I think the key word here is NEWBORN. My understanding is that when they are so young that they can not raise and turn their head with ease, from the tummy position, etc., then they don't need anything in bed with them. Bottom line, it changes all the time. With my first, they told me to make sure to NEVER put him on his back because he would "choke" and to make sure I only layed him on his tummy. My mom about died because she was told not to put them on their tummy. My second one came only 2 1/2 years later and I was told to put her on her back or to put something behind her to keep her on her side...anyone remember that phase...very hard. Now, I believe they are saying on the back is best. Honestly, I think a monitor is the best investment I ever made. I could hear mine breathing all night long. I would feel fine about giving a baby quilt to new moms and have no problem with them waiting a few months to use it.