After Isaac died, despite having what appeared to be a snug-fitting crib sheet, we began researching what alternatives we could have used to prevent his death, AND I wanted to know if we were the only ones this has happened to.  One thing I found was determining the latter was nearly impossible because documentation of these deaths is historically lumped under "crib death," "SIDS," "Infant Mortality," or "Positional Asphyxia" (which includes co-sleeping, bumper and blanket mishaps, etc.). I can tell you I found other cases through comments in online infant loss support groups, but as for formal cases, I came across Jimmy Reen Jr, whose case made me shudder as it was familiar-sounding, except he was 13 months old. His parents engaged in legal discourse in 1998 and at one point designed the JR Safety Crib Sheet that had a pillowcase sheet with a wrap-around end that velcroed under the mattress. More research yielded the discovery of the Quick Zip Sheets. THESE QUICK ZIP SHEETS WOULD HAVE PREVENTED ISAAC'S DEATH.

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Some have cited cost concerns; to this, we say the following:

1. You get what you pay for. One zipper base with 2 or 3 zipper sheets is all you need....for the crib and its conversion to toddler bed....They are durable and NEVER compromise your child's safety despite the repeated use; the same cannot be said for ANY elastic edges of fitted crib sheets. Think of your own adult bed; how many times have you had to fix the sheet from coming loose? They are really affordable, especially when calculating the ROI (return on investment), the longevity of the product, and versatility. Trust me when I say, at the end of the day, you would rather have your child alive in your arms than the cutest theme-friendly fitted crib sheet that suffocates your adorable child as it did ours. 

2. NEVER USE an unsecured fitted crib sheet (EVEN IF IT APPEARS TO FIT SECURELY) - at a minimum, spend the $4 to $7 on ironing board cover fasteners and place them under the crib mattress diagonally at each corner as seen in the picture below; these fasteners are available at most all big box stores like Wal-mart, Target, JoAnn Fabrics, or Bed, Bath, & Beyond.