Organic Baby Blog – News & Tips on Organic Parenting

Baby Crib and Bedding Safety

May 4th, 2009 by

The first three things new or expecting parents think of when arranging the space that their baby will be sleeping in are comfort, aesthetics, and above all else, safety.  A newborn baby’s crib and bedding easily conjure cozy images of duck-dappled or teddy bear adorned bedding, lining cribs that may be or may someday become a family heirloom.  Infants can spend anywhere from eleven to sixteen hours a day sleeping; this alone places their crib and bedding among the most important aspects of their new life.  Disturbingly however, the crib is also host to the leading cause of infant death in the country, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS. When combined with the fact that well over a million cribs have been recalled in the last few years, it is paramount for new parents to have a strong understanding of baby crib and bedding safety.  Here are some safe bedding guidelines laid out by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

•    Lay baby on his or her back on a firm mattress that fits tightly into a crib that meets current safety standards.

•    Take out any excess comforters, stuffed toys, and pillows.

•    Look into using sleep clothing as an alternative to blankets.

•    If using a blanket be sure to tuck it in under around the crib mattress and reaching up only as high as the infant’s chest.

•    Room temperature should be comfortable for an adult in light clothing.

•    Make sure child’s head remains uncovered during sleep.

Although the cause of SIDS is still a topic of debate, some experts maintain that off-gassing by chemicals used in baby bedding is the culprit.  One way to sidestep this possible problem is to avoid potentially toxic chemicals in your baby’s crib and bedding.  It is advised when budgeting for your child’s sleep setup that you consider organic bedding options.  It is also a good idea to occasionally check the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website for any recalls.  Knowledge is the most effective tool in ensuring that the choices you make regarding your baby’s crib and bedding are the right choices to preserve your baby’s safe and happy development.

Tags: baby, bedding, crib, safety, SIDS