Crib Cover Safety
Cribs are thought of as a safety zone for infants and toddlers. They protect the very young from falling out and confine them to keep them safe. Cribs are, however, safe only if certain precautions are taken. Some of these precautions deal with the construction of and composition of the crib. Others deal with the coverings used in the crib. Although innocent-looking, soft and warm coverings can actually lead to injury or death if used improperly.
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Risks
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Each year in the United States infants die due to hazards in their sleeping area.
Infants under the age of 12 months are at the greatest risk. Blanket, sheet and tent coverings place infants at great risk for suffocation. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) contends that since 1984, 17 infant deaths have been reported due to suffocation or strangulation by crib sheets.
Crib Covers
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Crib covers include blankets, comforters, quilts, top sheets and sheepskins. Crib sheets pose safety hazards if the do not fit properly or if they are used incorrectly. This includes both fitted and top sheets. Infant deaths due to crib sheets prompted the CPSC to issue new safety requirements and warning labels for fitted sheets. Other types of crib covers pose the same risk. In fact, any covering that can become wrapped around the baby poses a strangulation or suffocation danger.
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Tent Covers
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Crib tents are made of a variety of materials and are used as a covering for cribs. These coverings protect them infants from insects and prevent them from crawling out of the crib. In 2008, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission opened an investigation into the death of a 2-year old strangled by the mesh of his tent cover. According to Safety Research & Strategies, a number of injuries, some of them serious, and at least two deaths are attributed to crib tent cover products.
Other Fabric Dangers
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Any type of fabric product can create a danger for babies. Fabric-stuffed bumpers or the strings used to tie them can come loose and get wrapped around the baby's head or neck, especially is the infant is active. Pillows of any size are equally hazardous, as are stuffed toys.
Prevention/Solution
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To keep children warm, parents can use sleepwear specially designed for this purpose. Select one-piece units that cover the feet and are made of a fire-resistant, blanket-like material. Bottom sheets should fit snugly over the mattress. The crib sheet size should fit the mattress specifications. Adult sheets should never be used in a baby crib. If a blanket is used, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends tucking one end of the blanket securely under the bottom end of the mattress and pulling the blanket only up to the chest level of the infant.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit baby in the crib image by Tatyana Gladskih from Fotolia.com
