Crib Bedding Safety Info

By Kim Proulx

It's very important that parents and babies get a good night's sleep. For that to happen you need to feel secure that your baby's crib is as safe as it can be. If not, you'll be waking up all through the night to sneak a peek at your little cutie pie to make sure everything is fine.

The biggest danger to a baby in a crib is the misuse of baby bedding, but this can be avoided if you know the safety facts. Below you'll get a list of what to do and not to do when it comes to baby bedding in the crib. If you follow these instructions you and baby will sleep soundly and safely all night long.

No Bulky Crib Bedding

Not To Do: Don't put excess baby bedding in the crib like bulky quilts and pillows or even stuffed animals because this can pose a suffocation risk to your sweetie pie.

To Do: Instead, dress your baby in a sleep sack that is like a wearable baby blanket that will keep your little one's toes and legs warm and covered, but can't pull lose and end up over your baby's head. On extra cold nights, consider using a swaddle blanket that goes all around your baby's body to keep him warm or use a thin, baby blanket with breathable fabric and make sure to tuck it under all mattress sides, so baby can't pull it loose. If you use a blanket make sure that you only pull it up to baby's chest and no higher.

Chemical Free Sheets

Not To Do: Avoid baby bedding that comes with lots of flame retardant chemicals or odd fabrics because this can cause baby to have an allergic reaction when in the crib.

To Do: Choose baby bedding that is eco-friendly or made of 100% cotton or fabric that is safe and free of odd chemicals.

Good Fitting Baby Bedding

Not To Do: Make sure you don't get a fitted sheet that's too big or loose around the crib mattress as this could come undone and end up bunching up around baby's face posing a suffocation hazard or making baby cranky.

To Do: Get a fitted crib sheet that's specifically designed to stay snug around the mattress. Measure the mattress to get the right sheet. Make sure to get the right size sheet or go one step further and look for sheets with Velcro ties that will keep the sheet in place for good.

Decide if a Crib Bumper is Right for Your Baby

Not To Do: There has been a controversy over the safety of crib bumpers for years and recently the ASTM has come out with some new, voluntary baby bedding manufacturing standards to ensure that crib bumpers are designed in a more safe fashion. It's up to you if you use a crib bumper, but stay clear of bumpers that have a pillow-like filling because they'll restrict airflow to the crib and pose a suffocation hazard to baby.

To Do: If you decide to use a crib bumper, make sure you get one that is thin and can be securely tied to the crib sides, so baby can't pull it loose when twisting and turning.

No Used Baby Bedding

Not To Do: Don't buy used baby bedding. If it's been used before you don't know if the bedding has absorbed any type of allergens like smoke particles, cleaning supplies, dust mites etc... that your baby may react to. Used baby bedding may also have snags like loose threads or holes that baby could pull on and get tangled up in causing injury to your little darling.

To Do: Always buy new baby bedding from a reputable, trusted company, so you know that the crib bedding meets today's safety standards and will provide your baby with the safest crib environment possible.

Get the Right Crib Mattress

Not To Do: Never get a used crib mattress or one that isn't made for your baby's size crib. The wrong size mattress can pose all kinds of risks for your baby because if there is a gap between the mattress and crib rails your baby could trap an arm or nuzzle his nose into that space causing him harm. If the mattress is too soft, because it's been used before, it can be a suffocation hazard.

To Do: It's best to purchase a new crib mattress that's designed for your crib or crib size. If you buy a mattress separately always measure your baby's crib and get a mattress to fit. Also, make sure to get a mattress that has a firm side because babies are safer when sleeping on a harder mattress. Their frail bodies need the extra support.

No Tassels or Jewels

Not To Do: Don't buy into the fancy baby bedding sets that come with tassels or jewels on the bedding, unless you're going to take all the bedding off the crib when it's time for baby to sleep. Any tassels or jewels can be sucked on by your baby and swallowed, causing a risk of choking or suffocation.

To Do: Think simple when it comes to baby bedding. If you purchase crib bedding that is pretty, but with no "bells and whistles" then your baby won't have any type of dangly thing that could cause a problem.

Browse our Beautiful and Safe Baby Bedding Collections Today!

At SimplyBabyFurniture.com we carry lots of crib bedding sets by trusted, reputable companies who ensure that their baby bedding is made to meet all of today's safety regulations. Check out all of our collections today to find the perfect set for your baby's crib!