? Wall Decorations:

Never place a wall hanging, picture, poster, or any other decoration on the wall within the baby's reach. Remember that once the baby is able to stand and reach up these things can be hazards. They can knock wall hangings or pictures off the wall, and hit themselves with them. If it is a picture in a frame with glass, if they were to knock it down, it could break and shatter, causing severe health hazards. If it is something as simple as a poster, it can still be dangerous, because they can rip off a piece of it, and put it in their mouth, leading to choking.

? Bumpers:

It is always a good idea to use bumpers for a baby's bed, but it is equally important to make sure that the bumper and all other kids bedding fits the crib properly. Bumpers are used to prevent the baby from getting their arms and legs between bars, or between the crib and mattress, and can provide much safety this way, but if it does not fit properly, it can pose more concerns than before, because not only will it allow the baby to get these appendages in these places, it can essentially pin them there.

? Musical Mobiles:

These are excellent tools on occupying your baby, and adding decoration to the bedroom, but they need to be used in a safe manner. Once a baby begins pushing up on their hands and knees, the mobile should be placed at the baby's feet, and once they start pulling up, it can pose a strangulation hazard, so you may want to remove it altogether.

? Pillows, Blankets and Kids Bedding:

Babies only need one lightweight blanket on them while they are sleeping, such as a receiving blanket. The blanket should only reach as far as their chest, and it should be tucked in tightly around the baby, possibly either around the crib. They do not need pillows or extra blankets. A pillow or an extra blanket can suffocate a child, especially an infant that can not move his head away quickly enough. This also applies to stuffed animals in the crib.

? Crib Sheets:

It is very important that the only sheet you put on a crib be a fitted sheet, and that it fits securely around the mattress. If the elastic won't hold it on, and it comes loose and slides up onto the bed, it can get tangled around the child and suffocate her. Washing all kids bedding:

Do not forget to wash all sheets and blankets before putting the infant in the bed. They can be washed in regular laundry detergent, but to avoid any allergies or irritants on baby's soft skin from it, sometimes it is best to use baby detergent.

Infants should ALWAYS sleep in a crib which meets current federal and ASTM standards.

? Mattress

It is also important to pay close attention to how the mattress fits into the crib. The tighter it fits, the better it is, because this leaves less room for them to stick a hand or finger, or any other body parts. Crib mattresses may seem rather hard to an adult who is accustom to a soft bed to sleep on, but they are made this way for a reason: safety. This keeps them from suffocating themselves, and is the same reason it's never good to let an infant sleep on an adult's bed, or on a pillow, or even a comforter. The only thing that should be under the baby on a mattress is a fitted sheet, and possibly a mattress pad and/or waterproof pad.

? Sleeping Position

A healthy infant should always sleep on their back, unless you are directed otherwise by a physician. Even without a pillow or fluffy blanket in the bed, a baby on their stomach can get stuck face-down and not be able to move their head to the side to get air, leading to suffocation.

? Mini Blinds and Curtains

Just as with wall hangers and pictures, it is very important not to ever place a baby's bed near a window with mini blind or curtains. The cord from mini blinds pose a strangulation risk, and they can pull on curtains, pulling themselves out of the crib. Either of these can also cause endangerment if the baby pulls on it hard enough to pull it down on top of them.

Article by Avid Amiri - President of The Kids Bedding Company. Please visit Kids First to learn more about kids bedding and find the best styles and prices on the latest kids bedding designs.