What Are Waterbed Crib Mattress Safety Issues?

Parents buying a waterbed for a baby's crib may think that the soft cushion will provide a good night's sleep and a nice surface for the baby to relax on. However, a waterbed can be a serious safety hazard for a baby.

Suffocation

A baby sleeping on a waterbed may sleep on his stomach or his back. Either way, a baby's face may get pressed up against the movable surface and the baby may suffocate in her sleep.

Fatal Sleep Accidents

Fatal sleep accidents can happen even with adults around. These accidents are a leading cause of infant death.

Prevention/Solution

The baby should have a firm mattress to sleep on. In addition to waterbeds, excess bedding items in the crib--such as blankets and pillows--may also get pressed up against the baby's face and should be avoided.

Other Precautions

Along with not using a waterbed, do not put bumpers or soft bedding in the crib. Do not use co-sleepers (baby beds attached to parents' bed) or sleep positioners.

Sleeping Surfaces

Don't let a baby sleep on a sofa.where her face could get trapped in the back or seat. Do not put a baby in a bean bag, which has the same "sinking" effect as a waterbed.

References

• Cribs-Safety for Baby
• Waterbed Safety Tips
• Parenting and Child Health