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A Safe Place to Sleep

A Guide to Crib and Mattress Safety

By Lyn Mettler

Believe it or not, crib sheets can also be a hazard. According to the CPSC, 17 babies have died since 1984 after suffocating or strangling when they became entangled in their sheets.

Sheets should fit so tightly around the mattress that they can't be removed by pulling on a corner. "Babies may flail up in their sleep and pull something over their face," says LaGow.

According to Severson, there should also be 2 inches of material under each mattress corner. She also cautions to check the sheets again after washing them, as many inexpensive brands tend to shrink. You can log onto www.babysheets.com to purchase sheets by a mother who lost her baby to this hazard. Her sheets are made like a pillowcase and have Velcro on the end for maximum safety.

Many parents don't realize that bumper pads, comforters and quilts can also present a danger to their baby. Parents often buy the complete ensemble after seeing the adorable set in a catalog or store.

Quilts should never be in the crib at the same time as the baby because of the risk of suffocation. If you must have one, Fleming suggests hanging it on the wall of the nursery or using it to make up the crib when your baby's not in there. Some bumper pads are OK as long as they are not quilted and if the ties are no longer than 7 inches. "What you're trying to reduce is any push, soft, pillow-type item that molds to the baby's nose and mouth and can cut off the air supply causing asphyxiation," says Fleming.

Want to see more?

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• Baby Gadgets – Are They for You? Two Moms Share Their Views
• Talk about it!

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