4 Crib Mattress Dangers that Kill

Many parents overlook these four dangerous aspects of buying a new crib mattress. The crib is the only place that you'll leave your baby unattended, so you have to be extra-confident your baby will not suffocate.

Important things to watch out for are mattress firmness, plastic coverings, unseen dangers, and sleeping position. Read on for more details...

1. Soft Mattresses Suffocate

Soft mattresses are dangerous for your baby. As the baby gets older, they will compress the mattress more and become enveloped within the mattress. The mattress needs to be firm with sharp corners, because any gaps in the corners can allow your child to slip in and suffocate. Laying your child to sleep in a soft crib mattress is like submerging her in quicksand.

There are two tests you can do when shopping for a crib mattress that won't suffocate your child:

1. The "Squeeze Test": Hold the mattress between two hands and try to push your hands together. If you can easily compress the mattress, do NOT buy it.
2. The "Two Finger Test": Place the crib mattress into your crib and try to put two finger-widths between the crib and the mattress. If you can fit two finger-widths in the side, do NOT buy the mattress

Remember: soft and loose mattresses lead to suffocation!

2. Plastic Coverings Suffocate

The plastic covering can suffocate your child. Many uninformed parents keep the plastic covering on because it's a waterproof (read: urine-proof) layer between your child and the mattress. Is a little convenience worth the risk to your child in the bed?

Remove all plastic covering! Don't use a plastic covering for your crib mattress, because your baby can easily suffocate. There are crib mattresses that are water-resistant and do not use a plastic covering.

3. Dangerous Crib Mattresses Get Recalled

How often have you head in the news about a manufacturer defect that causes a dangerous crib and crib mattress? Be sure your send in your warranty and registration card. When your mattress or crib gets recalled, the manufacturer is required to alert you.

Don't let laziness be the cause of SIDS.

4. Baby Sleeping on Chest cause SIDS

A baby sleeping on its chest is one of the leading causes of SIDS. Always place your baby on its back onto a firm crib mattress. Studies have shown that this greatly reduces the chance of SIDS.

Conclusion

These dangers are the most overlooked part of setting up your childs crib. Be aware, and keep your baby safe!