Are you overwhelmed by the amount of products available to help your little one get a good night’s sleep?
You aren’t alone!
An Amazon search of “baby sleep products” sent me down a rabbit hole of hundreds of swaddles, sound machines, blankets, and even bath bombs! (That one had me scratching my head!)
I’m here to help you cut through the noise by sharing my top 8 favorite sleep products.
Keep reading to learn about my favorite swaddle, sound machine, video monitor, and more!
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission when you click the links at no additional cost to you.
My Favorite Sound Machine: The Marpac Dohm Original White Noise Machine
A white noise machine is a nursery essential.
For newborns, white noise helps mimic the womb, which comforts and soothes your new little one.
For older babies, a white noise machine helps cut out ambient noises that could startle your babe awake.
My favorite white noise machine is the Marpac Dohm Original White Noise Machine. I love it because the natural, fan-based sound lacks the annoying loop effects of digital sound machines.
And since it isn’t digital, it doesn’t include unnecessary options like “thunderstorm” “ocean” or “heartbeat.” Continuous sounds, such as white noise, work best for helping babies fall and stay asleep.
Pro Tip: The Marpac Dohm Original has two adjustable speeds; I recommend setting your baby’s machine at the lowest speed (41.5 decibels) since the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends machines not be any louder than 50 decibels.
Also, be sure your machine is at least 7 feet away from your child’s crib.
My Favorite Swaddle: The Miracle Blanket Swaddle Wrap
Mama, swaddling is a must!
The Moro reflex (aka the startle reflex) in newborns is very strong; a swaddle prevents their wild little arms from startling them awake.
I love the Miracle Blanket swaddle and recommend it to all my clients because its triple-patented arm flap design makes it nearly impossible for your little one to wiggle out.
Also, swaddling is another great way to mimic the womb’s cozy environment.
Pro Tip: Swaddles are only designed for newborn babies up to around 14 weeks. Once your little one shows signs of rolling over, it’s time to transition out of the swaddle, because it might prevent them from rolling back over onto their backs.
My Favorite Swaddle Transition Product: Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleep Suit
Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleep Suit is perfect for babies who have transitioned away from the swaddle but still have that strong Moro reflex.
Designed by a pediatric physical therapist and mom of four, this suit is designed for back sleeping in the crib at the recommended room temperature for babies (68-72 degrees Fahrenheit).
Pro tip: This suit is not recommended for parents who co-sleep with their babies. Babies who use this product should be alone, in an empty crib, and on a firm mattress.
My Favorite Wearable Blanket: The HALO Sleep Sack
Before I get into why I love this blanket so much, let’s go over the ABCs of safe sleep:
A: Alone
B: On the back
C: In an empty crib
As your baby grows, she will transition from the sleep suit and will need an extra layer to keep her warm while she sleeps.
Loose blankets are not recommended for babies under the age of one so that’s why I recommend The Halo Sleepsack.
Since the sack is so roomy, it allows your baby to move and kick her legs but can’t be kicked off, which means your little one will stay warm all night.
Also, the inverted zipper opens from the bottom, which makes middle-of-the-night diaper changes quick and easy.
Pro Tip: Buy at least two sleepsacks just in case your little one has a diaper leak or blowout in the middle of the night!
My Favorite Black Out Shades: VELIMAX Static Total Blackout Shades
When I start to work with clients, one of the first things we go over is how to create the ideal sleep environment. I always insist on black out shades to help eliminate as much sunlight as possible.
Why? Because darkness increases melatonin production–the sleep hormone that induces sleep!
My favorite blackout shades are the VELIMAX Static Total Blackout Shades.
These non-adhesive static cling window films block at least 99 percent of daylight and control excess heat.
But here’s what I love most: they’re reusable! They’re easy to take off and reuse and leave no residue behind. This means you can easily travel with them!
Favorite Pacifier: The WubbaNub Infant Pacifier
A pacifier is a great way to teach your infant how to self-sooth. They’re also proven to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
But many infants struggle to replace their pacifiers if they fall out of their mouths. And that’s why I love the WubbaNub Infant Pacifier.
The design of this pacifier allows it to remain near your baby’s mouth and is easy for her to find and grasp.
Pro Tip: This pacifier is recommended for newborns through six months. Once your baby gets her first teeth, it’s time to wean her from the pacifier.
My Favorite Baby Monitor: The Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor
If you’re looking for peace of mind after you transition your little one to a nursery, you’re going to want a video monitor.
I love the Infant Optics monitor because its zoom lens allows you to clearly see if your baby actually needs you or is just making noises in his sleep.
The system is also expandable for up to four cameras, making the perfect option for a growing family.
Favorite Clock: The AcuRite Intelli-Time Alarm Clock
Before we get into why I love this clock so much, let’s talk about another component of safe sleep: temperature.
Oftentimes new parents assume their baby’s room should be on the warmer side. However, the AAP reports a room that’s too warm could increase the risk of SIDS.
As a general rule, I recommend parents keep their baby’s room between 68-72 degrees fahrenheit.
The AcuLite Intelli-Time Alarm Clock accurately reports the room’s temperature and humidity, giving you more peace of mind at bedtime.
It also has an auto-dim feature meaning the lite from the clock won’t disrupt your child’s sleep.
To Sum It Up
There are a TON of sleep products on the market that make a TON of promises, but I’ve found the following to be the best of the best:
My favorite swaddle transition product
My favorite alarm clock
If you’re looking for more sleep tips, be sure to follow me on Instagram!
And if you’re finally ready to get a good night’s sleep, reach out! I offer sleep consulting services for exhausted parents who are ready to get their nights back!
