Over 6000 cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) are reported each year, and more than 900 of these are due to babies' soft crib bedding. That brings to mind the question, is your baby bedding safe?

There is a risk of the infant suffocating if soft bedding is used. Especially if the head sinks into the bedding. Plush mattresses provide maximum comfort for babies but are a safety threat as well. Infants are not physically able to roll over and "save" themselves from the dangerous position on a soft mattress. They are not yet strong enough, and this can be fatal if no one is around to watch the baby.

To avoid accidents and fatalities, it is best to choose crib bedding and mattresses which are firm and not easily depressed under weight, even the light weight of a baby. You can assess the strength of a mattress with the simple test of pressing one hand down on the mattress and guaging the resistance to the force applied. resistance of the mattress is directly proportional to its goodness.

Bumper pads in baby cribs pose a threat of suffocation. There is no doubt that the colors and designs are attractive but many recommend removing them from the crib as an infant who falls asleep with their tiny mouth up against the padding will have their movement and breathing restricted and can potentially suffocate.

Parents should have care and precaution because infants are vulnerable and weak during this period. Although there are still some that say bumper pads are okay if you buy the firmer ones, the majority opinion is to remove them completely. There have been reports of suffocation with the baby pressed between the bumbers and another object in the crib, and also of strangulation by the strings of the bumper pads.

In addition, recent research has revealed that there are toxic gases in mattresses that can be detrimental to your baby's development. Hazardous chemical, fire retardant compounds (phosphorous and arsenic) have been found in mattresses. The chemical compounds present in the mattress when reacts with certain material, then they release toxic gases which is very dangerous for the baby, if the baby inhales a large amount of it while sleeping.

It has been proven that fungus that grows in infants bedding may release toxic gases. Parents are thus urged not to use old nursery and crib bedding which has been used before, as it may contain fungus after a long period of time. To avoid fungus, parents should not reuse bedding in an infants crib, even though infants only sleep on it for a short period of time. Instead, parents should buy new bedding. New bedding in a baby's room is far more welcoming than recycled.

Use this criteria to determine if your baby bedding is safe. If not, purchase a new, safe bedding option so that your baby can sleep safely and you can sleep without worries.