by: Erin Dower
Are you struggling to get your baby to sleep through the night or to get your toddler to fall asleep (and stay asleep!) at bedtime? Check out these helpful and soothing sleepy-time products that some other parents swear by.
More: One New Mama's Honest Review of Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit
Swaddling Blankets and Sleep Sacks
Newborns need frequent feedings and won't yet sleep through the night. But swaddling a newborn can help promote good quality sleep because it creates an environment like the mother's womb. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that when swaddling is done correctly, with the infant always on his back and well wrapped (see this video on how to swaddle), it can be a good technique to help calm infants into a sound sleep. The AAP advises parents to monitor swaddled infants (to help prevent SIDS), and to stop swaddling when your baby begins to roll intentionally from his back. Talk with your pediatrician about when to stop swaddling and how to wean your infant from it by leaving one arm out at first (stopping cold turkey can cause sleep problems all over again).
When it's time to stop swaddling, or even instead of swaddling, many parents turn to sleep sacks, or wearable blankets made in a range of sizes for infants on up to toddlers. Sleep sacks have become popular because regular, loose blankets should not be used in a baby's crib due to the risk of SIDS. Putting baby in a sleep sack can help keep him warm on a cool night (choose from lightweight muslin sacks to warm fleece ones) and also cue him that it's time for bed.
Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains or shades can be a parent's best friend, especially during baby's daytime naps. Even when the sun is shining or headlights are flickering by, your little one's nursery will stay cozy and dark with the help of these light-blocking window treatments. Blackout curtains come in a variety of nursery-friendly colors and prints, and not just in solid dark colors. Infant sleep experts recommend holding off on using blackout curtains until after the newborn phase so that infants establish an internal clock or understanding of day (a time for naps) and night (a time for deeper, longer periods of sleep — eventually!). Once you do use blackout curtains, crack them open to let in some daylight a little while before it's time for your baby to start waking up. Print this guide to sleep needs by age to see how many hours your child should be sleeping or napping per day.
White Noise Machine or Music Player
Many parents sing the praises of white noise machines, which can help drown out household sounds and lull babies to sleep with a womb-like "shhhh" or hum. The popular parenting book The Happiest Baby on the Block by pediatrician Harvey Karp, M.D., advocates the use of white noise machines, making them even more of a hot commodity. But be careful: A 2014 Pediatrics study found that the machines can potentially harm babies' hearing if played at maximum volume, in close proximity to the child, and/or for long durations. Experts recommend placing the machines farther from the crib and playing them at a volume comparable to a quiet shower rather than a loud hairdryer. Also keep those tips in mind with other types of sound machines (such as nature sound machines and mobile apps), as well as lullaby-playing mobiles and music players.
Real Lavender Bath Products or Essential Oils
Rocking Chair or Glider
Lovey or Blankie
Night Light
Younger babies aren't afraid of the dark; they're used to it after months in the womb. But older babies and toddlers can be afraid of the dark or have night terrors, where they suddenly wake up disoriented and scared. If this is becoming a common problem for your tot, consider trying a dim night light. Today's night lights are more fun and creative than ever. The Twilight Constellation Turtle night light by Cloud b, and the Light My Way handheld toddler nightlight by Munchkin are both cool options for soothing kids ages 2 and older. The OK to Wake! by Onaroo doubles as a night light and an alarm clock that parents can set to turn green at an acceptable wake time (perfect for that transition time from crib to 'big kid bed').
