Buying crib bedding isn’t too complex, and there are just a few safety measures to keep in mind. A number of organizations concerned with infant safety have established recommended criteria for choosing and using crib bedding. The guidelines are intended to keep babies from being endangered when they sleep, because they cannot defend against choking on their own.
These recommendations advise that a baby should sleep on his or her back with no soft or loose bedding in the crib. Extras in the crib such as blankets, toys and decorative pillows might be adorable, but babies should never have soft bedding items in the crib with them. In order to adhere to these guidelines, the only bedding you need in the crib is a mattress with a snug fitted sheet. A blanket may be used in the crib, but should be tucked in firmly at the foot of the bed and reach no farther than the baby’s chest.
The use of crib bumpers is debatable because while they’re unlikely to keep a child from breathing, pediatricians don’t recommend them to maximize airflow. Many alternative bumpers have started to emerge in an attempt to solve such problems. A sign of the confusion surrounding the usefulness of crib bumpers is the fact that they are still included in most baby bedding. There are several opinions on crib bumpers; parents should use their judgment and decide whether or not to use them.
You should follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on keeping crib bedding to a minimum for the baby’s first year, until the child can move enough to keep bedding out of his or her face. Parents should realize that until a baby is a year old, safety precautions should still be used when modifying the crib area. As soon as the baby can sit upright, and definitely before she can pull herself into a standing position, lower the mattress and remove any items that might be used as steps. Crib cushions especially provide an easy grip and hence they should be removed so as to prevent kids form mounting on the crib railings.
After your child’s first birthday there is a much lower risk of SIDS, meaning that you can add items to make the crib more comfortable and decorative. Identical bed skirt and comforters have the potential to go with the baby decor. A small snuggly blanket that fits the crib will give your child warmth and a feeling of security. While pillows act as a companion for many children under the age group of 2,most children prefer stuffed toys with them at night.