Baby sleep products – helpful or unnecessary?

A calm, settled baby is every parent’s wish, because we know little ones need the right amount and quality of sleep to grow and thrive. To reduce the distractions of the outside world – and make your baby’s sleep safer and more comfortable – there are a few practical, helpful items you can choose.

These days we’re surrounded by baby products that promise to make life easier and more comfortable for both you and your little one. In this article, we’ll introduce several items that many families like to use. Some are well-known essentials, while others you may not have come across yet. We’re thinking mainly of specially designed products – not all are modern inventions. Let’s take a look!

Traditional baby cradle

When your baby is in the womb, they spend their days in a safe, snug space, gently rocked by mum’s movements. Once they’re born, their world changes dramatically. Everything feels too spacious, noisy and bright, and instead of that familiar sway, they’re picked up and put down – sometimes a bit briskly.

To bring back a touch of that reassuring security in the first months, you can use a rocking cradle. There’s a reason cradles still exist today – they’ve accompanied mothers from times past right into our modern world. A cradle offers a cosy, contained space, soothes a fussy baby, and helps them relax and drift off. With its slow, side-to-side motion, it also supports the development of balance and the nervous system.

Bedside crib

Together yet apart? Many of us are cautious about bed-sharing, as it can pose serious risks. A parent might inadvertently roll towards the baby during the night, and breathing monitors don’t work properly on a shared mattress.

To address these concerns – while still allowing baby to sleep close to mum – bedside cribs were created. These are small cots that can be secured next to the parents’ bed, with one side open.

These are wonderfully practical: a breathing monitor can operate on a separate mattress (make sure the baby’s and adults’ mattresses don’t press firmly together), and mum can reach out any time to stroke, soothe, or breastfeed in a side-lying position.

Baby nest 

This is a nest-like, soft resting pod with a thick, cushioned edge, where your baby can relax in a snug, secure space without knocking their little hands and feet against something hard.

A baby nest creates an idyllic environment, but always keep an eye on your child and never leave them unattended – you don’t want their face to press into the soft side. Avoid placing baby on their tummy in the nest for this very reason.

Baby swaddle 

While swaddling used to be a standard part of the layette, its usefulness is debated today – some even advise against it.

Swaddling can recreate the safe, warm, snug environment your newborn had in the womb, which many babies find comforting. It can also make lifting and holding easier by giving added support for baby’s head.

There are now many types of swaddles. Because a baby’s natural leg position is “frog-like”, which supports healthy hip development, you should respect this position when swaddling. Don’t place baby in a tight, narrow swaddle that straightens and squeezes the legs. Choose a modern, hip-friendly swaddle that’s stretchy and allows free hip movement.

Baby sleeping bag and toddler “walker” sleeping bag 

If you’d rather not use a swaddle – but still want your child to feel cosy, warm and secure – you can opt for a baby sleeping bag. In this case, the key criteria are quality, good temperature regulation, comfort and, importantly, safe design.

Our LiaaBébé baby sleeping bags are made from bamboo fibres and are extra stretchy, making them wonderfully comfortable. Babies can kick and move freely in them. Bamboo regulates temperature brilliantly – helping to keep little bodies cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

It’s worth noting that our sleeping bags have a snap-opening neckline that follows baby’s natural neck line for safety, so there’s no risk of baby slipping down into the bag. Another plus is that as they grow, little ones can continue their snug naps in our toddler “walker” sleeping bags.

Breathing monitor 

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains a frightening reality today. Its causes are still being researched, as there’s often no clear medical explanation for breathing stopping during sleep. Certain habits may increase the risk.

To help prevent tragedy, you can use a device that detects breathing pauses in baby’s cot. The usefulness of such devices can be invaluable. If an alarm sounds, parents can rush to help and call emergency services. It’s also crucial – and often forgotten – to learn infant resuscitation techniques (professional training videos can help), because you can only help effectively if you know what to do in a sudden, highly stressful situation.

Baby monitor – audio and video 

These handy devices can offer extra reassurance day to day while you get things done – but they don’t replace supervision. An audio monitor transmits what’s happening in the nursery, picking up even the quietest sounds if baby stirs or starts to fidget. With a video monitor, you can even watch your sleeping child on your phone.

Cot bumper

There are several types available today. It’s important not to choose purely on looks or trends. Think carefully about what’s most comfortable and safe for your child.

Traditional flat fabric bumpers or lightweight textiles can make the cot feel cosier by covering the wall-side area – a bit like a wall protector – and shielding against draughts. Thicker, braided cotton bumpers surround the inside of the cot like a pillow, creating a snugger space that some babies find calming. However – just like with baby nests – use caution so your baby’s face doesn’t press into the soft bumper.

Always secure the bumper safely, and don’t block baby’s view of the world all the way round.

Canopy over the cot 

Canopies are still a popular addition to cots and bedding sets. Their aesthetic appeal is often greater than their practicality. Any object or fabric around baby that increases risk – for example, if they can grab or pull it – is best avoided.

Night light 

Is it a good idea to let baby sleep with a constant night light? Here’s another divisive topic. On the one hand, a dim, warm white light (below 3000 Kelvin) can be handy for mum at night; on the other, it might disrupt melatonin and sleep quality.

The circadian rhythm – the body’s daily cycle – governs many biological processes. Newborns don’t have this rhythm established yet, which is why they may confuse day and night. This usually settles by 6–8 weeks.

Artificial light signals to the body that it’s daytime. So the best approach is total darkness for sleep, then switch on a low, warm, amber-tone lamp for feeds or nappy changes. Salt lamps are a popular choice for this.

Plush toys, gadgets and machines that play lullabies 

Soft lullabies can be very soothing for babies – not only because they’re gentle to the ear, but also because little ones quickly recognise them and they create a sense of security. If you use them consistently as part of the bath or bedtime routine, and you can see baby enjoys them, they help signpost what’s happening and calm your little one.

White noise is a slightly different sound experience – a constant background at the same pressure level. Its magic is that it masks other, varied noises in the environment, so baby has just one sound to process. This steady monotone can be calming, helping babies fall asleep more easily and making them less likely to be disturbed by sudden noises from outside.

There’s a wide range of modern products designed to support baby’s sleep. It’s wise to consider what you want to use and why before buying – that way you’re less likely to be tempted and purchase unnecessarily.

Sources:

NHS – Safe sleep advice for babies

The Lullaby Trust – Safer sleep advice