One of the important ABCs of safe sleep is putting your baby to sleep in a crib or on another hard surface. Here are a few tips to keep your crib a safe sleeping space for your precious baby: Make sure there are no gaps larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib …
Q: Do mesh crib bumpers increase my baby’s risk of SIDS?
It’s fairly common knowledge that traditional bumper pads increase infants’ risk of suffocation and SIDS. Recently, though, some businesses have been offering mesh or “breathable” crib bumpers as safe alternatives. But are they really safer? The American Academy of Pediatrics says, “No.” Mesh bumper pads allow more air, but they aren’t suffocation-proof. Just like regular …
4 things that should never be in your baby’s crib
A safe crib includes a firm mattress and tightly fitted sheet. That’s it. As you design your baby’s sleep surface, give some attention to what shouldn’t be included: blankets, pillows, toys, bumper pads and other babies. Here’s why: 1) Blankets and pillows Because an infant doesn’t have the strength to move if his or her …
Preparing for your baby: Crib safety
When you are expecting a baby, it’s an exciting time. There are lots of things to think about – including where your child will sleep. Will they have their own room? Will they share a room with a sibling? Will they sleep in your room for a time? Regardless of their surroundings, it’s important that …
3 signs a crib isn’t safe
Since 2011, the federal government has required crib manufacturers to follow strict guidelines, making newer cribs safer for your infant. However, there may be occasions when a new crib is not available, such as when you are away from home, or you may prefer to use a secondhand crib. Be sure to check a used …
4 tips for helping your baby sleep better
It’s important to realize that every baby is different – and that includes sleep habits. From how fast they fall asleep to how long they sleep, babies often have minds of their own. But there are some easy things you can do to help promote better – and safer – sleep for your infant. No. …
What exactly is a safe sleep surface?
We’ve all seen the store displays or the photos in magazines showcasing beautiful cribs overflowing with bedding, bumper pads, pillows, stuffed toys and more. It may make a pretty picture, but it can be a deadly combination in real life. Not only are those things unnecessary for your infant, they can actually be suffocation hazards …