best buys
The best products to get your baby sleeping through the night
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Getting your child to sleep soundly is the Holy Grail of parenting, but achieving those golden hours of unbroken shut-eye (for you too!) can be a bit of a struggle.
It seems impossible to imagine that your newborn will ever sleep more than two or three hours at a time, but after you’ve got through the first month, starting a gentle bedtime routine can help.
Your baby will start to recognise the cues that it's time to sleep, and making them feel secure and comfortable as possible will help the process, too.
Older babies and toddlers often still need reassurance, so using a comforter or softly glowing night light will help them to learn to self-soothe and drop back off to sleep again.
1. Lully, £59.95
* Musical teddy bear to help soothe babies to sleep
* Has 23 different lullabies to enjoy
* Runs on three AA batteries that are included
Perfect for bedtime, Lully is a friendly and cuddly bear that can help to calm babies and young children, playing 23 lullabies including classics such as ‘You Are My Sunshine’, ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ and ‘What a Wonderful World.
Little ones will be gently transported to the Land of Nod as they cuddle and listen to Lully's gentle songs.
He comes complete with instructions for use that follow EU Standards and follow the NHS's guidance on safe sleeping.
2. This Works Baby Sleep Pillow Spray
*Spray on bedding or pillow before bed to release the relaxing lavender, camomile and vetivert scents
*Makes your little one's cot smell like a dream
*Parents can use it on their bedding for a restful night's sleep, too!
This blend of natural aromatherapy oils including lavender, vetiver and camomile is designed to help little ones drift off to sleep naturally. It's suitable for babies over three months old and won't cause skin irritation. Just spray it on their pillow or bedding three times before laying them down for bed and the relaxing scent that will lull them off into a deep sleep.
3. SwaddleMe, £8.99
*Secure design creates a cosy, womb-like feeling for baby
*Prevents the startle reflex that can wake up your infant
*Soft adjustable fabric wings provide a perfect, snug fit
*Available in two sizes to fit babies from 0-6 months
Swaddling can help newborns sleep much better, but can be a bit of a faff to get to grips with, so this ready-made swaddle could be the answer. It features a secure hook and loop closure to keep even wiggly babies safe, plus a leg pouch opening for easy nappy changing. The SwaddleMe is also made from 100% cotton, so it won't irritate delicate newborn skin.
4. Gro Hush Baby Calmer
*Calming device that delivers soothing white noise that only a baby can hear
*Makes sounds to mimic mother's heartbeat, rain on a tin roof and ocean waves
*Volume is preset at a safe and effective 75 decibels
This clever baby calmer works by playing quiet white noise which can only be heard by babies. It has a soft pad which is designed to be held against your baby's head while you cuddle them. It's perfect for taking on travelling and taking on planes to calm an anxious baby and get them off to sleep.
5. Portable Blackout Blind
*Blackout blinds which attach to windows with suction cups
*Ideal for taking on holiday but can also be used at home
*Helps to get little ones feeling sleepy even when it's still light outside
It may not seem like a problem in the height of winter, but as the days get longer blackout blinds are an important tool when it comes to getting your little one to sleep on time.
The sun setting past 7pm may keep them up late, but blackout blinds can help to regulate their sleep cycles by shutting all of the daylight out. They're also a godsend for keeping toddlers asleep past 6am, too!
6. Baby Projector and Night light
*A projector that plays soft lullabies and shines stars to soothe
*Comes in blue, pink and beige
*Automatica shut down after 30 minutes
This sweet teddy bear-themed projector is just what your baby needs to lull them to sleep, and it will look adorable in their nursery!
It has a clever cry sensor that detects when your baby is unsettled, and plays music and projects stars to soothe them. Plus, it automatically shuts down after 30 minutes – this helps to save electricity and ensures the soother won't disrupt your baby's sleep.
7. Burt's Bees® Baby 100% Natural Nourishing Baby Oil, £11.49
*Mild and caring fine massage oil for your baby
*Absorbs into skin easily and isn't greasy-feeling
*Made with apricot and grape seed oil
Keep your baby's skin soft and supple while relaxing them using this luxurious massage oil. It's made of a soothing mix of organic oils and is great at keeping the skin's natural pH balance. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, this oil is made with apricot and grape seed oil. Just pour into your hands, warm up and gently rub into your little one's skin.
8. Bunny Baby Comforter, £13
*Suitable from birth and machine-washable
*Made from soft velour that little ones will love
*Safe for babies as there are no small parts which might fall off
Young babies often wake craving parental attention. Sleep with this comforter first to impregnate your scent, then put in your baby's bed so they'll be comforted by the smell. The soft velour material is cuddly and can be machine-washed, plus you don't have to worry about little ones choking on small parts as this bunny is safe for use from birth. Adorable!
9. Gro-Egg Room Thermometer
*A new updated version of the classic room thermometer
*This digital thermometer has a permanently lit LCD readout
*Has a soft touch silicone dome
This clever little thermometer changes colour depending on the temperature in the room. It turns blue if the room is too cold, red if it is too hot and yellow if the temperature is just right. It also has a soft and comforting light which is handy for breastfeeding at night time. The Gro-Egg thermometer is mains-operated, too, so you don't have to fret about the battery running low.
Read on:
- Your guide to swaddling and baby sleeping bags
- Sleep safety rules you need to know
- The best buys to make bedtime with young children easier