Create a Sleep Haven for Your Newborn: 8 Must-Have Products for New Parents

Congratulations! As new (or expecting) parents, you are undoubtedly navigating (or wisely preparing for) the world of sleepless nights, 3 AM feedings, diaper changes, and endless cuddles. To make this journey a bit smoother, we've curated a list of essential products that will help you create a sleep-friendly environment for your newborn. These recommendations are not only practical but also supported by the latest research on infant sleep safety. We have used all of these products to support our very own postpartum families here at Northern Star Doula, and we can vouch for the practicality and benefit of every product listed here. They will prove make your life easier. (What new parent doesn’t want that?) Bonus: Your postpartum doula will approve, and be grateful that you did your research. Check them out and reach out if you have any questions!

1. LED Red Light for Nighttime Visibility:

Sleep is crucial for both you and your baby, and minimizing disruptions during nighttime feedings and diaper changes is key. Consider using an LED red light, as it provides enough visibility without disturbing your baby's sleep. We recommend the TDL RECHARGEABLE CLIP ON RED LIGHT, a compact and energy-efficient option. Your overnight postpartum doula will have an easier time providing care and helping your baby towards a more stable sleep rhythm as the weeks progress.

2. Rechargeable White Noise Machine:

A white noise machine can be a game-changer in creating a soothing atmosphere for your little one. Opt for a small, rechargeable option like the FRIDA BABY PORTABLE SOUND MACHINE to drown out background noise and establish a consistent sleep pattern for your baby. This small but mighty machine is portable, includes a strap, and contains noises such as white noise, “shushing”, heartbeat, and more.

3. Baby Shusher:

The original sound machine for Babies. This sleep soother recommended by Pediatricians, utilizes a human “shhh” sound which babies recognize and calm to easily. Baby Shusher is the original sleep sound machine miracle for newborns! THE BABY SHUSHER emits a gentle and rhythmic shhhh sound. Safe, simple, light-weight, portable, customizable, and highly effective. This thing is A-MA-ZING.

A must-have in for every nursery, travel bag, car seat, changing table, and stroller. It’s powered by two AA Duracell batteries and comes with an attachable strap. It’s made from BPA-free and Pthalate-free materials.

4. Small Nursery Fan for Ventilation:

Proper ventilation is crucial for your baby's well-being and can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by ensuring air circulation in the nursery. Invest in a compact fan like the VORNADO BABY NURSERY FAN to ensure a constant flow of fresh air in the nursery. This nursery fan also includes a light and noise option. Get two, one for your bedroom while baby is sleeping in the bassinet, and one for the nursery! For a portable (think stroller, gym, office) we love the TRELC MINI FAN because it’s effective, easy to take with you, and attaches firmly to handles, bars, and ledges with ease. (Over the past decade, I’ve used them all, at births, the gym, and more… this one lasts.)

5. SleepLight LED Nightlight:

These fantastic warm amber lights illuminate hallways, bathrooms, and more… with virtually no blue light emission to disrupt your sleep when getting up to use the bathroom, change diapers, nurse, etc. We highly recommend GE SLEEPLIGHT because it comes in a 4-pack, and has a built-in light sensor for easy operation, saving you money by only activating in low light environments between dusk and dawn. FOLKSMATE also has a 5-pack red light option if you’d prefer this alternative for hallways, etc.

6. Smart Baby Tracker:

We recommend the CubTale SMART BABY TRACKER kit, which combines the basic activities that require tracking during the first year of a baby's life – Diaper output, sleep and feeds. This bundle of 3 package, includes a Bottle Cub, a Diaper Cub as well as a Sleep Cub. Cubs can be conveniently placed near the activity happens and entering data by a simple click… The CubTale App presents your logs in formats and reports that can be easily shared with pediatricians, nannies, doulas, and more….helping you feel more in control. You’ll thank yourself later…. And your postpartum Doula will thank you!

Also, CubTale has an amazing BREASTFEEDING TRACKER with necklace, to help you track your nighttime nursing sessions and ensure you’re balancing feeds. There’s also a SMARTPUMP TRACKER and a BOTTLE TRACKER for your convenience.

7. Swaddlers/Sleep Sacks:

Swaddlers are crucial to the sleep set-up of your little one. We recommend KYTE BABY SWADDLERS made from bamboo rayon, which functions as both a swaddle and a 1.0 sleep bag. It features a Velcro closure for a secure and adjustable fit, and is fully removable once swaddling is no longer recommended. There's also a removable elastic loop that is fastened with a snap closure that can be placed around the bottom of the sleep bag. The additional step of tightening the sleep bag helps for little ones who haven’t fully grown in to their new sleep bag yet. Underneath the wrap is an award-winning sleep bag, which acts as a wearable blanket to reduce the risk of SIDS and improve baby’s sleep. You might also enjoy this longsleeve KYTE BABY SLUMBER BAG, the HERBOLOGY SLEEP SACK or a standard SLEEP BAG. Transitioning from swaddling to a sleep sack can be seamless with options like these. These wearable blankets provide warmth without restricting your baby's movement, promoting safe and sound sleep.

Also, check out DREAM BABY SLEEP SWADDLES weighted sleep sacks. They are luxurious and comfy! Right now there is a BOGO sale so get yours soon, or use code NORTHERNSTAR for 15% off.

8. Black-Out Curtains:

Create a dark and cozy sleep environment with blackout curtains which can be especially beneficial for daytime naps and establishing a consistent sleep schedule. Since you may need to size them, take a look at the options HERE… and consider portable TRAVEL BLACKOUT CURTAINS if you need to go away, and maintain the sleep rhythms that you have worked so hard to achieve. Some babies will pop right up as soon as a small ray of light presents itself…. I’m not kidding.

Remember, every baby is unique, so finding the right combination of products that works for your family may take some trial and error. By investing in these thoughtful and research-backed products, you're taking steps towards creating a nurturing environment that promotes better sleep for both you and your newborn.

As an additional resource, we've included affiliate links to the recommended products. If you choose to purchase through these links, you not only support our efforts in providing helpful information but also gain access to products that have been tested by experienced doulas like myself, and trusted by many parents on their journey into parenthood.

Wishing you and your new family member many peaceful and restful nights ahead!