Figuring out what best baby products you need can be daunting as there are so many different items out on the market. The hardest part is reading all the marketing materials and reviews trying to decide which you need to achieve, which in this case is, how to help your baby sleep through the night.
I’ve been there, with two kids. My baby registry had sleep sacks that said it would help my baby sleep through the night, I even almost purchased the Snoo. I have finally learned the secrets of a refined list for a successful baby sleep product list which is what I am sharing with you today.
In this blog post, I am sharing 5 tips on how to choose the best baby sleep products; with 1 BONUS item, that you need to help set up your baby sleep environment up for success. I’ll be covering
1) How to choose a bassinet or crib for room sharing or transition to crib
2) How to choose a swaddle and how and when to transition to the best sleep sack
3) How to maximize the best white noise machine and where to place it
4) The best newborn infant Sleep Training Guide
5) The psychology behind the redlight night light versus blue light
BONUS: My favorite baby pajamas for summer sleep and for winter sleep
If you are a first-time parent that is overwhelmed, or a parent of multiple children wondering how to choose the best baby products to help your baby sleep through the night and help your baby take better naps, then you’re in the right place! Let’s get started.
Tip #1: How to choose a bassinet or crib for room sharing or transition to crib
Some people swear by bassinets that have a constant rocking motion, but Nappy Hour Network does not recommend using these. In fact, simplistic is best. Many parents and caretakers wonder where baby should sleep when the first get home and when they should be in their crib.
If you chose to room share, you could set up a Pack N Play for your baby to sleep. Or you could even purchase a simple small bassinet that fits near your bed. Whatever you chose, mattress should be firm, and sheet should be fitted. Nothing else should be in the sleep space.
If you are planning to have baby sleep in a crib in their room, be sure to select a crib with toxic free paint (your baby might start teething and biting the crib rails when they are older. I know from experience). You also want to be sure that the mattress landing is adjustable as baby grows. Firm Babyletto Pure Core Crib Mattress and fitted sheet apply here as well.
Tip #2: How to choose a swaddle and how and when to transition to the best sleep sack
Baby should be swaddled until they begin to show signs of rolling over. When choosing a swaddle you can either choose a swaddle blanket and swaddle using the process mentioned in the Newborn Week 0 -14 week course. If you want something a bit easier, you can find swaddles like SwaddleMe Easy Change Swaddle that are WAY easier to use, especially when you are sleep deprived. Follow the directions on the swaddle you chose to be sure you swaddle baby nice and tight.
Once baby starts to show signs of rolling over, you will want baby to be in a sleep sack. Several sleep sack companies claim that the weight helps baby sleep better. This is of course, totally your baby’s preference, but worth trying. Here are a few sleep sacks that have worked for us.
Tip #3: How to maximize the best white noise machine and where to place it
Most babies love the sounds of the ‘swooshing’ white noise machines because it sounds like the blood flowing from when they were in the womb. It can be a familiar sound in a big new world that baby is learning to navigate through. Not only does the sounds sooth baby, but it also blocks outside noise, when placed in proper locations in the room.
We suggest this portable The Original Noise Machine sound machine, and this Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Machine
Maximize the soothing sound machine sounds by placing one near the door at waist level (maybe on changing table). Place the other white noise machine near the babies head, not in the bed, but just next to it at mattress level.
Tip #4: The best newborn infant Sleep Training Guide
Nappy Hour Network has a Fourth Trimester Sleep Newborn Course Week 0 – 14. This 40-page guide is packed with information on how to navigate through the fourth trimester sleep struggles. Here you will learn how to swaddle, when to put baby down for a nap, how to know your baby is sleepy, and more. Are you pregnant and preparing for baby? Is your baby 0 – 14 weeks old? Are you sending out an SOS because you have absolutely no idea how to help your baby sleep? This course is for you. This is THE BEST Course for you to understand practical evidence-based techniques and biologic sleep needs of your baby. Included is 14 weeks of sample schedules, 5 guided sections for baby sleep and 2 easy to remember soothing methods.
It’s quite simple, my goal is to share with you sleep education. Nappy Hour Network courses, resources and classes will have your child sleeping 10 – 12 hours a night with predicable naps during the day. Your child will learn the difference between daytime and nighttime sleep.
Assist your child with restorative sleep solutions through co-regulation techniques and re-discover nighttime sleep! I find the most satisfaction in providing you proven techniques to apply to your everyday
schedule. No matter where you are at with your child, Nappy Hour Network will provide you with the toolkit you need to be successful.
Tip #5: The psychology behind the red light nightlight versus blue light
I find this to be the most helpful tip of them all. I consider this Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine, Night Light and Time-to-Rise” item a must have. It has several settings for lights and sounds. Scientifically, the redlight in the night helps keep baby sleepy and keeps the effects of melatonin levels low. You can learn more in the about the effects, but you can remember this by “going red before bed” and turning on the red night light in the middle of the night diaper changes and feedings so as not to disturb your baby sleep.
Avoid the blue light at all costs, at night! Blue light during the day helps regulate the circadian rhythm, or body clock. Blue light is usually considered from our technology, but blue light is also natural daytime blue light.
BONUS Tip: My favorite bamboo baby pajamas for summer sleep and cotton baby pajamas for winter sleep.
Once I figured out the perfect baby products to fit my family needs, I thought I was set. Then my baby was born and I had no idea what to do next. My baby would not sleep without being held, and none of the products I purchased, could help with that. I needed confidence and someone to
guide me through these sleepless nights.
I want this for you too! I want you to feel confident as a parent or caretaker for your baby. I don’t want you to feel like you must be dependent on a specific baby product that someone else tells you about, but one that works for you. We offered you suggestions in this blog post, but please
find products that work best for your family. I urge you to at least check out the Newborn Sleep Course from Tip #4. You could blow more money in your next Target run, than the price of this course, and this will hopefully get you and your family more consecutive hours of sleep!
Even if you buy all the best baby gear and set up the best nursery; your baby might have a different plan when it comes to infant sleep. If you are not sure if you want to go all in for the Newborn Sleep course, you can get INSTANT access to a FREE printable for Five Ways to Help Sooth a Fussy Baby here:
Nappy Hour Network has an awesome list of other products we love beyond this blog post. Click here to check some of those items out. This list includes our favorite nursing and pumping bra!
Related Posts:
10 Awesome How To Tips to Successfully Transition baby from Room sharing Bassinet to Crib in their own Room
4 Easy Steps to Transition baby from Swaddle to Sleep Sack
All of the Reasons your baby is not sleeping through the night and how to fix it
Nappy Hour Network hopes to help you normalize expectations, and create a predictable sleep schedule for you and your family.
