Baby linens and accessories are often too cute to resist, but remember that, for safety reasons, pillows, duvets, top sheets, and stuffed animals cannot be kept in a crib with a sleeping niece or nephew. A properly outfitted crib needs only a waterproof mattress protector and, on top of that, a fitted sheet.

There are also crib bumpers, padded panels intended to keep a baby from hurting himself or herself against the sides of a crib; however, some safety advocates believe these pose a suffocation hazard, creating a greater threat than they solve. If your niece’s or nephew’s parents want to use bumpers, shop for “breathable” ones and make sure they’re properly and securely installed.

For the same reasons, any blanket you give your newborn niece or nephew should be lightweight and breathable. Wearable blankets, a.k.a. sleep sacks, are a new trend in safe sleeping accessories.

Crib skirts, like bed skirts, are another decorative option for dressing up baby’s new bed. As these don’t come into contact with a sleeping baby, they are perfectly safe to use.

If you really want to buy some sort of toy for the crib, what your newborn niece or nephew will most appreciate (as much as a newborn baby can appreciate something) is a mobile to look up at. Black-and-white ones are popular because babies aren’t able to distinguish colors until they’re about three months old.

Safety alert: Buying a second-hand crib is a great affordable alternative, but be sure to do your research and check for any product recalls associated with your crib!

Check out SAVVY AUNTIE: The Ultimate Guide For Cool Aunts, Great-Aunts, Godmothers and All Women Who Love Kids for more newborn furnishing tips.