From the very first weeks of Izzy’s life, I became somewhat obsessed with understanding baby sleep. I must have googled “baby sleep schedules” at least 100 times since she’s been born, and I’ll admit: I still don’t have it completely right. Part of the issue, of course, is that babies are constantly changing, so what works one week doesn’t necessarily work the next. However, at the time I’ve written this post, she’s 4.5 months, taking consistent 3-4 naps throughout the day, and — for the most part — sleeping through the night. So I must be doing something right…right?
To that end, I don’t think I could have survived without the help of a few products. It can be really overwhelming at first to shop for sleep-related items; there are so many things out there, and I’m pretty sure that companies just try to profit off of sleep-deprived parents. (Case in point: The Snoo, a “smart-sleeper” that costs more than a new iPhone.)
Of course, what works for one baby might not work for another, but there are some things out there that seem to work for a lot of babies. With that, here are five of my favorite baby sleep products — and why I love them.
1. SwaddleMe Pod
Where To Get It: Target
How Much It Costs: $24.99 for a 2-pack
Ages: 0-3 months
Why I Love It: These were my go-to swaddles when Izzy was a newborn. We tried to swaddle her with a blanket the first night home from the hospital, and we never did it again (she busted out of it immediately, or pulled the fabric over her face). These zip-up swaddle pods are the perfect fit, allowing a little wiggle-room for baby’s limbs, but are snug enough to keep them secure and eliminate the moro (or startle) reflex. There’s a little tab at the top that covers the zipper, and they come in an array of colors.
2. Halo SleepSack Swaddle
Where To Get It: Target
How Much It Costs: $19.99+
Ages: 0-6 months (different sizes)
Why I Love It: One of the biggest questions I’ve had since the beginning is: What the f am I going to do when it comes time to wean her off of the swaddle?! That’s why I love the Halo SleepSack Swaddle — the velcro part can be used in a variety of ways to allow for the transition. You can use it as a full-on swaddle, take one arm out, or both arms — depending upon what stage you’re at. Izzy just started taking naps with her arms out of the swaddle, but the middle section allows her to still feel secure. The other great thing about this swaddle is that the leg portion is pretty loose, allowing your baby’s legs to be free.
3. Skip Hop Moonlight & Melodies Owl Nightlight Soother
Where To Get It: Target (are you sensing a theme here?)
How Much It Costs: $39.99
Ages: 0 months and up
Why I Love It: White noise is essential to helping babies sleep, and this one has a rolling sound that Izzy loves. Additionally, it comes with several lullabies, nature sounds, and it projects stars onto the ceiling for baby to stare at.
4. DockATot Deluxe+
Where To Get It: DockATot.com
How Much It Costs: $185+
Ages: 0-8 months
Why I Love It: We got our DockATot when Izzy was 2 months, and the first time we used it, she slept through the night. Previously, she’d been sleeping in 2-3 hour stretches before waking up, and it would often take us another hour to get her back down. The DockATot is a co-sleeping device that promises to “mimic the womb” with its snuggly sides, and something about it makes babies sleep like angels.
5. Soothie Pacifiers
Where To Get It: Target
How Much It Costs: $3.49
Ages: 0 months and up (different sizes)
Why I Love It: Izzy wasn’t always a huge fan of pacifiers, but she’s started to love them lately, and this is her favorite kind. The sucking motion helps her get to sleep (and stay asleep), and there’s something about the texture of this kind that really seems to agree with her. Plus, the Soothie pacis are also found on the WubbaNub toys, which are a perfect accompaniment to a road trip…or a Target run.
In the comments, tell me: What are your go-to sleep products?
Images: Courtesy of brands.
Edits From Motherhood 