The little around-the-head pad is not that restrictive, especially when they're little. But we just used the one that came with the Graco Metrolite TS infant carrier. (And just to be clear, Master PVDProf's head is nicely rounded, and he's a little too verbally inclined.) Also, remember the baby can't turn its head, even if it wants to, for several weeks.

More broadly, my point is that the babies vary widely in where and how they can sleep (and parents vary in the their needs, too), which may be driven by what makes it hard for them to fall asleep and what wakes them up. Meeting your particular baby's needs may or may not be conducive to crib sleeping, at least for the first few months.