What Can You Put in a Baby's Crib? The Safe and Unsafe List

A safe crib for a newborn has: a firm mattress, a fitted sheet, and your baby. Everything else is optional — and some things are genuinely dangerous. Here's exactly what is and isn't safe, backed by Australian safe sleep guidance.

Safe to Use in the Crib

✅ Firm, Flat Mattress

Must be firm (not memory foam for infants), flat, and fitted to the cot with no gaps more than 20mm on any side.

✅ Single Fitted Sheet

One fitted sheet, correctly sized. No top sheets, quilts, or blankets under 12 months.

✅ Baby Sleeping Bag (Appropriate TOG)

Keeps baby at the right temperature without loose fabric near the face. Choose TOG based on room temperature: 0.5 TOG for summer, 2.5 TOG for winter.

✅ Crib Cushion Along the Sides (for 4+ months)

Once your baby is mobile enough to push limbs through the cot slats, a slim, firm crib cushion like the CozyGuard™ Premium Baby Crib Cushion can be introduced along the sides. Key: firm, not fluffy, and positioned along the side rails — not behind the head.

✅ Dummy / Pacifier

Dummies are associated with reduced SIDS risk when given consistently at the start of every sleep.

Not Safe in the Crib (Under 12 Months)

❌ Pillows

No infant needs a pillow. Creates a suffocation risk. Wait until 2 years of age.

❌ Loose Blankets or Quilts

Can cover the baby's face during sleep. Use a sleeping bag instead.

❌ Stuffed Animals and Soft Toys

Save them for playtime. One small soft toy is acceptable once baby is over 12 months.

❌ Traditional Padded Bumpers

Thick, quilted bumpers tied around all four sides have been linked to suffocation and entrapment. Modern crib cushions (like the CozyGuard™) positioned on the sides only are a different and safer category.

Quick Reference Table

Item	0–4 months	4–12 months
Firm fitted mattress + sheet	✅	✅
Baby sleeping bag	✅	✅
Crib cushion (sides only)	⚠️ With guidance	✅
Dummy/pacifier	✅	✅
Pillow	❌	❌
Loose blanket	❌	❌
Traditional padded bumper	❌	❌

The CozyGuard™ crib cushion is the natural next addition to a safe sleep space once your baby reaches the 4+ month mobile stage.

→ Shop the Premium Baby Crib Cushion - CozyGuard™ at Baby Bubble