Must-Haves for Better Baby Sleep (and what to skip!)

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 In general I like to keep things minimal, but there are some must-haves for a great sleep environment that I just don’t want to live without. These are my go-to sleep products for Otto and Noe’s naps and bedtime routines. While I can’t promise that these baby sleep gadgets will instantly give you a perfect night of sleep (especially if baby is in the midst of a sleep progression!), they might make those night time wake-ups a tiny bit easier. Scroll on for a few of my baby sleep essentials! 

First and foremost, if you’re expecting soon you should know that babies LOVE to be in contact with you, well, pretty much always. This is why a good wrap, ring sling, or carrier is the #1 thing you’ll want to invest in. Wearing your baby provides so many amazing benefits and is often the quickest way to soothe a fussy or colicky babe. Check out my IG highlight for some favorites!

Honest Brand Overnight Diapers: It’s normal for babies to not “sleep through the night” (just see these IG comments!), but let’s give them one fewer reason to wake up. These diapers were a total game changer for my family. If you’re in the US, see my “codes” highlight to use my Thrive Market discount & free ship! 

Swaddle Up by Love to Dream ($30): If you’ve watched my IG stories, you’ll know that contrary to popular opinion, swaddling isn’t something you *have to* do. (See this IG post for extra reassurance). For an alternative to traditional swaddling, try this transitional type of swaddle/ sleep sack hybrid. This is what we used with Noe when she was a newborn, although I found the mitt areas would get wet because Noe liked to soothe by sucking on her hands (another reason I like babies to have hands free!). We used the same one with Otto for several months, taking the sleeves off when he got a bit older (around 4 months) so he could wear it just like a sleep sack!

A great option for those transitioning out of a swaddle or for babies that love proprioceptive sensory input.

Door Cushion by Cushy Closer ($11): This is 100 percent a *must have* if you have noisy, old doors or hardware. In our house, we have super loud door hardware, and sometimes it wakes Noe up when we’re trying to sneak out of her room. These wedge the door close without having to twist the handle. My husband also tends to be SO loud when in and out of doors- is that just him? So these make it so much quieter and make a false start less likely.

Trust me- these could save your marriage.

Wearable Blanket by Momcozy ($9): You know I love sleep sacks. We have a bunch of different kinds on hand for all types of weather. These sleep slacks are super affordable. Even better yet, they are designed to grow with baby. Once you’ve got an active toddler, the sack converts to separate legs, giving your toddler more freedom to move around. 

Knee Pillow by Primica ($25): Make co-sleeping more comfortable and safer with this knee pillow. The memory foam is ideal for adjusting to your body, and might just improve your own sleep. If you are interested in bed sharing or need help figuring out how to make it safe AND comfortable, grab my Webinar here!

Supporting the knees helps ease tightness and soreness in the lower back, often caused by the “cuddle curl” position while bed sharing.

Rest Sound Machine, Night Light, and Time-to Rise by Hatch Baby ($60): This gadget basically does it all, but maybe it’s most important job is saving your toddler’s nap time. Before giving up on the nap, try using the timer to institute a “rest time.” This one works great because it allows your child to track time. (For more nap tips, see my blog post on napping and quiet time.) While I don’t typically *love* items in baby’s room that are connected to WiFi due to the EMF risk, this could be a compromise you’re willing to make if your toddler is constantly waking up and trying to come to your room.

Rohm Portable White Noise Machine by YogaSleep ($30): This is our go-to white noise machine when we’re traveling, especially in the car or stroller. I love that it has a little loop where you can put a strap, and hang it from anything (like when you’re baby wearing- life changing!). It’s chargeable, and each charge lasts a really long time.

White Noise Machine by AVANTEK ($38): I love this sound machine so much, I ordered a second to replace Otto’s! It has lots of different sounds to choose from. It has the timer option, but we usually just leave it on all night. This is my new favorite sleep machine!

White noise can be such a great sleep association and can block out noise that might wake baby between cycles.

Keep in mind that especially if your baby is still little, YOU are likely their very favorite sleep environment. You really don’t need to give them much except for a cozy spot on your body for them to drift off. However, once you’re ready for them to sleep a little more independently, these items should really help out!

What can you skip?

There are SO many things that are marketed to new parents. The baby industry makes BILLIONS of dollars every year! Here are some things that might be nice to have if you want them, but they definitely aren’t necessities:

• Swings (not safe for unsupervised sleep!)

• Loungers (nest pillows and loungers are not safe for unsupervised sleep!)

• Mobiles

• Swaddles that bind the arms

• Bouncers or other “containers”

• Positioners, bumpers, pads, etc. for the crib (not safe!)

• Wearable monitors (unless there’s a medical or safety concern)