If you’ve ever Googled “how to get my newborn to sleep,” you’re definitely not alone—sleep is one of the biggest challenges new parents face in those early months. Between short naps, frequent night wakings, and figuring out day vs. night confusion, it can feel like you’re constantly troubleshooting. The good news is that better sleep often starts with the right environment and tools. In this list, I’m sharing my top 5 newborn sleep must-haves that support longer naps, smoother nights, and a more well-rested baby (and parent). These are practical, parent-approved essentials that can truly make a difference from day one.
#1 SWADDLE
Newborns have the Moro reflex, causing them to startle awake until 3-6 months. Swaddling helps prevent sudden movements, mimics the womb’s tightness, aiding sleep. If you’re contact napping, no need to swaddle. Some babies may resist being swaddled initially, but once secured, it can have a calming effect. Finding the right swaddle may require trial and error; I like Velcro options. Stop swaddling when baby shows signs of attempting to roll, as per AAP guidelines from 2022.
Sample newborn swaddles that I like: Swaddleme Swaddle and for those that are mini-Houdini, a sleep bag to go around it.
#2 SAFE SLEEP SPACE
Follow the ABC’s of Safe Sleep meaning baby should always be put down Alone, on his Back and in his Crib – or bassinet in his own sleep space. Nothing else, no blankets, bumpers, pillows, mobiles, loose bedding, or stuffed animals, only a tight fitted sheet on a horizontal, firm, flat mattress. For travel: Graco Pack n Play
#3 BLACKOUT CURTAINS
Darkness triggers melatonin the ‘sleep hormone’. Daylight triggers cortisol, the ‘fight or flight hormone.’ Babies are not born knowing the difference in day/night so keeping it as dark as possible during sleep time helps newborns establish their circadian rhythm. For travel: SLEEPOUT curtains (also have non-travel options too)
#4 WHITE NOISE MACHINE
Not to be confused with a sound machine (ie ocean, rain, nature sounds). A white noise (pink or brown, work too) machine can be used at night and naps to help replicate the noises newborns are used to hearing in the womb. They also help to drown out any outside noises, limiting distractions. A white noise machine is a sleep cue letting them know that it’s sleep time. I love the Hatch, especially for toddlers as you can change it from outside the room on your phone without them knowing. For travel: The Yogasleep Hushh
#5 BABY MONITOR
Helpful to see what is happening and know exact wake windows. Sometimes babies will lay quietly but awake so it can cause some wake window issues. Plus it allows you to check on baby without disturbing them. Personally, I prefer non-wifi like HelloBaby because I don’t want to risk anyone hacking in and this one has up to 4 cameras that can rotate on the screen. The hacking bit scares me. But the choice is yours.
I’d love to hear from you—drop a comment below and share YOUR favorite newborn sleep products!
Still working on your registry and unsure which items are best? I’ve got you covered! Check out my list of favorite must-haves for mom and baby.
Creating better sleep for your newborn doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes the right foundation and support. Start by adding one or two of these must-haves into your routine and build from there. If you’re ready for even more guidance, don’t stop here—download my Newborn Survival Guide. It is loaded with over 40 pages of helpful advice how to not just survive but thrive the newborn time! Or, check out my Hospital Must-Haves – Packing List if you’re still preparing for baby’s arrival. And if you want personalized help, I’d love to support you—schedule your FREE 15-minute Sleep Consult Call and let’s make sleep easier for your whole family.
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If your child (4 months–6 years old) is struggling with sleep and it no longer feels sustainable, you are not alone. It may be time for support. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your challenges, your goals, and how Sleep Tight Tonight can help. ☎️
Caryn Shender, is a proud mom of two, a certified Infant and Child Sleep Expert, founder of Sleep Tight Tonight, author of My Scar is Beautiful, safe sleep ambassador, and was awarded ‘Best of Georgia 2025’. She is passionate about and committed to helping families turn sleepless nights into peaceful nights and sweet dreams. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, she has helped thousands of families across the US and around the world make sleep easy.
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