Sleep Environment Essentials for Your Baby’s Room

Often underestimated (and can easily be duplicated!), your baby’s sleep environment can play a key role in setting them up with healthy sleep habits. Small changes and additions to their overall environment has its benefits and it’s never to early to provide the essentials for your baby’s room.

Why is their sleep environment so important? A room which promotes and is conducive to sleep allows your baby to ease into their sleepy slumbers. Like a nap or bedtime routine, it can help cue them up that sleep is to come and allows them to feel safe and secure and offers a familiar, repetitive place where sleep is welcomed. The ideal sleep environment can help your baby or toddler sleep better and longer. In addition to the above benefits, a stationary sleep environment (crib, bassinet) provides your baby with the deepest, most restorative sleep vs. sleep on-the-go (motion in a swing, stroller, car). So what does the optimal sleep environment look like? Here are the essentials:

Black it Out. A dark room for all sleep (including naps) has several benefits and promotes sleep. Think cave-like, no light streaming through the windows or between blinds. Add another darkening blind or curtain for an extra layer. Even garbage bags can do the trick for a short-term fix. TIP: if your child takes short naps, evaluate the the light coming into their room. Adding in an extra later can help them transition back to sleep after a short nap.

Temperature. Ideally your child’s room shouldn’t be too hot or too cold. Monitor the rooms temperature and keep between 20-22 degrees Celsius. TIP: always make sure your child is dressed appropriately for sleep. If you keep the room warmer or cooler, adjust their clothing. Keeping a cooler room can also help prevent SIDS.

Safety. Your baby’s sleeping space should be their own. A firm mattress with a tight-fitted sheet is all they need in their crib or bassinet. No bumpers, blankets or big stuffed animals. TIP: if you’re concerned about your baby staying warm with no blankets, try a sleep sack. Not only is a sure way to know they are warm enough even when being mobile in the crib, you don’t have to worry about suffocation risks with loose blankets.

Noise. There is such thing as ‘good’ noise and ‘good’ sleep associations and a white noise machine is one of those. White noise can help drown out external noises and provides your baby with a soothing, familiar sound during naps and night time. Run it continuously for both naps and nighttime and make sure your it’s far enough away from your child and at a low level. Turn it on at the start of your nap/bedtime routine to associate the calming noise, with your calming routine. TIP: Don’t leave home without it. If you’re traveling and staying in an unfamiliar place or having to room share while away, bring it with you. The familiar, constant sound of home will help ease your child into the new environment.

Liane Mamo is certified infant and toddler sleep consultant with Good Night Sleep Site Ottawa and mom to a superhero-obsessed 4-year-old. Liane is committed to providing families with emotional and educational support to help their baby or child with their sleep needs. Find Liane at her website or on Facebook and Twitter for sleep tips, free sleep Q & A’s, articles and more.