This Spring many new parents will welcome new additions into their family. Prior to taking on this important task, most parents hear and become knowledgeable about common safety precautions like preventing poisoning or selecting the right toys but there are big, hidden dangers that parents need to be aware of. These hidden dangers, by causes not often thought of or addressed, include the potential of suffocation, strangulation, germs and re-breathing which is a proven problem associated with SIDS.

Strangulation & Suffocation
Under age one, suffocation is the main cause of child fatalities such as suffocation from soft bedding or being put to sleep on their stomach. It is more commonly known that babies should never be allowed to lie or sleep face down on (or next to) pillows, cushions, adult comforters or adult waterbeds. Also, drapes, blind cords and decorative wall hangings with strings should be out of baby's reach to avoid a strangulation or suffocation hazard.

But what most parents do not know is that having a secure-fitting crib sheet is of vital importance as poorly fitted sheets can be pulled up or come loose by itself, which can be grasped by the infant and their rib cage or neck can become entangled in it. Most parents fail to consider crib sheets as a safety risk however, many children die each year from strangulation or suffocation caused by poorly fitted crib sheets. In 2001, the Good Housekeeping Institute put 54 crib sheets to the test. All but seven failed the test, which required that they stay in place under at least 10 pounds of force. What