Napping on Grandma’s chest is a wonderful experience! An age-old tradition. A happy time for bonding. But ultimately, every child needs a safe bed of their very own.
Sleep is the primary activity of the brain during early development. Most 2 year olds have been asleep for 13 months of their lives. Newborns (0-3 months) sleep a total of 10.5 to 18 hours a day. Infants (4-11 months) typically sleep 9 to 12 hours a day. Toddlers (1-2 years) need about 11-14 hours a day of sleep. Sound, restful sleep.
While a crib may seem like a cold and big place to put your tiny newborn, it’s the safest place. Your baby’s crib is a controlled environment for sleeping with proper conditions free of pillows, soft bedding such as blankets and comforters, stuffed animals, and toys that may cause entanglement, strangulation, or suffocation. Remember “bare is best”. A new crib with a properly sized mattress and a fitted sheet is all that is recommended.
While you may be tempted to let your baby sleep with you, don’t! Adult beds pose hazards for babies such as accidental suffocation in soft bedding, and your movements during sleep may result in baby being trapped against a wall or headboard, being pushed off the bed, or being trapped beneath you as you roll over.
Learn more about baby beds on our Baby Bed Guide page. You’ll find information about bassinets and special purpose cribs as well as popular convertible cribs. You’ll also find a buying guide and recommendations for a safe nursery.
Shop and compare on our Baby Bed Comparison page. Select any item to see more details and hands-on consumer reviews. Learn, compare, and decide. Order one and have it delivered to your door!
Be safe! Be happy! Be healthy!