When you're setting up your baby’s nursery, there’s one thing that rises above all the design trends and cute accessories: safety. Especially when it comes to sleep. A safe sleep space gives your baby the comfort they need—and gives you peace of mind during those early months (and long nights).

Here’s what really matters when building a safe sleep setup, plus a few products from Storkcraft that make it easier to get the essentials right.

Start with a New, Safety-Certified Crib

A brand-new, safety-certified baby crib from a trusted brand is the centerpiece of a safe nursery. You want something that’s built to last, meets all of the latest applicable category safety standards, and is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).

The Storkcraft® Santorini® Deluxe 5-in-1 Convertible Crib is a great example of a crib that ticks all the important boxes. Not only is the iconic and gorgeous Santorini® JPMA Certified (meaning, it’s been expert-texted by independent, third-party laboratories to meet or exceed all applicable category safety standards), the Santorini® is also GREENGUARD Gold Certified (meaning, it’s been tested for more than 10,000 chemicals and VOCs known to pollute indoor air). The Santorini® crib also converts into a toddler bed (with the guardrail included), so it’s not just a safer option — it’s also a smarter long-term option.

Choose a Firm, Flat Mattress

Soft, plush mattresses may seem more comfortable, but they’re not safe for newborns. A firm, safety-certified crib mattress from a trusted brand can help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and supports your baby’s growing body.

The Graco® Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress is lightweight, an appropriate firmness for infants, and fits snugly into standard-size cribs — just what you want. It also has a removable, machine-washable, water-resistant mattress cover, which—as any parent knows—is a major bonus. Not only is the Graco® Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress GREENGUARD Gold Certified and JPMA Certified, it is also Formaldehyde Free Certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

 

Keep the Crib Simple

This is one area where less really is more. No pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or crib bumpers. A tightly fitted crib sheet on a firm mattress is all your baby needs.

If you want to add personality, think of wall art in an area not directly above the crib, or a soft rug beneath the crib. Save the plush toys for bookshelves and daytime snuggles.

 

Room Setup Matters Too

Crib placement isn’t just about aesthetics — avoid putting it near windows, cords, heaters, or heavy curtains. Keep the room cool (around 68–72°F) and consider using a fan (a safe distance away from the crib) to promote airflow.

A clean, simple layout can make everything feel calmer — not just for the baby, but for you too.

 

A Few Everyday Habits That Make a Big Difference

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep.

• Don’t use any soft bedding in the crib.

• Once your baby starts sitting up, lower the mattress height.

• Check crib hardware often to make sure nothing’s come loose.

• Use a sleep sack — never a loose blanket.
  
  

Final Thoughts

There’s a lot of advice out there about how to decorate your nursery. But when it comes to sleep, the safest choice is often the simplest one. Stick to the basics, skip the fluff, and focus on trusted, safety-certified, well-made products you can trust.

With pieces like the Santorini® Convertible Crib and the Graco® Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress, Storkcraft® offers a beautiful, timeless collection that keeps your baby’s safety front and center. And that’s something you’ll never regret investing in.    

 

P.S.

As a member of the JPMA, Storkcraft® supports the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) in its effort to promote guidance for caregivers that is critical to safe sleep for infants: Babies should only be placed to sleep alone, on their back in a properly assembled, certified crib, mini crib, or bassinet with a firm mattress covered in a properly fitted sheet. No other items, including soft toys, pillows, bumper pads, blankets, comforters, quilts, or other bedding should be placed in the sleep space. Following the APP’s guidance is the most effective way known to ensure nothing interferes with baby’s breathing, and should be followed for every instance of unattended infant sleep. Storkcraft® products should always be used according to manufacturer recommendations, and only for the purpose for which they were designed, tested and intended.