A few years ago, the CPSC teamed up with seven major retailers to get that word out. The retailers--Babies "R" Us, Ikea, JCPenney, Kmart, Lands' End, Sears, and Target--agreed that they would no longer show cribs made up with comforters, quilts, and pillows in stores, ads, catalogs, or web sites. Many retailers said they would attach cautionary signs to cribs and put warnings in the catalogs, among other things. "Parents and caregivers will no longer get a mixed message on how to create a safe sleeping environment for their baby," said Ann Brown, then CPSC chairwoman.

But today, the message is still mixed. Some Web sites such as Target's now have links to bedding-safety information. Still, pictures on other sites show cribs with comforters draped over one side, and there's no hint that you shouldn't use them in a crib with an infant.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Unless a pediatrician advises otherwise, place children up to a year old on their back for sleeping, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Cover the crib mattress with a fitted crib sheet that fits securely.

Dress your baby in a one-piece sleeper or baby sack instead of using a blanket.

If you do use a blanket, place infants with their feet at the foot of the crib and tuck a thin blanket around the mattress. The blanket should just reach the baby's chest.