The Best Baby Sleep Solutions That Are Actually Safe
We reviewed the evidence on infant sleep aids and safe sleep practices to help parents make informed choices.
Infant sleep is one of the most anxiety-inducing topics for new parents — and one of the most heavily marketed. Products that claim to improve baby sleep multiply every year, while evidence-based safe sleep guidelines from the AAP remain simple and largely unchanged. Here’s what the evidence says, and what’s actually worth buying.
AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines (Non-Negotiable)
Babies should sleep alone, on their back, on a firm flat surface in a safety-certified crib or bassinet. No pillows, blankets, bumpers, or positioners. Room-sharing (but not bed-sharing) for at least the first six months reduces SIDS risk. These guidelines are not suggestions — they are the evidence base for preventing infant sleep deaths.
The One Device Worth Buying: A Quality Monitor
Among sleep-related baby products, a monitor with breathing motion detection is the tool we’d prioritize. The Nanit Pro’s motion detection can alert you to unusual stillness — giving parents peace of mind without any device attached to the baby.