Welcoming a new baby brings immense joy—and a fair share of sleepless nights. In those early weeks, it’s completely normal to look for anything that promises a few extra hours of rest. The baby product market is full of products that claim to help your baby sleep longer, but not all of them are safe—or even in line with safe sleep recommendations from the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics).

This guide is here to help you sort through the noise with evidence-based, reassuring information so you can feel confident creating a safe, nurturing space for your baby.

Understanding Normal Newborn Sleep

Frequent night wakings are tiring, but they are normal and may even be protective against SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Any product designed to extend a baby's sleep beyond what is biologically normal and appropriate can increase a baby's risk of SIDS. Waking to feed or connect helps regulate your baby’s breathing, temperature, and development.

The AAP encourages new parents to support a safe sleep environment by room sharing for at least the first six months postpartum—ideally up to one year. This approach helps babies stay close while ensuring a safe place for rest and comfort.

Smart Bassinets or Cribs

The Appeal

It’s easy to see why these high-tech sleepers are popular. They detect movement or crying and automatically rock, vibrate, or play white noise to soothe your baby. The promise of more rest sounds wonderful—but these features may not support your baby’s biological needs.

There is no doubt that infant crying and night wakings can be exhausting for parents. Smart bassinets that respond to your baby’s first waking cues or movements reduce these normal and beneficial behaviors, leaving some of the baby's needs unmet and increasing risks of negative outcomes. 

What to Know

In the first few months of life, your baby’s first hunger cue is waking. These products can reduce normal waking and feeding cues, which means your baby might sleep through hunger signals or miss important interactions with you. Over time, that can lead to fewer feedings, lower milk supply, and slower weight gain.

Bonding and Development

When machines respond to your baby’s cries instead of a caregiver, opportunities for comfort and connection are lost. Babies also spend more time in one position, increasing the risk of flat spots (plagiocephaly) or tight neck muscles (torticollis). Products that restrict rolling or attach your baby to the surface can also delay motor development, which is why the AAP, Consumer Product Safety Commission and U.S. Food & Drug Administration all advise against position-restricting devices.

White Noise Machines

Gentle sound can be soothing for babies, but placement and volume matter. Your baby’s hearing is still developing, and sound that’s too loud or too close can cause harm over time.

Tips for safe use:

  • Keep portable sound machines at least 7 feet away from your baby’s sleep space.

  • Use the lowest volume setting possible.

  • Choose soft, steady sounds (like a fan) rather than loud white noise or high-pitched tones.

Sleep Suits and Overheating Risks

For safe sleep, stick to a light, wearable sleep sack that fits well and allows movement. Thicker infant sleep suits or products that restrict your baby’s arms and legs can interfere with natural movement and rolling and should not be used. Babies should be dressed in light sleepwear, similar to what an adult would wear to be comfortable at the same temperature. Overheating increases the risk of SIDS, so skip heavy suits or those that claim to “help babies sleep longer.”

Inclined Sleepers, Rockers, and Swings

Even though inclined sleepers have been banned in the U.S., some are still sold online or found secondhand. These products allow babies to rest at an unsafe angle, which can cause the head to fall forward and restrict airflow (chin-to-chest position).

Other products like swings, rockers, or bouncers are fine for playtime when supervised—but never for sleep. Safety harnesses can’t prevent suffocation or falls if a baby dozes off in these positions.

Baby Nests, Pods, or Docks?

Soft, cushiony loungers may look cozy and are often shown in ads with sleeping babies—but they’re not safe for unsupervised sleep. Babies can sink into the soft surface, increasing the risk of suffocation. These items should only be used while your baby is awake, with a caregiver present and alert. Always follow product guidelines carefully.

This Time Goes Quickly

Caring for a newborn is both beautiful and exhausting. It’s natural to look for tools that promise better rest—but the safest approach is simple: a firm, flat surface with no extras. By focusing on evidence-based guidance, nurturing your breastfeeding relationship, and staying responsive to your baby’s cues, you’re already giving your baby the best foundation for healthy, restful sleep.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.