There are a few things I would highly recommend. As a first-time mom, I scrolled through never-ending lists of items you should buy to guarantee your baby sleeps through the night. I found myself ordering and trying so many things, but, spoiler alert, I didn't even need half of them!

So, I thought I would create my own minimal list, with things to buy and try…

1. Safe sleep space

It doesn’t really matter if you choose to bedshare, use a crib, or a sidecar crib. What matters is that the space is safe, e.g., Safe-Sleep-7 guidelines for bedsharing and an empty, normal, or sidecar crib.

2. Routine

Babies love a predictable routine for naps and nighttime. It doesn’t need to be ten steps long; it can be three steps and done. The routine must work for you and your family, e.g., putting on pyjamas, reading a book, nursing, and that's it. It can look different for every family! It’s a trial-and-error process, but I’m here to help.

3. Nightlight

A red light nightlight would be the best option. Red light is very easy on the eyes and doesn't hinder melatonin production. It provides enough light to see what you need without waking your baby up.

4. Blackout blinds

No, your baby doesn’t need to sleep in complete darkness; it's not necessary, especially for newborns who are still learning the difference between day and night. However, for babies over 4 months old, blackout curtains can be helpful. As they get older, they become more alert, and their surroundings can be distracting. A dark room would help reduce stimulation.

Bonus:

5. White noise machine

Newborns are very forgiving when it comes to sleep and outside noises. Some older babies don’t mind it, but it can be a real problem for others. White noise helps drown out outside noises and promotes faster sleep for both adults and babies. (See here for more information.)