One of the things that most new parents get really excited about is decorating the nursery in preparation for bringing the baby home. Unfortunately, once you start to learn of the products that can actually be dangerous for a newborn, it can become easy to be discouraged about executing your vision or nervous about creating a safe haven for baby. However, there are great products available that are meant to keep baby safe and help reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In honor of October being SIDS Awareness Month, we're talking about these safe products that can also enhance any nursery's function and design.
Skip Hop Complete Sheet
Gone are the days of filling up a crib with a fluffy crib bumper that was tied with ribbons to the crib. Crib bumpers are a suffocation and entrapment risk and should never be used with an infant. If you still desire the look of a bumper to complete the design of your nursery, there are sheet sets available meant to give the look of a bumper without the danger. Skip Hop Complete Sheet Bumper-free bedding sets includes a sheet that offers large and bold patterns around the sides of the mattress with smaller coordinating patterns on the top of the sheet separated by linen piping. www.skiphop.com ($99 for a 4-piece set)
Aden & Anais Serenity Star
Avoiding overdressing or overheating a baby is another key in reducing the risk of SIDS. Instead of always questioning whether the nursery is too hot or cold, consider using a room temperature indicator. The Serenity Star by Aden & Anais is an electronic feeding and sleep system that incorporates a feeding diary, sound machine, room temperature indicator (it turns red when the room is too hot and blue when the room is too cold and stays serenely white when the temperature is just right), night light and clock all in one small, well-designed piece that works well with any nursery design. www.adenandanais.com ($89.95)
Hevea
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends offering a pacifier to your infant at naptime and bedtime as another measure to prevent SIDS. There are literally thousands to choose from, but why not choose one that you can feel good about? Hevea pacifiers are made from 100% pure natural rubber in one piece (there are no joints or cracks where moisture can be trapped). All Hevea products are sustainably produced with NO PVC, BPA, phthalates or artificial colors. Each pacifier comes in the natural rubber color but also has designs in flowers, cars and crowns. www.heveababyusa.com ($9.95)
Halo SleepSack Wearable Blanket
Babies should never be placed in a crib with a loose blanket or other soft item (such as stuffed animals, pillows or positioners) but this often concerns and confuses parents when the weather turns cold. Using a wearable blanket (sometimes called a sleep sack) is an easy and effective solution. The Halo SleepSack wearable blanket is a warm blanket that your baby is zipped into similar to a sleeping bag but with arm holes. Depending on the season and your climate, Halo offers SleepSacks in 100% cotton and micro-fleece to ensure the right warmth needed for your baby. www.halosleep.com ($24.95-$31.95)
Arm’s Reach
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), as well as the AAP, recommends against bed sharing with a child under the age of 2 to reduce the risk of SIDS. Keeping baby in the room with parents until the baby is 6 months is also a recommendation to reduce the chances of SIDS; however, this does not mean bed sharing. For families who feel strongly about creating a family bed or are just looking to keep baby near to make nighttime feedings easier should consider a co-sleeper or bedside bassinet to safely keep your infant close. Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper brand comes in a variety of looks and colors and most models include a patented attachment strap and plate to provide a safe sleep solution. www.armsreach.com ($174-$359)
Julie McCaffrey is a mommy to three kids, including one set of twins. Julie owns BabyNav Baby Planners, offering personalized consultation to new and expecting parents. She is a modern baby gear expert and loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear to preparing for multiples to getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine! Follow her on Facebook or check her out at www.babynavbabyplanners.com.
