Do I really need to avoid fragrance in everything?

For newborns, yes. "Fragrance" is a catch-all term that can include hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including potential endocrine disruptors. Newborn skin absorbs more readily than adult skin. Choose fragrance-free (not "unscented," which may mask fragrance) for all products that touch skin.

Is it okay to use the car seat for sleeping?

Only while traveling in a moving vehicle. Never let your newborn sleep in a car seat outside the car. The inclined position can cause positional asphyxiation, especially in young babies without head control.

Are expensive newborn products worth the cost?

For items with frequent skin contact (mattress, bottles, skincare, diapers), investing in cleaner ingredients often makes sense. For items used briefly or with less contact (some clothing, certain gear), budget options are fine. Our "budget pick" recommendations are still safe choices.

Should I sterilize bottles every time?

For newborns under 3 months, yes - sterilize bottles, nipples, and pump parts before first use and daily thereafter. After 3 months, hot soapy water and thorough drying is usually sufficient unless your baby has health concerns.

Do I need a baby monitor?

A basic audio monitor is helpful for hearing your baby. Video monitors are convenient but not necessary. "Smart" monitors that claim to track breathing or heart rate are not FDA-approved medical devices and may cause unnecessary anxiety. Room-sharing (not bed-sharing) for the first 6 months is the AAP recommendation.

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Infant (3-6 months)

0-3 months

Safe Products for Newborns (0-3 Months): Complete Guide

Research-backed product recommendations for your newborn's first 12 weeks. Safe sleep, gentle feeding, and skin-sensitive essentials.

4 Product Categories

18 min read

Updated February 21, 2026

The Quick Answer

For newborns, prioritize safe sleep (firm mattress, no loose bedding), bisphenol-free feeding gear, and fragrance-free skincare. Your baby's skin is 30% thinner than adults and absorbs more of what touches it. Systems are still developing, so minimize chemical exposures during these critical first 12 weeks.

Developmental Stage: Newborn

Adjusting to life outside the womb. Focus on safe sleep, gentle feeding, and skin-sensitive products.

Key Milestones & Safety Implications

Sleeping 16-17 hours per day in short bursts

Safe sleep environment is #1 priority. Firm, flat surface. No loose bedding, bumpers, or positioners.

Affects: Sleep

Limited head control, cannot lift head independently

Always support head and neck. Avoid any inclined sleep products or car seat sleeping.

Affects: Sleep

Vision developing (focus 8-12 inches)

High-contrast toys appropriate. No small parts or choking hazards even if "just looking."

Affects: Toys

Skin pH still stabilizing, 30% thinner than adult skin

Fragrance-free, minimal ingredient products only. Avoid essential oils and "natural fragrances."

Affects: Skincare

Feeding every 2-3 hours (8-12 times daily)

Bottle materials matter when heated. Glass or medical-grade silicone preferred.

Affects: Feeding

Immature immune system, vulnerable to infections

Prioritize easy-to-clean products. Avoid plush toys that can't be washed.

Affects: Toys

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Renee, R3 Founder

•Pediatric Safety Researcher

Lead researcher and founder of R3, dedicated to evidence-based product safety analysis.

The Quick Answer

Developmental Stage: Newborn

Adjusting to life outside the womb. Focus on safe sleep, gentle feeding, and skin-sensitive products.

Key Milestones & Safety Implications

Sleeping 16-17 hours per day in short bursts

Safe sleep environment is #1 priority. Firm, flat surface. No loose bedding, bumpers, or positioners.

Affects: Sleep

Limited head control, cannot lift head independently

Always support head and neck. Avoid any inclined sleep products or car seat sleeping.

Affects: Sleep

Vision developing (focus 8-12 inches)

High-contrast toys appropriate. No small parts or choking hazards even if "just looking."

Affects: Toys

Skin pH still stabilizing, 30% thinner than adult skin

Fragrance-free, minimal ingredient products only. Avoid essential oils and "natural fragrances."

Affects: Skincare

Feeding every 2-3 hours (8-12 times daily)

Bottle materials matter when heated. Glass or medical-grade silicone preferred.

Affects: Feeding

Immature immune system, vulnerable to infections

Prioritize easy-to-clean products. Avoid plush toys that can't be washed.

Affects: Toys