#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
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.
Comment: What are YOUR favorite newborn-sleep products!?
More goodies to check out! Be sure to 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, if your little one has not yet arrived, be sure to check out my Hospital Must-Haves - Packing List
Still working on your registry and wondering what items are best for mom and baby. I've got you covered there too.
And don't forget, my one-on-one support will help make sleep easy. Schedule your FREE 15-minute Sleep Consult Call today.
Caryn Shender | Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant | Founder of Sleep Tight Tonight
I am a proud mom of two, certified pediatric sleep consultant, safe sleep ambassador, and author of My Scar is Beautiful. I am passionate about and committed to helping families turn sleepless nights into easy, peaceful nights and sweet dreams. Being a parent is hard. Being an exhausted parent is next to impossible. Together, we’ll make sleep easy.
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