Baby & Toddler Essentials
Sleep is where baby gear carries the highest stakes. The Safe to Sleep campaign from the National Institutes of Health sums it up: babies should sleep alone, on their back, in a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress and nothing else in it. Safe baby sleep products support that, and products that work against it are not worth any amount of extra sleep they promise. Here is how to choose well.
Ask a Dad
Reach out and we’ll connect you with an experienced father or point you to the right next step.
Send a MessageFederal law now bans inclined sleepers and padded crib bumpers. Sleep positioners, wedges and weighted sleep products are not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Car seats, swings and bouncers are not for routine sleep; if your baby falls asleep in one, move them to a flat, firm sleep space when you can.
Be wary of any product claiming to prevent SIDS. No product has been shown to do that, and the AAP advises against relying on home monitors for that purpose. When you are exhausted, the couch or an armchair is one of the most dangerous places to doze off holding a baby; put the baby in their crib or bassinet before you nod off.
Swaddling can help some newborns settle. Wrap snugly around the chest but loose at the hips so legs can bend up and out. Stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll, which often happens around two months, and switch to a sleep sack that leaves arms free.
Choose a sleep sack sized for your baby so the neck and armholes are not big enough to slip into. Dress the baby in light layers and keep the room comfortable; overheating is a risk factor. A good check is the back of the neck: it should feel warm, not sweaty.
Many families use white noise to mask household sounds. Place the machine well away from the crib, keep the volume moderate (some guidance suggests no louder than a soft shower), and keep cords out of reach. A dim, warm night light helps with night feeds without fully waking everyone. Blackout curtains can help with early sunrises and summer naps; secure any cords out of reach, since window blind cords are a known strangulation hazard and cordless coverings are the safer choice.
Baby monitor cords should be at least three feet from the crib. See technology and gadgets for monitor privacy settings.
The AAP recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing, ideally for at least the first six months. Crib selection and assembly are covered in nursery furniture. For sleep routines, see understanding sleep and feeding routines. Exhausted dads should also look after themselves; mental health and stress management for dads has ideas. This guide belongs to baby and toddler essentials.
Make sure everyone who puts your baby down, including grandparents, sitters and daycare staff, knows the same rules. Habits from a generation ago, like tummy sleeping or a fluffy blanket, are still common. A quick, friendly walkthrough of the crib setup avoids awkward surprises.
FAQ
Only a firm, flat mattress made for that crib and a tight fitted sheet. Dress the baby in a sleep sack instead of using blankets, and leave out pillows, bumpers, toys and positioners.
Stop as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll over, which often starts around two months. Switch to a sleep sack that leaves the arms free.
They can be used safely if you place the machine away from the crib, keep the volume moderate and keep cords out of reach. They are optional, not required.
Keep going
Understanding Newborn Sleep and Feeding RoutinesUnderstand your newborn sleep and feeding schedule: how often babies eat, why nights are rough, hunger cues and how dads can share the load. Read the guide.
Newborn Care Essentials Every Dad Should KnowNewborn care for dads made simple: diapering, feeding support, safe sleep, bathing, soothing and the warning signs to call the doctor. Learn the basics here.Ask a question, meet other dads in the 24/7 room, or join the community for resources and support at every stage.
Join our 24/7 Room to meet and talk with other dads
Join Today