that are safe to use and are to be found at safedreams.co.uk

teddymac - if it puts your mind at rest this is what they say on the fsid website which is always a good place to look for up to date health and safety recommendations

"In the past, there were concerns that bumpers might make babies too hot, increasing the risk of cot death. However, research has shown that they have neither good nor bad effects. Take it out when your baby can get up on her hands and knees so she can’t climb out. Make sure there are no trailing strings or ties."

Best in these situations to look on either the Department of Health website, or the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths, who also have an enquiry service.
I am quietly fuming because the lovely lambskins that soothed our babies are now considered "unsafe".

Oh - as I was typing this, rosiemus' post appeared, but I'll leave this anyway.

We never used a cot bumper as such but do use the Airwrap version, safe and stops bits and pieces from falling out. Its made from breathable mesh allowing for airflow.

Many thanks for all your helpful comments. I suppose, as with most things, there are those in favour and those against and what is considered safe today may well be banned as unsafe tomorrow. I have no doubt that as a shortly to be new granny I will be seeking more advice and words of wisdom in the future. Funny really - when I had my own children I hardly worried at all, but not sure it's going to be quite so easy to adopt that approach with grandchildren. Or maybe it's just that this is the first.

Teddymac I don't think it gets any easier! We have just acquired GC No 6 and I'm still nervous and keep poking him to see if he's still breathing. I worry about everything to do with any of them - especially when the 3 year old is teetering on the top of a climbing frame which doesn't bother her Mum but gives me the heebie jeebies!! I just put it down to being out of practice

Agree with you Gally, I think our anxiety radar is more finely tuned with our Grandchildren,than it ever was with our own children. Teddymac, just enjoy your grandchild, everything else will flow

I agree we worry more about our grandchildren. My grandchildren used to climb to the top of a climbing frame and shout granny's scared. They were about 2 and 4 at the time. Now they jump into swimming pool and I am still scared but can laugh about it.

Good to know I'm not alone in feeling an anxiety I wasn't expecting. Guess I had better get used to the fact this is the way it's going to be. But I'm looking forward to this new chapter in my life and all it has to offer.