8 Baby Sleep Must-Haves That Saved Our Sanity (And Helped Our Newborn Sleep Through the Night)
If you’re reading this at 2 a.m. with one hand bouncing a baby and the other Googling “how to get a newborn to sleep” — you’re in the right place. I was exactly where you are not too long ago: exhausted, overwhelmed, and praying for more than 90 minutes of uninterrupted sleep.
We tried it all — pacifiers, rocking, the “just wait it out” method (spoiler alert: we did not wait it out). Some things helped a little, others not at all. But over time, we figured out which baby sleep products actually made a difference. These are the ones we swear by — and that helped our baby (and us) sleep through the night.
I’ve linked all of them below (yep, they’re all on Amazon) so you can grab them without leaving your couch. Or your rocking chair.
Psst—just a heads-up! This post may contain affiliate links (yep, the kind where I earn a small commission if you shop through them—at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Promise: no shady baby stuff here. See full disclosure here.
White Noise Machine
There were nights we’d try everything — pacifier, rocking, feeding — and nothing worked… until we turned on the white noise machine. It was like flipping a switch. The sound helped drown out little noises (and the dog barking) and created a calm, womb-like environment for our baby to sleep in.
Why it worked for us: It became a key part of our nap and bedtime routine, signaling it was time to wind down.
What to look for: Machines that play continuous sound (not ones that shut off after 30 minutes), with adjustable volume and tone.
Our Picks:
Hatch Rest+ Sound Machine – A smart sound machine with light and schedule controls, designed just for kids.
Yogasleep Duet – A white noise machine, lullaby player, nightlight, and Bluetooth speaker — all in one sleek, nursery-ready design.
Swaddle or Sleep Sack
Swaddling saved us in those first few weeks. Our baby had a strong startle reflex and would wake up the second we put him down. Once we found the right swaddle, he slept longer stretches — and so did we.
Why it worked for us: It helped him feel safe and snug, almost like a gentle hug.
What to look for: Easy-to-use designs like zip-ups or velcro closures, especially during those 3 a.m. diaper changes.
Our Picks:
Love to Dream Swaddle UP – Zip-up swaddle that lets baby sleep with arms up — perfect for self-soothing and easy middle-of-the-night changes.
Halo SleepSack Swaddle – Velcro wings + cozy cotton make this a parent-favorite for calming baby’s startle reflex and improving sleep.
Blackout Curtains
I didn’t think blackout curtains were essential… until I tried putting a baby down for a nap at 2 p.m. on a sunny afternoon. Total disaster. Once we added blackout curtains, naps went from a fight to a breeze.
Why it worked for us: Darkness helped cue his brain that it was time to rest — even when it wasn’t nighttime.
What to look for: Curtains that truly block out light (not just “room darkening”), preferably thermal for added coziness.
Our Picks:
NICETOWN Blackout Curtains – Thick, thermal blackout curtains that block light and help signal “sleep time” no matter the hour.
BGment Thermal Curtains – Budget-friendly blackout curtains with a soft, modern look and serious light-blocking power.
Cool Mist Humidifier
We live in a dry climate, and the heater running all night wasn’t helping our baby’s skin or breathing. Enter the humidifier. We noticed a difference almost immediately — less congestion, fewer night wakings.
Why it worked for us: It kept the air in the nursery gentle and moist, especially during winter.
What to look for: A cool mist model with automatic shutoff and a tank that’s easy to clean.
Our Picks:
Frida Baby 3-in-1 Humidifier – Adds cool mist, plays lullabies, and glows with a soft nightlight — ideal for dry air and peaceful sleep.
LEVOIT Humidifier – Whisper-quiet humidifier with a sleek design and easy-to-clean tank — perfect for baby’s room.
Baby Monitor (We Chose Video and Don’t Regret It)
Originally, we thought we’d stick with a simple sound-only monitor to avoid becoming screen-obsessed… but after a few nights of wondering, “Wait, are they still breathing?” — we upgraded to video, and it gave us so much peace of mind.
Why it worked for us: Being able to quickly glance at the screen without opening the nursery door meant fewer wake-ups and more confidence that baby was safe and sound. And let’s be honest — that peace of mind was worth every penny.
What to look for: Clear video, reliable night vision, long-range signal, and no Wi-Fi required (if you want to avoid app setups or security concerns).
Our Picks:
HelloBaby Video Baby Monitor – Affordable video monitor with night vision and pan/tilt camera — no Wi-Fi required for easy setup.
VTech DM221 Audio Monitor – Reliable, budget-friendly sound-only monitor with crystal-clear audio and long range.
Breathable Crib Mattress
When we transitioned from the bassinet to the crib, a breathable mattress gave us peace of mind. Knowing it was designed for safe sleep helped us sleep a little better, too.
Why it worked for us: It was firm, breathable, and easy to clean — all things you appreciate at 3 a.m.
What to look for: GREENGUARD Gold certification, washable covers, and breathability.
Our Picks:
Newton Baby Crib Mattress – Breathable, washable, and safe — this mattress gives peace of mind and promotes better sleep.
Graco Premium Foam Crib Mattress – A great value mattress that’s firm, comfortable, and comes with a water-resistant cover.
Favorite Bedtime Books
We started reading to our baby early — not because he understood the words, but because it helped us build a bedtime routine. He’d recognize the rhythm of the story and start to settle down.
Why it worked for us: It gave us a consistent, comforting activity before sleep.
What to look for: Short, calming stories with soothing illustrations and a gentle tone.
Our Picks:
Goodnight Moon – A timeless bedtime classic that helps signal to little ones that it’s time to sleep.
The Going to Bed Book – A sweet, silly bedtime routine in board book form — perfect for winding down together.
Echo Dot (or Other Smart Speaker)
We didn’t buy our Echo Dot for the nursery — but once we realized we could set a white noise routine or lullaby playlist with a voice command, we moved it in immediately.
Why it worked for us: It made sleep routines simple and hands-free — even when holding a fussy baby.
What to look for: Compact design, timer control, and compatibility with sleep sound routines.
Our Picks:
Echo Dot – Control white noise, lullabies, and lights with just your voice — nursery routines made simple.
Echo Spot – Compact display, Alexa-powered, and perfect for nighttime nursery use.
If you’re struggling right now, please know that you’re not alone. Every baby is different, and sometimes it takes a little trial and error to find what works. But having the right tools in your corner can make a huge difference.
If you found this list helpful, share it with another tired parent or bookmark it for later. And drop a comment — I’d love to hear what sleep products worked (or didn’t work) for you!
Sleep is coming. I promise. 😴
