What should NOT be in an infant's crib during sleep time?

During sleep time, it is essential to create a safe sleeping environment for an infant, and this includes what is placed in their crib. Soft toys can pose a suffocation hazard for babies, particularly infants under one year of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that cribs be kept free from any loose bedding, soft toys, or other objects that could interfere with an infant’s breathing.

On the other hand, snug sheets and a firm mattress are considered safe, as they help support the baby and reduce the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Light blankets should also be used with caution; ideally, infants should be swaddled in a safe manner or kept in a sleep sack that does not create loose bedding in the crib. Thus, keeping soft toys out of the crib is crucial for ensuring safe sleep for the infant.