These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution

Parenting Home

Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts

Only Three Things Belong in a Crib: Mattress, Sheet, Your Baby

Last Updated: September 26, 2008

View as web page


Parenting Tips for Your 2 Month Old Baby

To keep your baby safe while sleeping, there should be only three things in the crib are (1) a firm mattress, (2) a tight fitting sheet, and (3) your beautiful baby.

Keep these things OUT of the crib: pillows, quilts, comforters, stuffed toys, bumper pads, and other soft items.

In addition:

  • Be sure your baby’s crib is in a smoke-free place.
  • Do not place the crib near draperies or blinds where your baby could become entangled and strangle on the cords.
  • Babies should sleep in a safe crib. Your baby’s mattress should be firm and snugly fit the crib. The space between the mattress edge and crib frame should not be more than the width of two of your fingers. Cover the mattress with a fitted bottom crib sheet. Avoid too many blankets.
  • Consider clothing your baby in a sleeper instead of a blanket. If you do use a blanket, place your baby so that his feet are at the foot of the crib. Tuck a thin blanket around the crib mattress, covering only as high as your baby’s chest.
  • Keep your baby from overheating. Never cover your baby’s head with a blanket. Keep your baby at a temperature that feels comfortable to you, about 68 to 72 degrees F.
  • Do not overdress your baby. Watch for signs that he is too warm: sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, or rapid breathing.
  • Check the batteries in your smoke alarm. A good time to do this is when the time changes to daylight-saving time.
  • Always place your baby on his back when he is in his crib.


Learn more about Your 2 Month Old Baby from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

Browse related Articles by tag: parenting, 2 month old child


Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts

Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.