When preparing for the arrival of a newborn, one of the main priorities is setting up the nursery; babies spend a lot of time sleeping! Choosing the right sleep gear is essential, as it contributes to safe sleep and ultimately happy babies, which in turn means parents can also get a good night's rest. To help parents-to-be, we have compiled a list of our favorite sleep gear, including bassinets, cribs, mattresses, travel cribs and more. This trusted resource aims to make the preparation for your newborn's arrival smoother and stress free.

Do babies need to sleep in a bassinet? Best Bedside Bassinets:

While it's not mandatory for newborns to sleep in a bedside bassinet, it is highly recommended. The benefits make it a valuable investment. First and foremost, room-sharing reduces the risk of SIDS. Having baby close by also gives parents peace of mind and enhances bonding. Since babies need a lot of attention at night for feedings, diaper changes, and being rocked back to sleep, a bedside bassinet proves to be very convenient, making the first few months a bit easier for everyone.

Bassinets to consider:

Charlie Crane KUMI Crib: The KUMI Crib offers a minimalist design and is made from organic materials. The bassinet is sturdy while providing a lateral swing for soothing baby. Its mattress is filled with 100% coconut fibers, the mattress cover is made with organic cotton, and the bassinet walls are mesh allowing for maximum airflow.

Happiest Baby SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet: The SNOO may boast an intimidating price tag but most parents will testify that the reassurance, safety and peace it offers is priceless! The SNOO features breathable mesh walls for healthy airflow, a quiet running motor that enables 5 levels of specially designed sound and motion. What's truly impressive is its advanced algorithm can distinguish and react to baby's cry! The SNOO acts as the "extra set of hands" that every parent needs!

Stokke Sleepi V3 Mini Crib Bundle: The Sleepi V3 Mini is an oval design that cocoons and comforts baby. It features lockable swivel wheels enabling parents to rock baby to sleep or easily transfer it from room to room. Its compact footprint makes it a perfect fit for smaller rooms. Stokke also offers conversion pieces that transform the Sleepi V3 Mini into a crib, which can then be converted to both a toddler and junior bed.

When should infants transition from a bedside bassinet to a crib? Best Cribs:

Most bedside bassinets are designed for use from birth to around six months. Once baby starts to sit up on their own, it's time to stop using the bedside bassinet. At this stage, baby should be ready to transition into their nursery and move into a crib.

Cribs can be a hefty investment, it is worth considering a convertible crib that will transition to meet baby's developmental stages.

Cribs to consider:

Dadada Spirit 8-in-1 Convertible Crib: The Spirit 8-in-1 Convertible Crib is made in Italy and constructed with solid beechwood. It offers 8 different configurations and comes with conversion pieces included!

Stokke Sleepi V3 Crib / Bed: The Sleepi V3 Crib features a unique oval design, perfectly suited for smaller nurseries. Included wheels allow it to easily move from room to room. The Sleepi V3 Crib can be converted to a toddler and junior bed for use from birth to about 5 years.

What crib mattress features are important? Best Crib Mattresses:

Making an informed crib mattress purchase is critical. There are many factors to consider when choosing a crib mattress, including filling and materials, breathability, waterproof qualities, weight, and firmness.

First and foremost is safety: infant mattresses should be firm to reduce the risk of suffocation. Some mattresses are made with breathable materials that allow airflow through the surface, adding an extra layer of safety.

A waterproof mattress is a practical choice; diaper leaks are inevitable and a waterproof surface makes cleanup easier for parents!

An often overlooked consideration is the mattress weight. Many manufacturers have switched from inner spring designs to foam, resulting in lighter mattresses. Since crib sheet changes can be a daily routine, a lighter mattress can make this task much easier, parents shouldn’t have to be bodybuilders to complete this chore!

Finally, parents should consider how long their child will use the crib mattress. If it will transition with them to a toddler bed, a two-sided mattress might be the best option. These mattresses offer a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers, providing comfort and support as the child grows.

Crib Mattresses to consider:

Lullaby Earth Gentle Start Breathable Crib Mattress: The Gentle Start Breathable Crib Mattress is a great budget friendly option. Its included machine washable cover features a waterproof backing and provides breathability for enhanced airflow and temperature regulation. The mattress is filled with a polyester foam and is made in the USA.

Naturepedic Organic Ultra Breathable Crib Mattress - 2-Stage: This luxury mattress checks all the boxes! Made in the USA from certified organic cotton fabric and fill, the Organic Ultra Breathable Crib Mattress - 2-Stage, features a machine washable and dryable quilted, breathable, waterproof cover. Its two sided design provides safe sleep for infants and premium comfort for toddlers. In addition, it is GREENGUARD GOLD Certified!

Naturepedic Organic Classic Crib Mattress - Lightweight 2-Stage: This waterproof mattress is made in the USA from certified organic cotton fabric and fill. It features a lightweight, flippable two sided design, firm for infants and medium firm for toddlers and easy to lift for sheet changes!

Should a travel crib be added to baby's registry? Best Travel Cribs:

Travel cribs serve a variety of purposes and should be a staple on every baby registry. As the name suggests, a travel crib provides a safe sleep environment for babies and toddlers during overnight stays away from home. In addition to travel, many travel cribs feature a bassinet mode, allowing them to serve as a primary bedside sleep system instead of a traditional bassinet. For parents who choose to room-share beyond six months, a travel crib may be the perfect solution. Babies who have outgrown their bassinet can continue sleeping beside their parents in a travel crib until everyone feels comfortable transitioning baby to their own room.

Furthermore, travel cribs double as playards, providing a safe space for little ones to engage in independent play while parents tend to daily chores or enjoy hands-free moments. These systems are also convenient for families with multi-level homes, as they can be set up as a napping station, keeping the baby close during daytime snoozes.

Travel Cribs to consider for travel:

Bugaboo Stardust Playard: The Stardust unfolds in 1 second and folds (with the mattress) in 3 seconds! It includes a zip-in bassinet for newborns and all around mesh for breathability. Its compact design and light weight make it perfect for travel!

Nuna COVE Aire Go Travel Crib: The COVE Aire Go is 6 inches narrower than a full size travel crib/playard- making it the ideal size for travel or bedside use. It is fully ventilated throughout its mesh sides, floor and mattress, allowing air to flow from every angle for maximum comfort and safety. It comes with a zip in bassinet included and folds and unfolds with one hand!

Travel Cribs to consider for home & playard use:

Nuna SENA Aire Playard: The SENA Aire is essentially the full size version of the COVE Aire Go. It features a zip-in bassinet, ventilated mesh sides, floor and mattress. The mattress is machine washable! Nuna also offers a compatible changing station that adds to the SENA Aire's versatility and convenience.

UPPAbaby Remi Playard: The Remi is set up and folded down quickly and easily. It features mesh sides and a breathable, perforated, machine washable mattress. The Remi also features a zip-in bassinet and zip front opening for easy access. UPPAbaby offers thoughtful accessories that elevate the systems utility, such as a changing station, UV protection canopy, changing station organizer, travel bag and waterproof mattress cover.

What essential sleep gear should be added to baby's nursery? Humidifier, Monitor, Night Light, Sound Machine & Sleep Sacks:

Now that we have covered where your baby will sleep, let's look at a few must-haves that facilitate longer, undisturbed sleep sessions and provide peace of mind for parents:

Humidifier: A humidifier offers numerous benefits, such as contributing to clean air, respiratory health, healthy skin, and better sleep by keeping babies' airways clear. The white noise it generates can also be soothing for babies. Humidifier to consider: Crane Drop Cool-Mist Humidifier
Monitor: A monitor provides peace of mind for parents, allowing them to keep an eye and ear on their sleeping baby without hovering over them. Monitor to consider: Masimo Stork Vitals+ Smart Home Baby Monitoring System
Night Lights and Sound Machines: Night lights provide just enough light for parents without disturbing the baby with brighter lights, while sound machines create a soothing sleep environment. Night Light + Sound Machine to consider: Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen Night Light & Sound Machine with Battery
Sleepsacks and Swaddles: Sleepsacks and swaddles offer both comfort and safety for sleeping infants and newborns. Blankets should never be added to cribs or bassinets. Swaddles keep newborns secure, while sleepsacks provide warmth for older infants and toddlers. Swaddle to consider: Oilo Muslin Swaddle Blanket Set | Sleepsack to consider: DockATot Sleep Bag

Why is choosing the right sleep gear so important?

Choosing the right sleep gear is essential. Making informed purchases ensures your baby's safety and fosters healthy sleep habits. Selecting smart sleep gear enhances sleep sessions, leading to happier babies and parents!

Questions?

Strolleria is dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents.

If you have more questions about the Best Cribs and Sleep Gear for Babies, feel free to email us at customercare@strolleria.com or chat with us today!