Parents, you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Or just as likely, we’ve got questions and you’ve got answers.

Challenge: Open Discussion

2017's Best Baby Sleep Products

0
Vote up!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email this article

9c397baee53426201a4ab596de9bdae2300492c5.jpg

It’s no secret that new parents lose out on sleep, or that sleep deprivation carries physical side effects like aches and pains. But until recently I had no idea that lost sleep can also interfere with my ability to express joy.

According to Psychology Today, exhaustion makes it harder for you to smile or adopt a positive tone in your voice. Since your baby relies on your facial expressions and voice for comfort and reassurance, poor sleep can hurt not just you, but your little one as well.

And that’s a real problem because National Institutes of Health research claims that new mothers get 1.5 fewer hours of sleep than during pregnancy, broken up into an average of three sleep sessions rather than one continuous session.

Better sleep for moms and dads starts with better sleep for babies. That’s why I always like to stay apprised of new baby sleep products—if you already have a decent crib mattress, which can make a huge impact on safe, healthy sleep, consider checking out these other products that have cropped up this year:

  1. The Zen Sack from Nested Bean mimics the feeling of your hand on the baby’s chest, comforting your little one for a restful night. The adjustable shoulder tabs leave room for growth so baby will sleep soundly in the Zen Sack for many nights to come.

  2. Aden + Anais Metallic Skylight Birch Swaddles allow baby to sleep wrapped comfortably without getting too hot, thanks to breathable bamboo fabric. The swaddles come in packs of three so you don’t have to wash every day.

  3. The Fisher-Price Revolve Swing uses motions inspired by mom’s natural movements—head-to-toe, circular, and swinging—to soothe your newborn. The swing features an overhead mobile that sways as the swing moves, so even when the little one is not asleep, it keeps their attention.

  4. Project Nursery Parent + Baby SmartBand can track your weight, exercise, and sleep, all while setting schedules for diaper changes, nap times, feedings, and more. Sleep tracking is a convenient way to solve your sleep problems, and this product is perfect for new parents.

  5. Gerry the Giraffe from Sleepybobo attaches to car seats, swinging cribs, baby bouncers, and rockers. For up to 30 minutes at a time, Gerry rocks baby with gentle movements, all while providing a cute and cuddly focal point for the little one’s attention.

  6. The DreamGlider Gliding Swing + Sleeper has two speed settings to keep baby relaxed with gentle, natural motions. Plug in while you’re at home or use batteries when away, and set it up as a swing seat or sleeper depending on the time of day.

  7. The SleeperHero is a doll you can use to reinforce bedtime rules. Equipped with a timer-operated light that shows up as either red or green, this cuddly pal lets the little one know when it’s time to stay in bed (red) or time to get up (green). They’ll love sleeping with a superhero, and you’ll love being uninterrupted throughout the night.

No baby sleep product magically makes your little one immediately sleep through the night, but these cool toys, swaddles, and swings can offer some valuable help.

This post comes from the TODAY Parenting Team community, where all members are welcome to post and discuss parenting solutions. Learn more and join us! Because we're all in this together.