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Sleeping Safely
Creating a safe space for your baby
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A note on sleeping safely
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the American Association of Pediatrics are the authorities on Safe sleep guidelines in the United States.
If you are a new parent, at this point you're probably terrified of a 4-word acronym that begins with the letter 'S'. Instead of living in fear of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), which includes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), implement these guidelines to minimize these risks:
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Back to sleep for every sleep (naps and overnight) See NIH image references here
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Firm, Flat and Level: Use sleep surface for baby that is firm (returns to original shape quickly if pressed on), flat (non-inclined like a table, not a hammock), level (not at an angle or incline)​
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Bare is Better: Keep soft objects, such as pillows, pillow-like toys, quilts, comforters, mattress toppers, fur-like materials, and loose bedding, such as blankets and nonfitted sheets, away from the infant’s sleep area to reduce the risk of suffocation, entrapment/wedging, and strangulation
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Share a room with baby for at least the first 6 months. Give babies their own sleep space (crib, bassinet, or portable play yard) in your room, separate from your bed.
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No drugs or alcohol during pregnancy and after birth​​​​
Key Safety Considerations by product
Crib
Key Safety Considerations
Compliance with the CPSC safety standards:
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No drop-side cribs: All four sides must be fixed or adjustable only with secure mechanisms
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Slat spacing: No more than 2 3/8 inches (about the width of a soda can) between crib slats so a baby's body cannot fit.
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Study construction: no missing, loose or broken parts or improperly installed screws, brackets or other hardware.
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No cutouts in the headboard or foot board so a baby's head cannot get trapped.
Avoid old cribs if possible and check the CPSC website to make sure your crib hasn't been recalled, especially if it's not new.​
Certifications Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal which guarantees crib has been independently tested for safety (e.g., for lead content, stability)
Safe Materials
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Minimize chemical exposure to your newborn:
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Frame: Opt for solid wood (e.g., pine, beech, birch, maple) or sustainable bamboo over particleboard or MDF, which may contain formaldehyde-based glues.
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Finishes: Choose water-based, non-toxic paints or stains certified as low-VOC (volatile organic compounds).
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Avoid cribs with solvent-based finishes that off-gas harmful chemicals.
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Free of toxic flame retardants: Look for products labeled “meets flammability standards without chemical additives” or using natural barriers like wool.
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Teething Safety: Babies may chew on crib rails, so ensure finishes are non-toxic ​
Certifications:
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GREENGUARD Gold ensures the crib doesn’t off-gas harmful chemicals
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FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) confirms that the wood is ethically sourced and not treated with harmful preservatives
Crib Mattress
Key Safety Considerations
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Firm enough to resist deformation under pressure and flat (no inclined sleepers) and no aftermarket pads or toppers that alter firmness.
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Fit and size: Always check mattress fit every time you change the sheets, by pushing mattress tight to one corner. Look for any gaps between the mattress and side walls. If a gap is larger than (1 1/2 in. (3.8cm), the mattress does not fit- do not use it.
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Durable: Consult weight limits to know when it's no longer safe to use.
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Avoid used mattresses since they may not meet current CPSC standards.​​
Safe Materials
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No hazardous chemicals (e.g. lead, phthalates per CPSIA Section 108)
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No chemical flame retardants: Look for mattresses using natural barriers (e.g. wool, cotton)​
​Certifications:
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GREENGUARD Gold: Low VOC emissions, essential for air quality.
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GOTS ensures that mattress covers (e.g., organic cotton) and fillings are free of pesticides or residues linked to health risks
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OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Safe textiles, for direct skin contact, reducing risks of irritation or allergic reactions
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Made Safe: Comprehensive non-toxicity, eco-friendly.
Sheets & Mattress Cover
Sheets: Aim for 4-6 fitted
Mattress cover: Aim for 2-3
Sheets Use only sheets and mattress pads designed specifically for crib mattresses. Fit: Snug fit to prevent loose fabric
Avoid loose or overly thick sheets Purchase 3-4 for easy changes during messes
Mattress Cover (Protector) Waterproof or water-resistant cover and snug fit
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Safe Materials
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Sheets:
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Cotton (ideally organic) to avoid pesticides or chemicals. Soft, breathable and gentle on sensitive skin.
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Muslin: Lightweight and breathable, ideal for warmer climates
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Avoid synthetics like polyester that can trap heat and irritate skin
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Hypoallergenic and free of dyes or chemicals​
Mattress Cover (Protector) made of cotton or bamboo top layers and non-toxic
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Certifications:
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GOTS and OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Swaddles
See the Q&A section below for instructions on how to swaddle properly
Swaddles: Aim for 6-8
Sleepsacks: Aim for 2-3
Swaddling helps newborns feel secure and can promote better sleep by mimicking the womb’s snug environment, but it must be done correctly to ensure safety and prevent risks like overheating or hip dysplasia.
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​Use only a think blanket to avoid overheating
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No loose blankets and No weighted blankets or sleeping elements that put pressure on chest
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Stop swaddling when baby shows any signs of trying to roll over (some do it as early as 2 months of age)
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You can use wearable blankets or sleep sacks to transition from the swaddle
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Choose a sleep with the right TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) based on the room temperature: AAP advice is to dress babies in no more than one layer more than an adult would wear to avoid overheating.
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Safe Materials​
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Flame-retardant free
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Avoid sleep sacks or swaddles marketed as “stain-resistant” or “water-repellent” unless explicitly PFAS-free.
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Avoid synthetic blends unless explicitly certified as chemical-free.​
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BPA Free, Phthalate Free, Latex Free, Lead Free
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Prioritize organic cotton, muslin, bamboo which are low-risk when certified.
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For Sleepsacks/Wearable Blankets check out the TOG table in the Q&A section below to understand why it's relevant when picking this sleepwear product.
Certifications:
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GOTS
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OEKO-TEX Standard 100
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Greenguard Gold
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MADESAFE​ ​
Q&A
How do I swaddle correctly?
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​​Use only a thin blanket for swaddling.
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To swaddle, spread the blanket out flat, with one corner folded down.
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Lay the baby face-up on the blanket, with their head above the folded corner.
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Straighten their left arm and wrap the left corner of the blanket over your baby's body, tucking it between their right arm and the right side of their body.
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Then tuck the right arm down, and fold the right corner of the blanket over her body and under their left side.
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Fold or twist the bottom of the blanket loosely and tuck it under one side of the baby.
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Make sure their hips can move and that the blanket is not too tight. You want to be able to get at least two or three fingers between the baby's chest and the swaddle​
Sources:Swaddling, is it Safe for your Baby? HealthyChildren.org from the AAP, 2022 ​
Resource: Baby Basics: Swaddling video from Moms on Call
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Can I attach a mobile to the crib?
Not ideal but optional, keep these risks in mind, though:
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Strangulation/Entanglement: Strings, cords, or parts of the mobile could come loose or be within reach, posing a risk if the baby grabs or becomes entangled.
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Falling Hazard: If not securely fastened, mobiles or their components could fall into the crib, creating a choking or injury risk.
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Distraction/Overstimulation: Mobiles may interfere with the goal of a calm, minimal sleep environment, potentially affecting safe sleep practices.
"Mobiles are special hanging toys designed to entertain your baby and can be attached to the crib, ceiling or wall.
Some are even adorned with lights or play music. They are fun but definitely optional. If you do choose to use mobiles, make sure they do not hang low enough to entangle your baby, especially once they begin to roll. In fact, once your baby is able to sit up, it will definitely be time for their mobile to come down"
Source: Suitable Sleeping Sites: Safe at Night & Naptime, healthy Baby by AAP, 2023
How do I transition from a crib to a toddler bed?
You can buy a crib that converts into a toddler bed or buy a new toddler bed.
Convertible cribs should be CPSC-approved, JPMA-certified, no drop-side mechanisms and assembled exactly per the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Once your child’s chest is above the top of the rail—typically around 35 inches tall, often between 18 months and 3 years—the AAP advises converting the crib into a toddler bed by removing the front rail and installing the provided guardrail.
After conversion, continue using the same firm, snug-fitting mattress, keep loose bedding and toys out of the sleep area, and childproof the room to prevent falls.
Example from Da Vinci cribs website
Sources:
Based on Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment AAP Publication
NICHD Safe to Sleep Campaign: https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/
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NICHD Infographic: What does a Safe Sleep Environment Look Like?​
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Product Safety Concerns? Search for specific product recalls on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website
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How to help a newborn fall asleep? Moms on Call website ​​​
Do I need a bassinet?
The short answer is 'No', you can get a crib for a newborn; however, many parents prefer to have one due to its portability and ability to facilitate close proximity to parents (supporting breastfeeding and monitoring).
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Bassinets are recommended for newborns (typically up to 4–6 months or until the baby reaches the weight/size limit, often 15–20 pounds or when they start rolling/pushing up).
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The AAP notes that bassinets must have a firm mattress and meet CPSC standards for stability and side height to prevent falls.
My baby is teething, can I protect the crib with rail covers?
While there is a ban on crib bumpers mandated in the Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2021, Crib rail covers that are intended to cover only the top rail of a crib, and do not cover the crib slats, are allowed. However, if a crib rail cover extends below the top rail of the crib and covers the sides of a crib, the product would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to see if it falls within the statutory definition of a crib bumper
(U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
What is a Thermal Overall Grade rating?
It is the industry standard for measuring how well baby sleepwear—like sleep sacks, wearable blankets, and swaddles—traps warmth around your little one. In laboratory tests, a thermal mannequin wears the garment while sensors record how effectively the material retains heat. The resulting TOG value reflects the fabric’s insulation qualities, taking into account its weight, thickness, and construction.
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A higher TOG number means greater warmth, making it ideal for cooler nurseries, whereas a lower TOG is suited to warmer rooms. By consulting a sleepwear’s TOG rating alongside your nursery’s temperature, you can select the right weight of sleep bag to keep your baby cozy yet safely free from overheating.​
