Health experts agree that loose blankets, comforters, and pillows have no place in a crib as they pose serious risks. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), soft bedding may contribute to as many as one-third of baby deaths linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
“Some scientists suggest that a fatal rise in brain temperature is possible if a baby’s head is fully covered,” explains Judith Jacobson of the SIDS Alliance, a national nonprofit health organization.
Place Your Baby Into a Wearable Blanket
A simple crib makeover can transform your baby’s sleeping area into a safer space. The HALO Infant SleepSack, the first product endorsed by the SIDS Alliance, is a wearable blanket that replaces loose bedding, reducing the risk of suffocation.
The SleepSack is designed according to CPSC warnings and the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the SIDS Alliance. Its sleeveless, sack-like design prevents fabric from covering your baby’s face and head, making it harder for them to roll onto their tummies and re-breathe carbon dioxide.
“What we hear from parents is ‘Finally, a way to keep our baby cozy without a loose blanket,’” says William Schmid, who founded Halo Sleep after losing his daughter to SIDS.
Safety Features of the HALO Infant SleepSack
Made from cotton interlock and soft fleece, the SleepSack meets U.S. flammability standards for children’s sleepwear. “We’re committed to safer infant sleeping,” says Mike Steber, president of Sara’s Prints.
As a flagship product of the SIDS Alliance, a portion of each SleepSack sale supports ongoing SIDS research, education, and family services. The “Back to Sleep” logo, embroidered on the SleepSack, reinforces the recommendation to place babies on their backs on a firm mattress in a safety-approved crib.
Crib Makeover Tips
Design a blanket-free nursery that is both safe and beautiful:
- Remove loose comforters, blankets, and soft toys from the crib.
- Use a firm mattress in a safety-approved crib or bassinet.
- Opt for a HALO Infant SleepSack instead of blankets.
- Always put babies to sleep on their backs.
- Add style with crib skirts and tight-fitting sheets.
- Hang favorite quilts on the wall instead of placing them in the crib.
Don’t Use a Crib Bumper
Crib bumpers, meant to prevent injuries, can actually cause suffocation, strangulation, and entrapment. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against their use.
Infants risk getting limbs trapped between the crib bumper and mattress, leading to injury. The safest option is a crib with a firm, tight-fitting mattress and no bumpers or loose bedding.
Safe Alternatives to Crib Bumpers
Leslie Waghorn from Child Safe recommends safer options such as crib tents, rail covers, padded play yards, and thick fitted sheets to protect babies from hard crib slats without the risks associated with bumpers.
About the HALO Infant SleepSack
Produced by the creators of the award-winning Halo Sleep System, the SleepSack is available online at halosleep.com, through catalogs, and at select children’s specialty retailers.