Baby Sleep Solutions

Baby sleep... the Holy Grail of parenting.

I won't pretend to be an expert on baby sleep. I'm a pharmacist! Not a physician, psychologist, or magician. In fact, as babies, I think all 3 of my kids competed for the title of "World's Worst Sleeper." My second-born cherub made it a point to wake up every 90 minutes for the first year of her life just to test Mommy's sanity.

However, pharmacists are overanalyzers and overthinkers. We like to research, and since I was blessed with three non-sleeping babies, I spent a lot of time researching sleep solutions.

In this post, you'll find some of my favorite products for a good.... or OK.... or halfway decent... or crummy night's sleep. All products here were personally tested by me and abide by safe sleep guidelines!

Swaddle Sleep Sacks

You know how your baby gets swaddled up all nice, cute, and snuggly in the hospital by the nurses? Who, by the way, are also angels on Earth for showing new parents the way?

Well, I was never able to replicate that swaddle at home. My kids all busted out of their swaddle blankets like they were ready for an episode of Fight Club. According to safe sleep guidelines, loose blankets in the crib are unsafe.

Enter the swaddle sleep sack! This cozy sleep sack has an additional Velcro layer to tuck the arms into the natural swaddle position. Parents should stop swaddling once a baby shows signs of rolling. Swaddles should only be used when a baby lies on his back on a firm surface like a crib or bassinet.

Parents should consult with their healthcare providers about whether or not to swaddle, but if they do, here are some options that I tried and loved.

Halo Sleepsack Swaddle in Cotton:

The Halo company is dedicated to safe sleep and makes many sleep sack options. I like 100% cotton because it's breathable, and babies usually wear layers. The swaddle functionality also adds some bulk, so cotton was a good option for me. If your environment is colder, these come in other materials, such as fleece.

Halo Sleepsack in Fleece:

Regardless of the material selected, the swaddle arms are snug around your baby, and the Velcro is strong. For my kiddos, these were escape-proof! The sizing is true to size but perhaps runs a bit short. If you have a long baby, keep that in mind and size it before removing the tags.

Original SwaddleMe Cotton Swaddle:

I also like the SwaddleMe brand of cotton swaddles. They're a little lighter than the Halo swaddles and are good for the summer months. They also run a bit skinnier and longer. Like Halo, SwaddleMe comes in a variety of materials and sizes.

Sleep Sacks

Once your little cherub starts to show signs of rolling, which could be as young as 2 months, you must stop swaddling. The practice becomes unsafe because your baby could roll over in the swaddle and get stuck. This is a sad day for parents of babies who enjoy swaddles because it can be a bit of a rough transition period when you take the snuggle away!

Sleep sacks are the best option for infants under one year of age who are not swaddled. They are like cozy sleeping bags that zip up around your baby, keeping them warm and preventing loose blankets from becoming a danger in the crib. Like swaddles, sleep sacks should be used on a firm, flat, safe sleeping surface, like a crib mattress.

My all-time favorite sleep sack? The Woolino!

Woolino 4 Season Baby Sleep Sack

Seriously, I love this thing. It's suitable for children between the ages of 2 months and 24 months and in all seasons except perhaps the hottest weather. Woolino's claim to fame is that its wool and cotton fabric regulates temperature, so your baby will remain cozy all night long.

Like Goldilocks, the Woolino is not too hot, not too cold, but just right!

The Woolino comes with a handy temperature card and suggested dressing guide, so you can gauge your nursery temperature and dress your baby in the appropriate pajamas. I can personally attest to the temperature regulation claim - my babies have always been comfortable in this thing, even when they are sick or feverish.

The big con to the Woolino is that it's expensive. However, two sleep sacks (one to wear, one in the wash) got me through 2+ years, and I reused them for each kid. They are excellent quality and hold up really well!

Woolino Sleep Sack with Feet

If your baby is an early walker and climber, consider the Woolino with feet. My little gremlin started to jump out of his crib by his second birthday, and sleep sacks became a hazard. However, he wasn't ready for blankets because he'd kick them off and wake up cold. The Woolino sleep sack with feet works really well for us for this crazy toddler stage.

Sound Machines

White noise can be super helpful for blocking out household sounds and keeping your child sleeping. If you have loud siblings, a loud spouse, a barking dog, or a creaky floor, consider a noise machine!

Dohm Classic:

This isn't fancy, and there are no bells and whistles, but it gets the job done! The noise is consistent, and there are four different volume levels. Our Dohm has been in use for eight years now and is still going strong! The beauty of this is that the kids can easily turn it off or on—no apps or complicated instructions.

The Baby Shusher:

Lightweight, portable, no electricity required - enter The Baby Shusher. This little device makes a loud repetitive shushing noise to soothe crying kiddos and hopefully get them to nod off. If your baby is colicky or fights naps, just get this. Trust me!

Bassinets and Cribs

According to safe sleep guidelines, babies should sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface. Ideally, they will sleep in their parents' room for the first six months to one year. You should talk to your pediatrician about safe sleep advice and your family's needs. A bassinet is great for the first few months, and a safe crib is essential.

The Maxi Cosi Iora Bassinet

I loved this for my kids when they were newborns! It's nice and spacious, so it lasts longer than a month or two. It's sturdy yet lightweight enough to move around if needed. The sides are almost all mesh, so it's easy to see your baby at night and check on them. The mattress is nice and firm but also comfortable and doesn't make crinkly noises when they fuss. I also love the big storage bin underneath for diapers and wipes.

Naturepedic Crib Mattress

I prioritized a mattress and sleeping materials made from organic materials. This may not be a priority for all parents, but if it is for you, I was happy with Naturepedic mattresses. They're made in the US, and the quality is good. You can choose from different types of mattresses, including ones with an infant and toddler side to flip as your kiddo gets older.

DaVinci Kalani Crib

This crib is made from non-toxic materials and is relatively inexpensive. It has lasted through three babies who became toddler maniacs. It has a few stickers and bite marks on it (thanks, teething!), but it's still going strong. If you'd like, you can purchase a conversion kit to grow with your child.

Sweet dreams parents!

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This article has been reviewed by Andrea Morrissey, PharmD, Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist, and Chief Content Officer of Kids Med Guide. The content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical guidance, and call 911 in an emergency.

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