What Goes on Top of a Crib Mattress?

Safety is an important goal when preparing a crib for your new baby.

Although a baby should not sleep on a bare crib mattress, there are only a few things you should put on top of a crib mattress.

Fabric Pad

If your mattress is nonabsorbent, a thick fabric pad will keep your baby from being wet because of drool, spit-up or sweat.

Mattress Cover

You should also have a mattress cover to further protect your mattress. A waterproof mattress cover that is backed in flannel will be cooler than a traditional rubber or plastic cover.

Fitted Sheet

Secure, tight-fitted sheets are essential for your baby's safety. If the sheets are able to slip off the mattress, your baby could get wrapped in them and suffocate.

Specialty Sheets

Some specialty crib sheets such as Clouds and Stars' "Quick Zip" sheets are fitted with zippered top sheets to allow for easy cleaning when messes occur.

No Blankets

Infants should not sleep with loose blankets, which pose a danger for suffocation. Sleep sacks and Velcro swaddle blankets are good options for keeping your baby warm and safe.

References

• Caring For Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5; Steven P. Shelov; 1991
• Clouds and Stars