Are Mattress Covers Safe in Cribs?
Mattress covers are just one of the elements of crib bedding that can be perfectly safe if used correctly. As long as the mattress cover fits tightly and will not become loose while the baby is in the crib, it should be safe.
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Significance
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A mattress cover for a crib plays the important role of both keeping baby dry and keeping the mattress dry. It does this by absorbing fluids such as saliva and spit-up, while having a waterproof layer underneath.
Size
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To be safe, a mattress cover must be designed to fit a crib mattress. Buy a crib-sized fitted mattress cover, and do not try to fold a larger mattress cover under the crib mattress.
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Maintenance
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Check often to make sure the crib mattress cover is still tightly fit around the mattress. It should wrap around the bottom of the mattress at least two inches to be safe in the crib.
Sheets
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Mattress covers are not to be used as substitutes for sheets. When using a mattress cover, you need to have a fitted crib sheet situated snugly on top of it.
Dangers
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The main danger of a mattress cover in a crib is if it becomes loose. This could suffocate a baby sleeping face-down on the mattress by fitting around the curves of his face and blocking his airways.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Valentina Powers
