Yes, mattress pads can be safe for children. When using a mattress pad for children, it should be well-fitted, secure, and flat to reduce the risk of infant deaths. When purchasing a mattress pad for infants and babies, avoid those that are too soft or that loosely fit the mattress. Yes, mattress pads can be safe for children. When using a mattress pad for children, it should be well-fitted, secure, and flat to reduce the risk of infant deaths. When purchasing a mattress pad for infants and babies, avoid those that are too soft or that loosely fit the mattress.