Baby Bedding Safety

About the Juvenile Products Manufacturer Association (JPMA)

To help with your baby product buying decisions, JPMA has developed a unique certification program and certification seal that have been guiding parents and caregivers for more than 30 years. Through the JPMA Certification Program, products are tested by independent test laboratories to confirm compliance with the current safety standard before the certification seal can be applied.

More than 2,000 products are JPMA Certified in 17 different categories: bassinets/cradles, bath seats, portable bed rails, infant bouncers, high chairs, play yards/non-full size cribs, walkers, carriages/strollers, gates/enclosures, full-size cribs, portable hook-on chairs, infant swings, hand-held infant carriers, soft infant carriers, stationary activity centers, changing tables, and toddler beds. The statements in the above two paragraphs about JPMA were originally published at http://www.jpma.org/pdfs/SafeSound2007.pdf The JPMA has given permission for us to reprint this information.

As you can see, JPMA is highly regarded in the baby safety industry and that's why we feel it's important to showcase their baby bedding safety tips here on SimplyBabyBedding.com.

Crib Bedding Safety Advice Suggested by the JPMA

When selecting bedding for your crib it's important to consider the following:

• Choose new instead of used crib bedding. JPMA recommends you use new baby bedding and baby products. This way you know what you're getting. New products are more likely to meet today's safety standards. If you want to guarantee your crib bedding is toxin-free then buying new is the way to go. Used crib bedding can have loose threads and strings or some tears and holes that aren't safe for the baby. If you're planning to use hand-me-down baby bedding then make sure to inspect it for any irregularities before putting it in the crib with your newborn.
• Inspect crib bedding throughout use. Even if you purchase new crib bedding it is still subject to your baby's pulling and yanking, possibly causing wear and tear that can pose safety issues. Make sure to inspect the crib bedding every few months to ensure there are no loose threads or strings and no rips or holes.
• Always use a crib sheet that fits snuggly. Make sure that your crib sheet is snug and fits securely on the mattress. Inspect the bedding to verify that the sheet wraps around the mattress corners and will definitely stay put if your baby tosses and turns at night.
• Eliminate bumper pads as your baby gets older. When your baby starts to grab those crib rails and hoist up to a standing position then it's time to remove those bumper pads. If you don't, your little adventurer will discover that the pads make a handy step to assist in the big crib escape. And remember, never use pillow-like bumper pads.
• Never put bulky bedding under your baby. The only items that should be under your baby at night are a fitted sheet, mattress pad, and/or waterproof pad.

When tucking your baby in at night consider the following crib safety tips:

• Always use the crib for naps and bedtime. Don't ever let your baby sleep on a beanbag, waterbed, pillow, sofa cushion or any other surface that's not made for sleeping babies.
• Keep bulky items out of the crib. To keep your baby safe from suffocation hazards make sure to keep all pillows, quilts, comforters and soft toys out of the crib.
• Use only light bedding in the crib. Your baby will sleep comfortably with just a light crib blanket. Make sure to select a blanket that is made for babies. Tuck your baby in tightly, only pulling the blanket to your little one's chest. If you have a newborn then it's recommended that you swaddle your baby. There are baby blankets made to do just that.
• Don't dress your baby too heavily. Keep your infant comfortable, but don't overdo it with heavy nightwear. You might want to consider getting some infant sleep wear or a sleep sack as an alternative to a cover.

When using a portable or mini crib consider the following bedding safety tips:

• Check the mattress and bedding with every use. It's important to check to make sure that the portable crib mattress isn't too small or too thick and check to ensure that the crib bedding fits the mattress well.
• Never add extra bedding. When using a portable crib, never add extra items such as pillows, comforter, a different mattress or padding that didn't come with the crib. This can be a suffocation hazard.

Choosing the right baby bedding for your ideal nursery is important. It can be used to add a splash of color or if you choose a crib bedding set with a theme it can inspire the entire nursery design. We hope that the JPMA baby bedding advice will help you in your search to find crib bedding that will keep your precious child safe and comfortable at naptime and all night long.