Research-based · Safety evidence first · We haven’t tested these products ourselves
Baby gear decisions, safety evidence first
We start with what the AAP, CPSC, NHTSA and FDA say, check recalls before every page goes up, and tell you plainly when you don’t need to buy anything. No scores, no sponsored placements.
Topics
See all →Safe Sleep
Cribs, bassinets, play yards and what to keep out of them.
GuidesCar Seats
Infant, convertible and booster seats: fit, installation and limits.
GuidesFeeding
High chairs, bottles and safe feeding setups.
Coming soonBaby-Proofing
Gates, anchors, outlet covers and the free fixes.
Coming soonStrollers & Carriers
Strollers, travel systems and baby carriers.
GuidesBaby Monitors
Audio, video and wearable monitors, honestly explained.
GuidesToys by Age
Developmental toys and small-parts safety.
Latest guides
Are amber teething necklaces safe? Safer teethers and what to skip (2026)
Short answer: no. The FDA warns against teething necklaces and bracelets after reports of strangulation and choking, including a death, and the AAP doesn’t recommend infants wear any jewelry. Use a firm (not liquid-filled) teething ring, a chilled washcloth or a clean finger instead, and skip benzocaine and lidocaine gels.
GuideSleep sack vs swaddle (2026): which is safer, and when to switch
Short answer: a swaddle can calm a newborn but doesn’t lower SIDS risk, and you must stop as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll (often 2 to 4 months). A non-weighted sleep sack that leaves the arms free can be used as long as you like. Never use weighted swaddles, sacks or blankets.
GuideSafe sleep gear for babies (2026): what to buy and what to skip
Short answer: buy one firm, flat sleep space that meets CPSC federal standards (a crib, bassinet or play yard) and a fitted sheet. That is all the AAP and CPSC say belongs in it. Skip inclined sleepers, bumpers, weighted sleep sacks and sleep positioners, and check every sleep product for recalls first.
GuideHow to choose a safe crib (2026): standards, used cribs and setup
Short answer: buy a crib that meets the 2011 federal crib standard (any new crib sold in the US must), with fixed sides, slats no more than 2⅜ inches apart, no cutouts or tall corner posts, all its hardware and instructions, and no recall. Avoid drop-side, antique and pre-2011 cribs.
GuideHow to choose a crib mattress (2026): firmness, fit and recalls
Short answer: choose a firm mattress that doesn’t indent under your baby, is made for your crib and fits tightly with no gaps, and carries a model number and manufacture date so you can check recalls. Put only a fitted sheet on it. Skip toppers, plush add-on play yard mattresses and anything that claims to prevent SIDS.
GuideBassinet vs crib vs play yard (2026): which should your baby sleep in?
Short answer: all three are safe for sleep if they meet their CPSC federal standard, have a firm, flat mattress made for that product and nothing else inside. Pick a bassinet if you want something small next to your bed, a crib if you want one bed for years, and a play yard if you need portability or a lower cost.
PickedBaby explains product safety guidance; it is not medical advice. For questions about your child’s health, ask your pediatrician.