5 Products a Sleep Consultant Recommends for New Parents
Are you expecting a baby in the next few months?
Trying to work out what products you ACTUALLY need vs which the internet is trying to push onto you?!
Well, let me give you my top 5 products that I would recommend as a sleep expert
Here are my top 5 products….
Below you’ll find the 5 products that I feel you truly need as new parent. The baby market is oversaturated with products that you just don’t need. So, as a sleep consultant, here are the ones I really think you can’t live without!
White Noise Machine
Truly the best product to invest in is a portable white noise machine. The DreamEgg linked here is ideal because you can use it at home overnight whilst it is charging, then use it on the go during the day whilst fully charged. The volume is perfect and it helps to create a soothing, consistent sleep environment that will signal to your baby that it is time for sleep! Top tip - leave it on all night to help soothe them back to sleep if they wake!
SnoozeShade Cover
I’m an advocate for naps on the go, out and about. I want all parents to feel they can go out for the day and not stress about naps. That’s why I really recommend using a SnoozeShade cover. These go over the pram to create a dark, distraction-free environment perfect for naps. They protect baby from the sun and also are breathable, so safe to cover them in all weather. Link here to purchase, use the code ATHENA for 10% off too!
Baby Carrier
A newborn loves to be close to you. Why? Because they are new to this noisy, chilly world and have thus far enjoyed the closeness of the womb. In the early days, utilising a carrier or sling helps to provide that safe, comfortable place for your newborn but also allows you to be hands-free too! Carriers are brilliant for naps on the go too, and being able to get outside without taking the pram along too. I love the BabyBjorn Move carrier, suitable for 0-15 months. The age in which you’re likely to use a carrier! Link here for this one.
Sensory Toys
Development in the early days is all about sensory input. A newborns vision is quite poor, it slowly develops over the months ahead. That’s why contrasting colours are really interesting to babies, and bright lights! I really recommend purchasing a sensory toy such as the Etta Loves flashcards or sesory strip. Link to this here. They are perfect to pop up during tummy time or when you just need to put baby down for 5 minutes and need some entertainment for them! Ideal for the nappy changing area!
Sleeping Bag
In order to keep your baby not only warm at night, but also safe whilst they are sleeping, I recommend using sleeping bags, or sleep sacks. These keep your baby warm as they cannot wiggle out of the sleeping bag, like they can a blanket. You can use them from newborn, however I recommend using swaddles at this age to prevent the startle reflex. You can buy sleeping bags from most stores, even supermarkets, here is a link to one I recommend.
Was that helpful?
If you’d like further recommendations and support during the first few months, I recommend taking a look at my 0-6 month sleep guide. Link to my guide here. It is full of advice and support for setting up healthy sleep habits, including support with development and feeding too.