Along with the anticipation of a baby’s arrival, comes all the preparation for this big moment in any woman’s life. Shopping for the layette, deciding how the baby’s room will be decorated, the first toys, first shoes, little hats, all of this fills anyone with excitement. And one of the things that everyone thinks about and considers when getting ready for the arrival of this long-awaited new member of the family is the crib. And it’s no wonder, after all, it’s the place where the baby will spend most of their time at the start of their life. However, along with this thought come many worries about the so-called crib kit. Dangerous or necessary? What’s true or not about this topic? There is much debate about the benefits or drawbacks these items may bring, and that’s why we decided to clarify and delve deeper today: is the crib kit dangerous or necessary after all?

What Is a Crib Kit?

For those who don’t know, a crib kit is basically a set of items that complement the baby’s crib—whether to decorate, protect, keep warm, etc., the items of a crib kit serve various functions and can also vary depending on the model or the store selling it. There are several types of crib kits, with many different pieces, but we can mention the most common ones. These are:

  • Headboard;
  • Side bumpers;
  • Sheets (top and bottom);
  • Comforter;
  • Mosquito net;
  • Pillowcases

But the truth is, there’s a lot of controversy when it comes to these items. Do you really need to keep the baby warm with them? While some think yes, others say no. But whether or not the items sold in a crib kit are necessary is a secondary issue, because the main debate is about whether the crib kit is dangerous or necessary. And to understand this question, nothing is better than analyzing all the advantages and risks that a crib kit can bring.

Advantages of Having a Crib Kit

The main advantage is that a crib kit helps save money. All these pieces purchased separately would cost much more than the kits you find on the market. Another often-mentioned advantage is decoration, as it’s undeniable that the pieces give a special charm to the room. The problem is these advantages aren’t really necessary for a baby, and that’s what fuels more debate about whether the crib kit is dangerous or necessary.

Risks of the Crib Kit

The crib kit is not recommended by the ABP1 (Brazilian Pediatric Association) or by the AAP2 (American Academy of Pediatrics). That’s because it can pose certain risks to the baby. It’s important to emphasize that not being recommended does not mean they are prohibited. But there is a reason for this restriction, of course. There are some dangers that the crib kit presents and that can seriously harm the baby, potentially even being fatal. The main risks of the crib kit are:

  • Risk of Suffocation – This is the main risk and also the leading reason why the crib kit is not recommended3. Blankets are not ideal for babies’ cribs, since babies do not have good control over their movements and may end up suffocating during the night.
  • Trampoline – Another risk is that, as the baby grows, they may learn to stand up and use the side bumpers as a trampoline to jump out of the crib, which could cause injury.
  • Allergies – The crib kit may also cause various allergies or even respiratory problems for babies, depending on the fabric of the items and the child’s health status.

The general recommendation is that, no matter how pretty all the decorations look, a baby’s crib should only have a sheet and must have a flat surface. To keep the baby warm on cold days, baby sleep sacks are a good option, as there is no risk of the baby getting under them and suffocating.

How to Make the Crib Safer?

Since there are several risks concerning the baby’s crib, it is necessary to think about the best methods to make the crib safe, thus providing comfort and peace of mind for parents as well, who will worry much less at night. Here are some measures to make the crib safer:

  • Be Careful with Electronic Devices
  • Protective Mesh
  • Crib Location
  • Baby’s Position

Let’s go into more detail about each of these topics to explain better how they can help make the crib safer.

Be Careful with Electronic Devices

Baby monitors and humidifiers are great for enhancing the safety and health of the baby, but it’s important to keep these devices out of the child’s reach, and ensure cords are not where the baby could touch them at night.

Protective Mesh

Adding a protective mesh to the crib to keep babies from sticking their hands or feet out usually works very well. In addition to not posing a risk to babies, these barriers prevent the baby from getting tangled or touching something outside the crib.

Crib Location

Being careful about where the crib is placed is also extremely important. Keeping the crib away from windows, shelves, or places where objects could fall will certainly reduce the risks for the baby in the crib and give more peace of mind to the parents as well.

Baby’s Position

Finally, paying attention to how the baby sleeps is also crucial. The general recommendation is that the baby sleeps on their back, to prevent suffocation during the night. The face doesn’t have to be facing directly up, it can be turned to the side, which can actually be better depending on the situation. When you ask yourself if the crib kit is dangerous or necessary, you need to keep in mind what is best for your baby, and this should always come first. As we mentioned earlier, the crib kit does have some advantages, but the dangers and drawbacks of this type of kit often make it better to seek alternatives, such as learning how to make the crib safer for your baby, for example. You can never be too careful, especially when it comes to our babies, but it’s also important to know what really is beneficial and what isn’t, amid the many myths and stories we hear everywhere. Each mother always has her preferences about raising and caring for her child, but surely all mothers strive for their children’s wellbeing—and that is the most important thing in the end. See also: Baby Layette – How to Save and What’s Useful Photo: ErikaWittlieb