The breathable bedding described here serves to protect an infant from suffocating due to close contact with bedding. The breathable bedding includes one or more breathable bedding elements, which are made of a material that allows air to pass through it freely, is flexible, yet has sufficient stiffness to hold a three-dimensional shape. The three-dimensional shape ensures a cushioning effect. The breathable bedding elements are covered with a breathable fabric, such as a light woven or open-weave fabric, to form a breathable bedding panel that may serve as a crib bumper or mattress.