Baby Registry Sleep Checklist: 10 Must-Haves (and 7 Things You Can Skip)

The good news is that a safe-sleep nursery set up needs surprisingly few things: a flat, firm, mattress, a bare sleep space (mattress + bassinet/mini crib/crib + fitted sheets), plus a handful of supporting items like swaddles and sleep sacks, pacifier, a nightlight, and possibly a humidifier and sound machine. 

As a city-first baby boutique, we ascribe to less-is-more, pared down modern aesthetic. Even if you’re a maximalist at heart, it’s best to start with what you really need, and build from there. One thing’s for sure, once you meet your beautiful baby “on the outside”, you’ll know what else to add.

So, what sleep items do you actually need on a baby registry?

OK, here’s the skinny: The 10 things you really need when it comes to your baby’s sleep situation are a bassinet, crib, firm crib mattress, fitted sheets, pacifiers, swaddles, sleep sacks, sound machine, nightlight, humidifier, and possibly a mobile. (OK, that last one was for cute factor).

1) Bassinet

We’re starting with the bassinet, because the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that baby sleeps in your room for the first six months. This decreases the risk of SIDS, helps you bond, and is genuinely convenient when it comes to night-feedings. 

There is always a bassinet vs crib debate, but our feeling is that you need something in your room for those first months — but you’re free to choose whatever fits best. If your room is big, besides the fact that you won the NYC apartment lottery, then go ahead and put a full size crib. But if your room is petite, or you can’t spare the space, a bassinet or mini crib can do just fine. 

When it comes to bassinets, since babies generally grow out of them by about two to four months (when they can push up or start to show signs of rolling), we suggest a model that can be lowered. The Snoozi by Stokke is a good example. If you’ve decided on a convertible crib (like Babyletto’s 8-in-1 Pogo or Stokke’s Sleepi Mini + Extension), you can reassemble to the size you need, based on baby’s growth and milestones.

2) Crib

Your crib is baby’s sleep space for the long haul, meaning this is all-but a must. As we mentioned, some choose to get a convertible crib that offers several different configurations (including bassinet, mini crib, full size crib, toddler bed, and junior bed), and then configure as needed. If you go with a traditional standard crib (the Sparrow or Moss by Oeuf, for instance), it will just go the distance as-is and bonus: you only build it once.

All cribs work the same way: as baby grows, you lower the baseboard down so that they remain safe. While they are newborns, they can sleep on the highest level, then when they can push up or roll (like with the bassinet) you move it down. Baby will remain at that level until they’re pulling up on the rails or standing, and then you move it down again. By the time your now toddler is getting ready to throw a leg over the side and escape, you move to a toddler bed and begin sleep training.

3) Crib mattress

Next up: The crib mattress. I didn’t mention a bassinet mattress, because that usually comes with the bassinet. Crib mattresses, however, you get to choose separately most of the time. You want to choose a mattress that is firm and flat, according to the CPSC and AAP. We also prefer breathable, organic, GreenGUARD Gold certified crib mattresses at Babesta, for peace of mind. 

If you have a standard crib in mind, you’ll need a standard mattress (we love Naturepedic's breathable organic mattresses), and if you’re opting for a mini crib, you’ll need a mini crib mattress (always check the dimensions). If you’ve chosen an ovular crib like the Sleepi by Stokke, you’ll need to get the mattress they offer (breathable, firm) that fits it just right. 

Whatever you choose, when you drop the mattress in, do a fit-test. You should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the side of the crib. Any more is an entrapment and suffocation hazard.

4) Fitted sheets

Once you have your mattress, you’ll need some breathable, soft fitted sheets. Two or three such sheets should be sufficient: the key is to have a couple extra in case baby spits up or has a diaper “blowout” (sorry! It happens!). Muslin, organic cotton, or bamboo are our faves. You can go print-heavy or solid as your nursery aesthetic demands.

So many choices: Babyletto, Pehr, Clemintine, and Babesta's own (our collab with Aden + Anais - think taxis, pretzels and hot dogs)

5) Pacifiers

We added pacifiers to our list basically as a safe-sleep add. The AAP notes that babies who use pacifiers (non-nutritive sucking) for sleep have a lower risk of SIDS. Be sure to use the right size paci for the baby’s age, and don’t let them sleep with one with anything attached to it.  

Our go-tos are Frigg and Itzy Ritzy.

6) Swaddles and Sleep Sacks

When you put your little one to bed, you’ll want to dress them in sleep-ready clothes like swaddles or sleep sacks. For babies, that’s the swaddle for the first 2-4 months (until they look like they’re about to roll over), and then the sleep sack. 

The swaddle is traditionally a long piece of cloth that you wrap your baby in, kind of  like a burrito. Loulou Lollipop has some of our faves! There are also zippered and Velcro swaddles, including the Swaddle bag by Kyte baby. These are used for the first months, and then baby transitions to a sleep sack or wearable blanket where arms and legs are free (very important when baby starts rolling).

7) Sound machine

In the big city, it’s no surprise that noise can be an issue, especially when a baby is sleeping on and off throughout the day. If you don’t have double paned windows, and can still hear the blare of taxi horns, you might want to invest in a sound machine. Just be sure to place it across the room, away from the crib, and set it at a low to moderate volume.

Frida Baby makes a good one (including one that's for on-the-go)

8) Nightlight

The baby’s room should be dark when it’s time to nap or sleep at night, but you may need to come in and check on them once in a while. A dim, warm nightlight can not only be a cute addition to the nursery, but it can help you get enough visibility for nighttime feedings without waking baby up.

So many choices: Miffy, Mushroom, Moon?

9) Humidifier

NYC apartments can get dry, especially in the wintertime. And if you have a landlord who’s in charge of the heat, things can get less than ideal. If you find that the nursery is too dry, opt for a cool mist humidifier to make it more comfy for baby. Aim for 30 to 50 percent humidity. 

For a humidifier, we love Frida Baby. 

10) Mobile 

We love a cute mobile hanging over the crib — it’s not just an cute-factor thing, it’s also for development, offering baby visual stimulation during those first months where baby is laying in the crib on their back. The one thing to know about mobiles, however, is that they should be removed when baby can push up on their hand per CPSC guidelines.

Our favorite mobiles are by Pehr and The Winding Road.

What sleep items can you skip on your registry?

As for things you can skip on your registry when it comes to sleep items, these come in a couple of categories. First, there are things you should skip because they are safety hazards. Then, there are other things to skip just because you can wait and see what you really feel you need after baby arrives. Don’t forget: as a local baby store in NYC, we can always shuttle something to you quickly as you need by foot or by Uber!

Skip (not safe)

In the not safe category, you must skip:

• Crib bumpers: These pose an entrapment and suffocation hazard and are illegal to sell in the U.S.

• Inclined sleepers or rockers marketed for sleep: Babies should not be on an incline, and should never sleep in anything but a sleep safe bassinet, crib or travel crib per the CPSC.

• Sleep positioners and wedges: Again, dangerous. Poses a suffocation hazard. 

• Weighted swaddles or weighted sleep sacks: Dangerous. 

• Blankets, quilts, pillows, and bedding sets: The crib should be bare. When the baby reaches their first birthday, blankets and pillows are OK. Before that, keep it simple.

Wait and see

• Loungers: This is because as tempting as it seems, these are not for sleep. These are for active play and awake time. The propensity for people to misuse these is why we put them in a wait and see. However, we think they’re great otherwise (we particularly love Inglesina’s lounger!)

• Wearable vitals monitors and smart socks: We say wait and see on these because they’re not actually medical devices and they’re not required for safe sleep. This being said a lot of parents like the peace of mind. We, however, opt against carrying them as we think they can add another layer of anxiety.

What about a baby monitor?

Monitors can be tricky in NYC as there’s a lot of interference in some buildings, due to too many monitors in the proximity. Or, on the flip side, it may not transmit well because of thick concrete walls. 

Either way, we don’t include it here, as although a monitor is useful but it’s a nursery item, not a safe-sleep requirement. Besides, in small apartments where the bassinet is an arm’s reach away you might not need one for months. 

Smart registries with Babesta

Now that you know what you really need (and what you can skip) in the sleep category of your registry, it’s time to add your faves to the list. 

With a Babesta registry, you not only get a curated group of city-friendly options, but you get more city-ready services than anywhere else. These include hold it til you need it, white glove services, free in-store stroller assembly and training, post-purchase support, registry close out benefits and more. 

At Babesta, we don’t want you to lose your cool shopping for baby. We’ll always have your back.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need both a bassinet and crib on my registry?

No, you don’t have to put both on your registry, but ultimately you’ll need both a safe sleep surface you can put in your room for the first 6 months (per AAP guidelines) and a sleep surface that can take you the distance, until they’re ready for a bed. Some people will register for the bassinet (or mini crib) and put off the crib until later. Others register for them both.

What’s the difference between a swaddle and a sleep sack?

A swaddle is a blanket you snugly wrap baby with arms and legs inside for sleep during the first few months. It stills their Moro reflex and recalls the feeling in the womb. Swaddles can only be used until the baby shows interest in rolling over. Sleep sacks are the next stage of sleep wear. They’re wearable blankets where arms and legs are free. 

Do baby monitors work in apartment buildings? 

Yes, but building materials and signal congestion matter. Concrete, steel framing, and plaster walls can cut a monitor’s advertised range dramatically and the crowded 2.4 GHz band in dense buildings often causes video dropouts. For apartments, DECT audio monitors (which use a dedicated, encrypted 1.9 Hz band) are the most reliable choice, while wifi cameras work well if your home network has strong coverage. 

Since the AAP recommends room sharing for the first six months, many apartment parents can skip a monitor entirely at first and buy one later based on their actual layout.