PickedBaby

How we research & choose

Last updated

PickedBaby pages are research-based. We haven’t tested these products ourselves, and we don’t give scores. Here is exactly how a page gets made.

1. Safety evidence first

Before we think about features or price, we read what the authorities say about the product type:

  • AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) policy and its parent site, HealthyChildren.org.
  • CPSC federal safety standards, warnings and recalls (CPSC.gov and SaferProducts.gov).
  • NHTSA car seat recommendations, ease-of-use ratings and recalls.
  • FDA guidance for formula, bottles, teethers and products with health claims.
  • ASTM / JPMA standards and certification where relevant, explained on our certifications page.

Medical and safety claims cite only these authorities, the CDC or peer-reviewed research. Retailer pages are used for price and specs only.

2. Recall check before publishing

Every guide shows a “Recalls checked” date. We never recommend a product with an open recall or one that conflicts with AAP safe-sleep guidance. Details: recall-check policy.

3. Say what to skip, and the free option

Every guide has a “Skip this” section for products experts advise against, and a free or budget option where safety allows, even when that earns us nothing. See Skip this.

4. Inclusion criteria

  • Meets the applicable federal standard, per the maker’s label or documentation.
  • No open recall on CPSC (and NHTSA for car seats) for that model on the check date.
  • Consistent with AAP guidance (for example, flat sleep surfaces only).
  • Material claims (“non-toxic”, “organic”) only when backed by a named certification or test.

5. What we never do

  • Claim hands-on testing we haven’t done, publish star ratings or invent quotes.
  • Cite a source we didn’t open and read.
  • Let commission or sponsorship change which product we pick.
  • Give medical advice. Ask your pediatrician about your child’s health.

6. Prices and updates

Each page shows the month prices were checked and its last-updated date. We re-check recalls on every refresh. Found an error? See our corrections policy.