There are many parents who crack for a trick when they prepare a little cozy nest for their baby.Beyond its practical aspect, they choose it especially for its aesthetic aspect.But is this accessory without danger?Our experts, Céline Chaverot and Pauline Blocquel, deliver their opinion.
With Pauline Blocquel, psychologist, and Céline Chaverot, midwife
On childcare sites and in all specialized stores to prepare for the baby's arrival, there is a large choice of bed towers: flowery, original, braided, with animals or small clouds...There is something for every taste.This accessory, which dresses bars and can prevent small accidents, has great risks for toddlers.
What is a bumper?
The turn, or bed contour, is a childcare accessory that is placed inside the cradle or baby bed.It can be fixed, modular, in one piece or in several pieces.
If the first weeks many parents opt for semi-open beds glued to their bed, what are also called "cododo cradles", after a few weeks baby ends up feeling cramped or slippingToo often in the dad bed and mom.Generally around three months, many little pieces return to their room.The question then arises of their comfort and their safety in this "huge" bars bed that awaits them.This is what pushes a lot of parents to opt for the bumper.
The bumper can take different forms: curtains to hang, most often small panels of padded fabrics...And it can be modular, customizable...Everything is generally attached using small strings or scratchs, directly on bars.The most popular model?The large colorful braid that goes around the bed, and is all the rage on social networks.
À lire aussiWhy put a bed contour?
The bed, or bed contour, presents some advantages at first glance, especially for baby comfort.Some professionals, midwives or pediatricians, also encourage future parents to install a.
The bed was chosen, the mattress laid, the fitted sheet and the sleeping bag purchased.But we don't really want to leave the bars visible, because they have some parents a little "prison" side.Colorful, patterned or united, the bumper therefore ends up dressing the little baby cocoon nicely.It is one of the symbols of the preparation of the baby's room with the sleeping bag, ”notes Céline Chaverot, ex-movation.And it brings a comfort and cocoon side also.We tell ourselves that he will protect baby from air currents.
If baby fidgets a lot in his sleep, the bumper will prevent him from banging his head or getting a leg or an arm between the bars.It's very reassuring for parents.The bumper also makes it possible to prevent baby from dropping his pacifier on the ground during his sleep.
À lire aussiWhy avoid bodies?
Despite all its aesthetic advantages and its cozy and reassuring side, the bumper is however strongly advised by many early childhood professionals.Just as the pillows, plush and duvets are, because of the risk of sudden infant death.
Two cases:
"Admittedly, baby can get a leg or an arm in the bars, but it's always better than dying muffled," said Céline Chaverot.Everything except the padded bumper, therefore!
Even the most tonic babies capable of turning alone in their bed during sleep, will not necessarily be able to clear their stuck head against the bumper tower.
On the other hand, you have to be very careful about how it is hooked, because if it came to drop out or if it fell on baby during his sleep, he could cause suffocation, especially if he is heavyand not breathable.
When he bursts his head, the baby risks potential suffocation."The bumper is, in reality, not essential for the well-being of the infant.Pajamas and turbulette is enough, in a room at the right temperature, ”underlines Céline Chaverot.Better to wait until the child is two years old because there is almost no risk of min (unexpected death of the infant) and, at that age, the child knows how to turn around and repel something that annoys him.
Besides, if he is not yet prohibited in France, the bumper is prohibited in several states of the United States, proof that it represents a proven danger.
"From a psychological point of view, the simpler's baby's environment, the better," says Pauline Blocquel.Another disadvantage of the bumper: it blocks baby's vision on the outside world.
Lack of confidence
"The bumper prevents a baby from seeing what's going on in his room.Now it is very important for his confidence in him, and in what surrounds him, ”says Pauline Blocquel.It is even worse in the case of a complete bumper.
Separation anxiety
According to her, a turnover could even cause anxiety of separation."If the child hears noises but is unable to check what it is, it has a very worrying side for him.Thereafter, he may be afraid that his parents leave him alone in his room.»»
À lire aussiSolutions for more security
Semi-rigid bumper, hooked differently or breathable...There are alternatives to make sure baby will sleep safely.
"If we really want to put a bumper, I advise to install it ten centimeters in height compared to the mattress.Like that, the baby sees what is happening from his bed and we keep the side of Déco, without the side of the legendary, indicates Céline Chaverot.I recommend rather to use it in the playground to amortize shocks against bars.Provided that the child does not sleep there of course.»»
To limit the risks, you can simply position it outside the bed!
This accessory can also be used later, to decorate the rooms for the largest.Be placed in a cabin bed, for example, to compensate for the absence of a barrier.He then no longer represents any risk and he even finds a utility.
« Si l'on tient vraiment à installer un tour de lit, autant le choisir semi-rigide»», conseille Pauline Blocquel.There are fairly fine beds, which resemble nets, and which avoid the risk of suffocation.They are also often nicknamed by "anti-stupidity" manufacturers.
You can also opt for "bars" or "barrel protectors", which avoid shocks while letting baby breathe.
Conclusion: Les deux premières années, mieux vaut se passer totalement de tour de lit.Real security is not to put it.We can always brighten up the room with decoration on the walls, or a nice mobile hanging at the foot of the bed.History to sleep on both ears.
À lire aussiA lire aussiAuteur : PGaëlle GuitardCéline Chaverot et Pauline Blocquel Article publié le
