Creating The Perfect Sleep Space
Designing a calming sleep environment for your baby can help promote better sleep for both them and you. A carefully thought out nursery can make a world of difference to your baby’s sleep. Here are my top tips for creating the perfect sleep environment for your little one.
1. Darkness is ESSENTIAL
Babies sleep best in a dark environment, which helps signal to their bodies that it’s time to rest. Make their room as dark as you can, and then go a bit darker! Think about installing blackout curtains to block out external light, creating a serene atmosphere that promotes sleep. This is especially useful during daytime naps, or in the summer months when lighter mornings and evenings are not on your side.
If you need a light for nighttime feedings or nappy changes, choose a dim, warm-coloured nightlight to minimise disruption.
2. Temperature
Keeping the nursery at a comfortable temperature is crucial for your baby's comfort and safety. Aim for a room temperature between 16°C and 20°C. You can use a room thermometer to help you to monitor this.
Dressing your baby in layers that can be easily added or removed to adjust to changing temperatures is the safest way of keeping them cosy at night time.
If you are dressing baby in a sleeping bag for sleep, ensure that you use the right tog and clothing for the temperature (manufacturers will include a guide on the label.)
3. Sound
Soft, soothing sounds can help mask disruptive noises and provide comfort. Consider a white noise machine or app to create a consistent sound environment that can soothe your baby to sleep. A couple of things to consider when using white noise:
It should not be louder than 60 decibels, you can use an app to check the volume.
Use a machine that plays continuously throughout little one’s sleep. The machines that turn off automatically after a short period are not useful as white noise needs to be used for the entire sleep to be effective.
Consider where you put the white noise machine. It is helpful to consider where external noise is coming from so that you can use it as a ‘sound barrier’. Does noise come from other family or pets inside the house? Put it by the door. Does noise come from the road outside? Put it by the window.
4. Cot Set Up
A safe and comfortable sleeping space is vital for your baby's well-being. Ensure the crib meets safety standards, with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet with a waterproof mattress protector underneath. Avoid any soft toys and loose bedding inside the crib and ALWAYS place baby on their back to sleep!
Swaddling: Swaddling can be an amazing tool for sleep, helping little ones feel calm, safe and cocooned. Use a lightweight, breathable swaddle that has ample room for their legs to ‘flop’ out to the side. To ensure little one is safe, you must also stop swaddling as soon as they are able to roll.
Final Thoughts
Creating the perfect sleep environment for your baby is all about fostering comfort, safety, and calm. With these simple tips, you can help your little one drift off to sleep (and stay asleep!) more easily. If you are setting up little one’s nursery and would like some guidance, feel free to get in touch! Here’s to peaceful nights and happier mornings!
Chloe x