Bedding For Baby
Tips for Bedtime Safety

Decorating the nursery is a favorite project for new parents and caregivers. Bedding must always be used as instructed by the manufacturer to help ensure baby's safety.

• An infant should ALWAYS sleep in a crib, which meets current federal and ASTM standards.
• Choose a firm mattress that fits snugly in the crib.
• ALWAYS use a crib sheet that fits securely on the mattress and wraps around the mattress corners.
• Select bumper pads that fit around the entire crib and tie or snap securely into place.
• Use bumper pads only until the child can pull up to a standing position. Then remove them so baby cannot use the pads to climb out of the crib.
• Mobiles should also be removed when baby can pull himself or herself up.
• NEVER place infants to sleep on pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, waterbeds, beanbags, or any other surface not specifically designed for infant sleep.

For Baby Under 12 Months.

• Normal, healthy infants should ALWAYS sleep on their backs unless otherwise advised by a pediatrician.
• Only a fitted sheet, mattress pad, and/or waterproof pad should be used under baby.
• Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like stuffed toys, and other pillow-like products from the crib.
• Cover baby with a thin covering, such as a crib blanket, receiving blanket or other blankets specifically designed for infants, only reaching as far as baby's chest, and tuck the covering around the crib mattress. For newborns, consider swaddling.
• Do not overdress your baby. Consider using a sleeper or other sleep clothing as an alternative to any covering.

Editorial reprinted from the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association's website, www.jpma.org.