Gear

Essential Baby Sleep Gadgets & Products For New Parents

From 'smart' monitors and sound machines to magnetic PJs and silent swaddles.

by Dave Baldwin
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Baby sleep training, meaning getting your infant to sleep through the night, almost feels as attainable and realistic as doing tequila shots without getting a crippling hangover. And everywhere you look, products from sound machines to swaddles to tricked-out baby monitors promise to help you establish a baby sleep schedule. No, it’s not a pipe dream and yes, you can do it.

Babies need sleep. Newborns sleep up to 17 hours a day. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants four to 12 months old should sleep 12-16 hours every 24 hours. Children one to two years of age should sleep 11-14 hours. That’s a whole lot of sleep.

Here are baby sleep essentials that every new parent needs at home. Will they guarantee you eight hours of blissful shut-eye? Hell, no. But will they make your infant sleep better, and longer? Hopefully, hell yes. Just be aware that roughly two-thirds of babies are able to sleep through the night by six months, so don’t go celebrating quite yet.

Cradle by Babybjorn
$349.99
mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet by 4moms

A smart bassinet that costs a fraction of what you'll pay for the Snoo, this one connects to your phone with an app. It features 5 motions (car ride, wave, kangaroo, tree swing and rock-a-bye), it vibrates, and has 5 speeds. Plus, it has multiple white noise options. You can use the app to help set up a bedtime routine as well. The weight limit is 25 pounds.

$350
Sound Machine, Night Light and Time-to-Rise Clock by Hatch Baby Rest Plus
$89.99
Moonlight & Melodies Nightlight Baby Sleep Soother by Skip Hop
$34.99
Baby Dream Machine

You know how you shouldn't stare at a computer screen before bed? Well, that same concept applies to this gadget, which uses sleep-encouraging red light to get your baby to snooze. It's also a sound machine, a humidifier, and if you're so inclined, an aromatherapy diffuser.

$99
Kube Night Light by Bbluv

Here's a handy idea: A voice-activated night light and projector that turns on when your baby cries. It plays soothing music while projecting images onto the ceiling. It shuts off after 30 minutes and has a timer.

$35
Smart Baby Monitor and Sleep Kit by Lumi

Yes this set is pricey and yes you have to commit to using Pampers diapers. But it includes a great baby monitor with 1080p HD and night vision, coupled with a sleep sensor system that works with Pampers dipes. You attach the sensor to your baby's diaper to track sleep (and naps), tracks wet diapers, lasts through 1000+ diaper changes, and has a battery that lasts three months. The diaper sensor is suitable for babies from birth until age 1. Everything works together through the Lumi app.

$300
Miku Smart Baby Monitor
$226.81
Nanit Plus Smart Baby Monitor and Wall Mount
$399.99
Zen Sleep Sack Nested Bean
$37.99
Sleep Sack by Kyte Baby

Made from super-soft bamboo fabric, this sleep sack has two zippers, which make midnight diaper changes a breeze. And mean, a quicker return to sleep.

$50
Sleepea Swaddle by Happiest Baby
$32.95
Swaddle Up Swaddler by Love To Dream
$29.95
Swaddle Wrap by Miracle Blanket
$17.95
Baby Sleeper and Bassinet by Baby Delight
$76.30
Baby Aspirator by NoseFrida The Snotsucker
$13.94
Travel Crib Light by Babybjorn
$269.99

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