Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to your baby’s sleeping environment.
As a parent, you know that not all cribs, mattresses and bassinets are created equal. We’re here to help you figure out the top products for safe sleep in each category. We looked at professional certifications, non-toxic products and parent reviews to determine the safest sleep items.
However, the biggest safety indicators aren’t about the products. Your child’s sleeping environment and following the recommendations of the American Association of Pediatrics are critical to sleep safety.
Best Cribs for Sleeping Safety
The top safety recommendations for sleep in a crib are:
- Purchase a new crib
- Don’t use a crib older than 10 years
- Use a mattress that fits snuggly with no gaps
- Avoid harmful chemicals
- Never use a drop side crib.
In our opinion, most cribs manufactured today meet these expectations.
This means that almost any new crib you purchase will meet safety standards. Our selections here focus on non-toxic and high-quality materials. Rest easy knowing that your baby is safe sleeping in their crib.
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib – Safe Sleep for Babies
The Babyletto Hudson was the most popular search result under safest baby crib. The Babyletto brand sets the standard for safe sleep for babies.
The primary focus for Babyletto is non-toxic products that help produce a safer indoor environment.
This is demonstrated through the GREENGUARD Gold Certification for the Hudson Convertible Crib. This best baby crib is made from New Zealand sustainable pine wood. The bed is non-toxic, including lead and phthalate safe.
The other benefit of the Babyletto Hudson is the solid construction and modern design. Not only is the crib safe, but it looks great. Also, it will last for years.
In addition, the 3-in-1 design transitions to a toddler bed and then a daybed. This is the only bed you’ll need as your baby grows into a big kid.
I chose the Babyletto Hudson as the top safe crib pick because, while at a higher price point, it’s longevity of use makes it a quality choice. The timeless design means you’ll actually want to use it for years. And, Babyletto makes safety in design a priority.
Safety Features
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified
- Hidden hardware construction
- Sustainable New Zealand pine wood
- Meets ASTM and CPSC standards
- Non-toxic materials
Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
The Graco Benton convertible crib offers a more affordable alternative to the Babyletto. The primary safety difference between the two cribs is the Graco Benton is made from pine wood and composites versus solid wood.
While the Graco model does claim to be non-t0xic, it doesn’t have the GREENGUARD certification. Yet, it does achieve other product certifications from CPSC, ASTM and JPMA. Plus, Graco is a trusted brand for baby products.
The Graco Benton also converts from a crib to a toddler bed, then a daybed and even a full size headboard. The Graco Benton offers a solid choice for safety and longevity.
I’d still recommend the Babyletto if your budget allows.
Safety Features
- Meets or exceeds CPSC, ASTM and JPMA standards
- Non-toxic finish
- Pine wood and composite construction
DaVinci Autumn 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
The DaVinci Autumn convertible crib focuses on safety. Like the Babyletto brand, DaVinci achieves GREENGUARD Gold certification. DaVinci also received accolades from Safewise, National Parenting Product Awards and Wirecutter.
The DaVinci autumn is made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood and TSCA compliant MDF. Like the Graco crib, the DaVinci isn’t totally constructed of solid wood. However, this helps keep the price in a more budget-friendly range.
Another benefit of the DaVinci Autumn crib is the versatility. The bed transitions from a crib to a toddler bed, then a daybed and even a full sized headboard.
Overall, the DaVinci brand is a solid and reliable choice for crib sleep safety.
Safety Features
- Finished in non-toxic paint that is lead and phthalate safe
- Meets or exceeds ASMA and CPSC standards
- Made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood and TSCA compliant MDF
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified
Natart Bella Gold 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
For a truly timeless and luxurious baby crib, the Natart brand is the superior choice. For both safety and reliability, you cannot beat Natart. This is not a normal crib, this is an heirloom furniture piece.
The Natart Bella Gold is a high-end furniture option. However, it offers the top safety features, solid construction and beautiful design to match the price tag.
Made from solid birch wood, the Bella Gold receives GREENGUARD Gold certification. The product is made in Canada and meets or exceeds all U.S. and Canadian safety standards.
Overall, if you want safety and luxury, the Natart Bella Gold offers both.
Safety Features
- GREENGUARD Gold Certification
- Constructed from solid Birch wood
- Stationary sides with no moving parts
- Wooden mattress support
- Meets or exceeds all U.S. and Canadian safety standards
Safest Crib Mattresses for Sleeping Safely
The primary safety considerations for mattress sleeping safety are:
- Non-toxic
- Firm construction
You do not want a crib mattress with a chemical smell or a soft and squishy feel.
A safe crib mattress is comfortable but solid, so that your baby’s risk of suffocation is reduced. Because your baby spends many hours sleeping, a non-toxic environment is best for long-term health.
Most new crib mattresses meet these expectations. However, a few stand out from the rest for top performance.
Naturepedic Organic Lightweight 2-Stage Crib Mattress
The Naturepedic Organic Lightweight 2-Stage crib mattress is one of the top-rated crib mattresses available. Naturepedic prioritized safety and function with its 2-Stage crib mattress.
While at a higher price point than some other crib mattresses, the price is worth it, especially for babies with allergies or breathing issues. According to the product description, this mattress has an allergy-friendly design and is recognized by the Allergy Kids Foundation.
The Naturepedic crib mattress offers top function with a waterproof barrier and two-sided design. One side is firm for newborns and the other softer for toddler comfort.
Overall, this is a top crib mattress for safety. Plus, the organic cotton construction supports U.S. farmers.
Safety Features
- Certified organic cotton
- GREENGUARD Gold Certification
- Non-toxic with no harmful chemicals
- Firm infant side for sleeping safety
- Made in the U.S.A.
Babyletto Pure Core Non-Toxic Crib Mattress
Like with the Babyletto crib, the Babyletto Pure Core Crib Mattress was designed with safety at the forefront. In fact, the Babyletto website states two goals for their mattress: 0% toxins and affordability. They’ve achieved both.
The Babyletto Pure Mattress offers the same dual-sided support as the Naturepedic. The Pure Core mattress is free from toxins, including dyes, allergens and off-gassing materials.
In addition to being safe for babies, the Babyletto crib mattress is manufactured to be eco-friendly.
Overall, the Pure Core crib mattress is an excellent choice to keep your baby safe from toxins and firm enough for safe sleeping.
Safety Features
- Hypoallergenic
- No chemical flame retardants
- Dual-sided with firmness for infant sleep safety
- Natural latex core
Serta Tranquility Eco Firm Innerspring Crib Mattress
Both my children had a Serta mattress. I found them to be reliable, safe and affordable. The Serta Tranquility Eco Firm crib mattress offers the reliability of the Serta brand, but free from toxic chemicals.
In fact, the Serta Tranquility received the GREENGUARD Gold certification. This mattress doesn’t use chemical flame retardants or other toxic products like lead in its production. This is linked to improved indoor air quality.
Like the other two mattresses, the Serta has two sides ideal for use as your child grows. One side is firm to keep your newborn and young infant safe. The other side is softer for toddler use.
Safety Features
- Two stage sleep system for infant safety and toddler comfort
- GREENGUARD Gold certification
- Made with CertiPUR-US approved foams, which are made without PBDE flame retardants
- Hypoallergenic
Delta Children Twinkle Stars Fiber Core Crib Mattress
The Delta Children Twinkle Stars crib mattress also received the GREENGUARD Gold certification.
I’m including this one on the list for safest crib mattresses because of the budget-friendly price point. The Delta Children’s mattress offers the non-toxic benefits without breaking your wallet.
The Twinkle Stars crib mattresses meets all standards for both safety and low toxicity. It also does not contain chemical flame retardant.
While it doesn’t offer all the eco-friendly benefits of the pricier mattresses, your baby can breathe easier without the chemical exposure.
Overall, the Twinkle Stars mattress is a solid alternative to keep your baby safe even on a tighter budget.
Safety Features
- GREENGUARD Gold certification
- Firm thermo-bonded polyester fiber core for infant safety
- Non-toxic and free of chemical flame retardants
Safest Bassinets for Safe Sleeping for Newborns
Bassinets are designed to help newborns sleep close to a parent. The safest baby bassinets should be:
- Stable
- Breathable
- Non-toxic
While newborn bassinet safety is important, the other key factor is how to actually get a newborn to sleep in a bassinet.
Tired parents need sleep! We’ve searched for the top bassinets that offer safety for peace of mind, but also a design that encourages sleep.
Overall, most bassinets will be safe for your baby. We’ve simply chosen the top selections based on our knowledge and review of product options.
HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper
One of the keys to newborn sleep safety is for the baby to have their own sleeping space while staying close to a parent. The HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper offers both.
This bassinet is designed to sit bedside for easy parent access. The mesh sides provide breathability and an easy view of baby. In addition, the side wall lowers to easily take out your baby, but locks back into place for safety.
The HALO Bassinest also has a 360 degree swivel feature to allow you to reposition the bassinet without lifting out your baby. This is an excellent feature for moms recovering from birth.
This award-winning product is JPMA certificated and parent approved.
Overall, the HALO Swivel Sleeper is a safe way to help newborns sleep and parents get the rest you need.
Safety Features
- Mesh walls
- JPMA certification
- Works bedside for safe sleep
- Side wall lowers but has automatic function to lift and lock
SNOO Smart Sleeper by Happiest Baby
If budget is not an option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is the top choice for a baby bassinet.
While this high-end product may be out of reach for many families due to the price, I wanted to include it because of its excellent design and function. Plus, Happiest Baby does offer options to rent the SNOO Smart Sleeper.
According to the product specifications, the SNOO is designed to keep the baby from rolling over. This is in line with the American Academy of Pediatrics infant sleep recommendations.
The biggest benefit of the SNOO is its goal to help sleep train your baby for easy transition from the bassinet to the crib.
In fact, the SNOO website boasts this is the safest baby bed ever made. I won’t guarantee that, but I do think this product is the top choice to get your newborn to sleep.
As a mom though, I don’t believe in miracle products. So use your best judgement before you dish out a ton of money for a bassinet that will only be used for up to 25 pounds or six months old.
Safety Features
- SNOO Sack attaches with safety clips to keep baby safely on their back
- Claims to be the “only bed to meet the American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep guidelines”
- Tracks baby’s sleep and alerts parents to changes
Safety 1st Nap and Go Rocking Bassinet
The Safety 1st Nap and Go Rocking Bassinet is a more budget-friendly bassinet option. While I’m including it in the list of safest baby bassinets, it doesn’t have the certifications to qualify it as truly safety-focused.
The Safety 1st bassinet is really cute and modern. The lightweight design makes this an easy option for moving your baby from room to room for sleep. Just remember to always take your baby out of the cradle before you move the product.
This bassinet also includes mesh sides for breathability and an aluminum base for durability. The bassinet sits closer to the ground for added safety.
Overall, this is a solid choice for a newborn bassinet.
Safety Features
- Mesh walls for breathability
- Sits closer to the ground
Buying Tips for Baby Sleeping Options
Sleep safety is a top concern for parents. This is true from when you bring your newborn home on the first night right up to the decision to buy your first set of bunk beds for your big kids. Parents want their children to be safe.
Here are a few things to consider when purchasing sleeping products for your infant.
- Buy new products
- Ensure all the parts are included for proper assembly
- Go with a trusted brand
- Select non-toxic products to avoid chemicals and improve indoor air quality
- Look for product certifications and awards
- Do not use a crib or bassinet older than 10 years old
- Do not have gaps between the mattress and crib or bassinet base of more than two finger widths
- Buy the best product for your budget
Trust Yourself to Provide Safe Sleep for Your Baby
Today’s products offer many options to provide safe sleep for newborns and babies. But, at the end of the day, you have to do what works best for your family. Sleep is important for your baby, for your other children, and for you. Find the solution that meets safety standards and common sense.
For my family, we started out with a crib and bassinet, but after weeks of no sleep we switched to the Fisher-Price Sweet Dreams Cradle ‘n Swing. My son slept in this for naps and night time sleep until he transitioned to his crib at around five months. I didn’t even try any other products for my second child. I just put them in the Cradle ‘n Swing from the first night.
The bottom line is you’ll figure out how to get your newborn to sleep both safely and soundly. Trust your instincts and cut yourself some slack. A day will come, before you know it, when you’re dragging that sleepless baby out of bed for their first day of school.
