Your baby spends a lot of time sleeping. Where they sleep is a big decision for you. Use these tips to make the best choice for your baby and your family.
Think about your situation when choosing a sleeping space for your baby. These questions are most important:
How much space do you have?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that your baby sleep in your bedroom, but not your bed, for at least the first 6 months.
How long will your choice last as your baby grows?
Your baby will grow quickly. You might want to make a plan for the first year.
What is your budget? Will you buy new or used?
How much can you spend? If you can’t afford to buy a crib, call your local health department to ask about options. You can also check out the non-profit organization, Cribs for Kids.
New vs. Used - What to Know
Scientists are always studying safety standards for infant beds. Know the current recommendations for the bed you plan to use. And check for safety recalls on that bed.
TYPES OF INFANT BEDS
Pick a bed that has been reviewed by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) International. This will give you peace of mind and let everyone sleep soundly.
Check out the pros and cons of each type of infant bed:
Traditional Crib
Safety:
- Should have 4 sides that stay in place
- No drop-down railings since they are now considered unsafe
- Slats in railings no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
- No missing or damaged screws, slats, or hardware
- Firm mattress that snugly fits crib on all sides
- No bumpers, toys, pillows, or blankets in crib
- Nothing in crib except baby
Advantages:
- Long-term solution for baby until they switch to a bed in toddler years
- Solid construction built to last, some let you adjust mattress height
Disadvantages:
May be too big if space is limited
Cost can be higher than other options
Bedside Sleeper
Safety:
- Attached to side of your bed, with barrier to keep baby separate
- Firm mattress that snugly fits bedside sleeper on all sides
- No bumpers, toys, pillows or blankets in bedside sleeper
- Nothing in bedside sleeper except baby
- Only use bedside sleepers made after 2014 - older ones could let baby fall in gap between bed and bedside sleeper
Advantages:
- Baby is nearby
- Easier nursing or bottle feeding, especially if recovering from C-section
- Easier to check on baby often
Disadvantages:
- AAP has no recommendation on bedside sleepers, not enough safety information
- Weight limit for babies is usually about 20 pounds - when baby grows they will need a new sleeping space
- You may not want baby right next to you
Bassinet
Safety:
- Always use a new one, older ones don’t meet safety standards
- Wheels allow for easy moving, but find wheels that lock
- Firm mattress that snugly fits bassinet on all sides
- No bumpers, toys, pillows or blankets in bassinet
- Nothing in bassinet except baby
Advantages:
- Easy to move closer to you or out of way
- May offer comfort to baby because they are smaller
- You can see baby at a quick glance
Disadvantages:
- Smaller space that baby can outgrow quickly
- Weight limit for babies is about 15 pounds - when baby grows they will need a new sleeping space
Play yard (Pack-n-play)
Safety:
- Have new Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards
- Usually have mesh siding, meaning less chance of suffocation
- Thin, firm mattress
- No bumpers, toys, pillows or blankets in play yard
- Nothing in play yard except baby
Advantages:
- Take up less space than cribs
- Easier to move
- Can take them with you wherever you go
- Set up and break down quickly and easily
Disadvantages:
- Smaller than most cribs, but larger than some options
- Not as sturdy as cribs - materials can wear out with time and use
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AAP says sleeping too long sitting up may make it hard for a baby to get enough oxygen. It’s okay to let baby fall asleep sitting up. But once they are asleep, take them out of their seat and put them in their bed.
Options to AVOID FOR SLEEPING:
- Swings
- Car Seats
- Rock-n-Play Sleepers
- Bouncers