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Ok, so there may not actually be baby sleep essentials, when it comes to baby sleep. Babies sleep, right? Right, for the most part, your baby is going to sleep. In fact, most mamas will tell you that most items suggested to first time mamas are not actually necessary. I agree. Minimal is often more. Let’s keep it simple.

But, I have found certain items to be extremely beneficial when it comes to babies and great sleep. As a mama of three, I have been deeply grateful for the sleep resources I have found that have helped my babies become great sleepers.

For five years now, I have had basically uninterrupted night sleep (except during the newborn months), consistent two-hour nap times to catch up during the day, and winddown time with my husband once our kids go to bed around 7-8 p.m.

Having great sleepers has allowed me to:

1. Illustrate two coloring books.
2. Write a Natural Birth Prep book.
3. Stay fit and active.
4. Prep healthy meals.
5. Spend time with my husband.
6. Start a blog.
7. Grow a YouTube channel.
8. Run a small greeting card/ art business.
9. And create more art on the side.
10. Plus so much more with a peaceful, rested, balanced home.
11. Most importantly, be totally present and fun with my kids during our wake times. I’m a full-time mama first, I don’t live near family, and I have rarely had regular baby sitters. (I’m not saying that is optimal.. but just my situation).

Below I have comprised my simple list of the baby sleep essentials that I do swear by. They have definitely been essential for me.

My must-have baby sleep essentials:

1. A Sound Machine

Sound machines are helpful for soothing a newborn baby, because they help to mimic the sound of rushing blood they are constantly hearing in Mama’s womb. As babies get older, sound machines remain helpful for babies to connect their sleep cycles and take longer naps and sleep through the night. Of course, it is possible for a baby to learn to take great naps and sleep through the night without the use of a sound machine. For me, it was much easier to drown out some background noise and help my babies sleep through louder, abrupt occurances.

Here’s the research on the benefits of a continuous white noise:

• helps a baby fall asleep faster. (1, 2)
• improved sleep continuity. (3)
• it can be calming and regulating physiologically. (4)
• reduce sudden noise disruptions.
• mimic the steady sounds your baby heard in the womb.
• create a familiar sleep cue over time.

This becomes especially helpful for:

• naps in a busy home.
• early morning wake-ups.
• transitions between sleep cycles.

Look for something with continuous sound that never turns off and has adjustable volume.

This is the one I have personally loved.

I also love The Hatch Sound Machine for these reasons:

• It doubles as a nightlight.
• It can become a sleep/wake clock for toddlers.
• It can be modified from the phone.

2. Blackout Curtains

Light plays a major role in your baby’s sleep because of the production of melatonin. A darker room will naturally promote the desire for sleep.

Even small amounts of light can signal to your baby that it’s time to wake up. This can lead to shorter naps and earlier morning wake-ups.

Younger babies may have less problem sleeping in broad daylight, but as babies get a bit older, having a darker, lower stimulating environment can be a better cue for sleep and help a baby take longer naps and sleep a bit longer in the morning.

These are the ones I have. I like them because they are a nice neutral color, but have an added layer on the back to regulae the room temperature and block most of the light from coming in.

3. A Supportive Swaddle (for early months)

Swaddling can be a helpful tool in the early weeks because it mimics the snug, contained environment of the womb. By gently limiting the startle (Moro) reflex, swaddling often helps babies settle more easily, stay asleep longer, and feel more secure as their nervous system adjusts to life outside the womb. Some research also suggests it can support calmer states and reduce crying, especially in newborns.

If you have a newborn who is hard to soothe, swaddling can be a great tool, even outside of sleep.

A good swaddle can:

• reduce the startle reflex
• help your baby feel secure
• support longer, more settled sleep

It can also make the transition from arms → crib feel smoother.

As your baby grows and begins rolling, you’ll naturally transition out of the swaddle, but in those early newborn weeks, it can be incredibly helpful.

The Ollie Swaddle is my favorite! I also love the B.E.S.T. Swaddle from Taking Cara Babies.

4. A Lovey (when age-appropriate)

As babies grow, they begin to find comfort in familiarity, and they can associate sleep with their sleep environment, including a small blanket or lovey. A small “lovey” type item can:

• cue that it’s time for sleep.
• provide a sense of security no matter where they are sleeping.
• become part of your sleep routine.
• help with transitions into sleep.

It is important to always introduce loveys safely and when developmentally appropriate. Resources state that its safest to implement a lovey once a baby is twelve months old. I will say that I have used a little lovey blanket with my babies, beginning around eight months old, but you can decide what is best for you.

Over time, this can become a gentle, comforting sleep cue your baby recognizes.

This is what I use for a lovey. I love it because it’s made from 100% cotton, so it’s a great product for Baby to have up and around the face and mouth. I also love that it comes with four, so you have extras.

5. A Portable Blackout Cover (for naps on the go)

We have loved the use of a blackout crib cover when we have had staycations and a bit of travel with our babies. This is most beneficial for babies under twelve months old.

I must say, this isn’t an essential baby sleep item. But I’m including it anyway, because I think it is pretty helpful when on-the-go, and we want to be flexible and spontaneous, right?

A portable blackout cover allows you to keep the crib dark, even if other lights are on in the room (this has helped in hotel rooms specifically. It can also help if you are traveling and the room you are staying in does not have blackout curtains.

We use this one when we are traveling.

references for these baby sleep essentials:

1. Spencer JAD, Moran DJ, Lee A, Talbert D.
   White noise and sleep induction. Arch Dis Child. 1990;65(1):135–137. doi:10.1136/adc.65.1.135
2. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023).Preventing Excessive Noise Exposure in Infants, Children, and Adolescents
3. Cherney, Kristeen. “The Pros and Cons of Using White Noise to Put Babies to Sleep.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 3 May 2019, www.healthline.com/health/parenting/white-noise-for-babies?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
4. “Effects of White Noise on Preterm Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.” ProQuest, 1 Jan. 2024

Chekout this guide on how to help your baby take longer naps