Creating the Best Sleep Environment for Your Little One

As mothers, we all have our different techniques on how we get our children to sleep. It's all about trial and error, good nights and bad nights, and making adjustments. 

Before I dive into my method, I want to mention that we all do what works for our own families. I strongly believe there is no right or wrong way to do this, but I'm sharing my tips hoping that I can help at least one of you that may be struggling.

Believe me! I totally get it... if a baby is having a hard time sleeping, probably you aren't sleeping either. And lack of sleep can really make things tough on everyone.

My kids are 4 and 3 now, and I've learned that routine is EVERYTHING for my kids.

Once I figured out a formula that worked for them, I've stuck with it ever since. Here's how my system works:

#1 - Create a Dark Room, Even When the Sun Is Shining Bright

Make sure your child's room is as dark as possible. I invested in a pair of blackout blinds in my kids' rooms, so they're even enjoying a dark, peaceful environment during nap time and bedtime.

I found these really amazing blackout blinds, Oxdigi Blackout Blind Shade and Suction Cups, that are easy to both install and uninstall. They are also only a $20 investment... and they are so worth it!!!

# 2 - Keep the Room Cool

Researchers have discovered that the perfect room temperature for babies and children to sleep best in is between 65 to 70 degrees. Their room shouldn't be too cold or too hot. I keep the thermostat in our house at 69-71 when the kids are sleeping.

They shouldn't be too chilly, of course, so if the house is cooler than normal my kids are in love with sleep sacks. Their favorite is the HALO SleepSack 100% Cotton Wearable Blanket. Once again, we're talking a pretty affordable investment that really does make a huge difference.

#3 - Use a Calming Sound Machine

My kids both have air purifiers in their rooms that sound like fans. When I turn the air purifier on it's an immediate sleep queue for them. It also blocks outside noise so they don't get woken up by our dog barking or the doorbell ringing. Make sure the sound machine is 9-feet away from them if possible.

When we travel and can’t bring the air purifier, I use the Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine. It sounds just like our air purifier at home and it is very comforting to them, it also can be used as a night light and wake up light. 

#4 - Increase Comfort with Something to Cuddle With

Both of my kids crave comfort in the form of a cuddle buddy. Kensington has a little silk pillow with an attached fur animal. It's called Pillow and Baba.

Sean Jr. has a plush stuffed animal called "Bear." It's essential for them to have these cuddly comforts when going to bed. They both also fall asleep to the vibrations and gentle humming music of their Fisher-Price Snugapuppy Calming Vibrations Soother. If they wake up in the middle of the night, they have their cuddly comforts to snuggle with and it helps them go soundly back to sleep.

#5 - Nightlight for safety

I have a night light in Kensington’s room now that she is a bit older and is in a toddler bed rather than a crib. It’s not an ordinary night light though. It is a Pink Himalayan salt rock night light. 

I chose this because salt rocks glow beautifully with a warm golden tone and the light doesn’t interfere with sleep. Plus, I love it because I can make it as dim or as bright as I’d like. We use the d’aplomb 100% Authentic Natural Himalayan Salt Lamp because it works like a charm.