.png)
The way baby's room is set up can be directly connected to baby's quality of sleep. If the room is too bright, too warm, or even too quiet, this can all impact baby's sleep. These easy tips will help you set baby's room up for optimal sleep from infant through toddler-hood.
Often when we're creating baby's nursery, we forget to put thought into the actual functionality of the room. And in reality, that's where we need to be spending most of our energy. An environment conducive to sleeping is crucial for your baby to get the best quality and amount of sleep needed. This is not optional! Here are my quick and easy tips for setting up baby's sleep environment, whether this is in your room or in baby's own room, these apply.
How to Set Up Baby's Room
Baby's sleep space by all means can still be cute and adorable, just move the handmade mobile to above the changing table instead of over the crib, and put some shades up behind those lovely linen curtains.
Dark: Use blackout curtains or shades. Ideally you should barely be able to see your hand in front of your face. For toddlers, if they express a fear of the dark, it's okay to introduce a reddish/orange nightlight dimmed on a low setting. See this post for my favorites!
Boring: Nothing attached to the crib, nothing draped over the side of the crib, no mobile, nothing that might be a distraction or is accessible from the crib.
Cool: 68-72 degrees
Video monitor: A high-quality video monitor is essential to see baby when you're not in the room. Don't cheap out and get the audio only ones we had in the1980s. This is an investment you'll have through toddler-hood and it's important to get one that works well and consistently.
White noise all night and for every nap: Should be the volume of if you had the shower running in that same room (about 50-55 decibels - 65 db max). True white noise is best for blocking outside noise and creating a soothing background sound, similar to what baby heard in the womb.
What should baby wear? If under 4 months old and not yet rolling, baby will likely be much more comfortable and calmer when swaddled. Once rolling, transition baby to a breathable sleep sack and footed PJs. Using a sleep sack until 3 years old will help prevent them from climbing out of the crib. Vary the weight of the sleep sack by season. If baby is sweating, he is too warm.
How I can help
My goal is to provide SIMPLE, data-driven, step-by-step sleep programs for the tired parent who's ready to SLEEP AGAIN! Whether you have a brand-new baby, a 3-year-old who's never slept through the night, or you just need some help making a schedule change. I have a program just for you!
Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you go through them to make a purchase I may earn a commission. All products recommended are based on my personal experience with them as a mom and certified pediatric sleep consultant,and are in no way sponsored by that company. Thank you for your support!
Comments