As a new mom, you want what is best for your baby.  I know I did.  I researched different breast pumps, bottles, toys, learning DVDs, strollers, mattresses, and forever long list of items before my first was born.  But, you know what I did not think to research?  Crib bedding.  It did not even cross my mind, honestly.  I mean, I looked for what I thought was “cute”.  And, even with my second child, just 3 years ago, I looked for the “prettiest” bedding.  I didn’t think I really needed to consider safety when it came to selecting a crib set.  They all have the same things anyway: fitted sheets, a crib skirt and bumpers.  So, there couldn’t possibly be anything dangerous about all of them, right?  I was so wrong.

I did know better than to use too soft a mattress or to place a pillow or bulky blankets in the crib – both pose suffocation risks.  But, I did not see the dangers of crib bumpers.  However, the American academy of Pediatrics and SIDS prevention groups now warn against using crib bumpers as they can lead to suffocation, strangulation or entrapment.  Some bumpers have even been thought to reduce the flow of fresh air which may also contribute to SIDS.  When an infant is too young to have enough control over their muscles to move their face away from a soft surface such as a pillow, bumper or mattress, the baby is unable to move for fresh air and may suffocate.  I struggled with the idea of putting a blanket over my child, too.  I wanted him to be warm and sleep soundly but I worried constantly about him accidentally kicking the blanket over his face.  These are all reasons HALO Innovations has introduced its own Safe Sleep Crib Set^TM designed to create an attractive and safe sleep environment for babies. 

“Too often parents ‘overdress’ the crib with quilt and bumpers, both of which can pose a breathing threat for baby,” comments Bill Schmid, founder of Halo Innovations. “The Halo SleepSack and SleepSack Swaddle are the only things a baby needs in the crib to stay warm and sleeping safely, and the soft jersey sheet provides a snug fit on the mattress.

I recently received this HALO Safe Sleep Crib Set for review and I think it’s absolutely gorgeous!  The colors are bright and fun and, on this particular set, I love the cute little flowers.  Best of all, the 5-piece bumper-free crib set truly does contain everything your baby needs for a safe and comfortable sleep.  You get a SleepSack wearable blanket, SleepSack Swaddle, two fitted crib sheets and a crib skirt.  The fabric is 100% cotton and very soft and gentle to the touch – baby will love cuddling up in this!  The coordinating Swaddle and SleepSack take away the worry of dealing with blankets and make it extremely easy to wrap up your little bundle of joy for a safe, secure and warm rest.

The Newborn size Swaddle is recommended for babies from birth to 3 months (6-12lbs) and can be worn by baby with the arms swaddled in or out for an easy transition to the SleepSack Wearable Blanket. The SleepSack Wearable Blanket, size Small, is recommended for babies from birth to 6 months (10-18lbs). I mention these sizes specifically because these are the sizes included in the 5-piece set.

If you are expecting or know someone who is, please know the dangers some crib bedding sets may present. The company, HALO, actually began after the tragic loss of the founders’ firstborn child to SIDS in 1991.  Bill Schmid and his wife became passionate about educating parents about safe sleep practices, supporting non-profit organizations and developing products that encourage safer sleeping and that will bring peace of mind to parents. HALO’s patented, adjustable SleepSack is now the #1 choice of hospital nurseries nationwide! 

If you would like to experience the HALO Safe Sleep Crib Set for yourself, you can find the sets on Amazon and at Babies R Us.  Also, be sure to find HALO on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for the latest news and offers!  A percentage of all sales are donated to First Candle/SIDS Alliance and the Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths to fund ongoing SIDS research, education and family support.

Other adorable sets available include: