Taking note of the things inside of your baby’s crib can avoid incidents. Many items have age restrictions on them for a reason and adults should make sure they are followed.

Parents want to add things in or around their baby’s crib for extra coziness, comfort, and aesthetic pleasure. As your baby gets older, some things are okay to be placed in the crib with them but this should be done with caution.

When Can Babies Sleep With Blankets?

Most parents use blankets for added coziness or the sentimental value it brings. While it can be a beautiful thing, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents keep soft bedding and materials out of cribs. This includes:

• Blankets
• Pillows
• Stuffed animals
• Crib bumpers

Parents are advised to keep things out of cribs until the baby is at least 12 months old. The main reason is because of the possible occurrence of SIDS.

SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) is caused by a variety of factors:

• Physical factors: low birth weight, respiratory infection, or brain defects.
• Sleep environmental factors: blankets, bedding, overheating, laying on a soft surface.

Soft surfaces can block your baby’s airway and should be avoided.

Baby Crib Mobiles

Crib mobiles are usually introduced to babies around 8-12 weeks of age. Adults are advised to stop usage after the baby is 5 months, or starts to reach for things. Mobiles are used to help develop motor skills with moving objects.

If you use a crib mobile, always be sure that it is out of the reach of your baby. Be sure to make sure it is secure and there are no small pieces that could fall and your baby can choke on.

If your baby is having trouble sleeping at night, removing the crib mobile may help, as they can sometimes be a distraction.

Baby Crib Toys

Just like blankets, toys should be kept away from babies until they are at least 12 months old. This is an important safety precaution.

When your baby is old enough to have things in their crib, toys are great for keeping them entertained, and sometimes aid in helping them fall asleep.

• Baby crib mobile
• Stuffed animals
• Musical toys that help soothe the baby

These are all great options for toys to add to your baby’s crib. Parents should avoid toys that have small pieces that the baby can choke on.

Your baby’s sleep environment should be comfortable and safe. The BetterSleep app has many soothing sounds and sleep music to help you and your baby get quality sleep every night.