Choose the simplest approved sleep product — a new crib, bassinet, or play yard — with a firm, flat mattress and nothing else inside.
Picking a bed for a newborn feels like a big decision, but the safest choice is often the most basic one. A simple, new crib that meets current federal safety standards, with a firm mattress and a tight-fitting sheet, beats any feature-packed option. The priority is a flat, bare sleep space that reduces suffocation and entrapment risks, not decorative extras. Here is what experts at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) say you should look for.
The Safety Standards That Matter Most
Before you look at colors or styles, verify the crib itself. The CPSC requires slats be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart so a baby’s body cannot slip through. Never buy a crib with drop-side rails — these have caused serious injuries and are no longer considered safe. Check the hardware is tight and nothing is broken or missing, and avoid sharp edges, decorative cutouts, or raised corner posts. For any crib, raised sides should sit at least 26 inches above the mattress support in its lowest position, per the AAP. Lower the mattress as your baby grows.
Choosing the Right Mattress and Bedding
Mattress fit is the single most critical detail. It must be firm, flat, and snug-fitting with no gaps between it and the crib walls. The CPSC is explicit: only a fitted bottom sheet made for crib use belongs in the crib. Leave out pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumpers, and stuffed toys — they increase the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and SIDS. Use a wearable sleeper instead of a blanket when possible; if you use a blanket, place your baby feet-to-foot and tuck it no higher than chest height. A common full-sized crib mattress reference is about 27 1/4 x 51 3/8 inches and no more than 6 inches thick, but the real test is whether it fits your specific crib snugly.
New vs. Secondhand and Where to Place the Crib
Safety experts strongly recommend a new crib made after 2011, when the most current federal standards took effect. Vintage or secondhand cribs may not meet today’s requirements — or may have missing hardware or broken parts you cannot see. If a secondhand crib is your only option, inspect it carefully: sturdy construction, no gaps, no loose parts, no drop sides, and a mattress with no rips, tears, or sagging. When in doubt, skip it. Where you put the crib matters too: keep it away from windows, cords from blinds or curtains, and heat sources — all are strangulation or burn hazards. For families ready to compare tested options, our roundup of the best beds for newborns covers top-rated cribs, bassinets, and play yards that meet current safety standards.
| Safety Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Slat spacing | No more than 2 3/8 inches apart |
| Drop sides | Avoid entirely — never safe |
| Mattress fit | Firm, flat, snug — no gaps |
| Bedding | Only a fitted sheet — no pillows, blankets, or bumpers |
| Age of crib | New, made after 2011 |
| Placement | Away from windows, cords, and heat sources |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest errors are easy to make if you focus on looks instead of safety. A soft mattress that feels cozy is dangerous — firm is non-negotiable. Adding blankets, pillows, bumpers, or toys to make the crib look welcoming is the most common error, and it directly increases suffocation risk. Other frequent mistakes: buying a crib with drop sides, failing to check slat spacing and hardware, and using a vintage or secondhand crib without verifying compliance. Decorative features and fashion bedding don’t improve safety — they add risk. Choose the simplest approved product that fits your space and budget, and always place your baby on their back for every sleep.
References & Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). “Crib Safety Tips.” Official guidance on crib standards, mattress fit, and prohibited bedding.
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP). “Choosing a Crib.” Pediatric guidance on crib height, drop-side warnings, and room placement.
- KidsHealth. “Crib Safety.” Explains slat spacing, mattress fit, and safe sleep practices for parents.
FAQs
Can I use a secondhand crib my friend gave me?
Only if it was made after 2011, has no drop sides, all hardware is intact and tight, and the mattress fits snugly with no gaps. Check slat spacing carefully. If you cannot verify the crib’s age or history, pass it on. New is always the safest choice.
Is a bassinet safe for overnight sleep?
Yes, when it meets federal safety standards, has a firm flat mattress with a fitted sheet, and contains no blankets, pillows, or bumpers. Bassinets suit small spaces but are typically used only for the first few months until your baby outgrows the weight limit.
What should I put in the crib with my newborn?
Nothing except a fitted sheet. No pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, bumper pads, stuffed toys, or positioners. Use a wearable sleeper instead of a blanket. A bare crib looks plain, but it is exactly what sleep safety experts recommend.