A newer alternative to the padded bumper pads are breathable mesh crib bumper pads, which improve airflow and promote fresh air circulation. The new mesh bumper pads are slightly padded or not padded at all, making an attempted climb out of the crib impossible.

Before manufacturing safety standards, parents used crib bumpers to offset crib slats that were too far apart and could trap a baby’s head and body. Today, mandatory and voluntary Crib Safety Standars ensure all cribs sold in North America are required to have slats that are no more than 2 3/8” apart, a space small enough to prevent harm.