3 Must-Haves for Sleep Training

Are you having trouble getting your baby to sleep through the night? Are they older than six months? It may be time to consider sleep training. Although I fought the idea of it for a little while, in order to bring some peace to the home, I eventually went the sleep training route. You can read about my sleep training system here. Today I wanted to share with you my top must-haves for sleep training. These are tried and true products that have worked for all five of my children. Hopefully, they can work for you as well!

1. A Bed

   A baby needs a bed of sorts to sleep on. I was given a nicely built crib when I had my first baby. It was large, strong and durable. A bit of a pain to put together, but it was not going anywhere once we had it assembled; it was very sturdy. It also filled a large amount of space in the bedroom, larger than I prefer. I eventually switched to a Graco Pack 'n Play, which I LOVE! It has served me well for all five babies. I love that it is easily portable. I also like that it has soft netted walls around it instead of wooden planks. I wouldn't recommend any other product for parents looking for a great, affordable, functional and durable crib.

2. A Sleep Sack

   I love making my babies super cozy. But, we have all heard the scary stories about babies with loose blankets before a certain age. A sleep sack solves that safety issue and I have always loved knowing that my baby is cozy and can't kick their blanket off. I have this sleep sack for the summertime: https://amzn.to/4oFAG1e

   And this one for the colder months: https://amzn.to/4nIYmAy

3. A Sound Machine

   A sound machine is a personal preference sort of thing. I know mothers who are opposed to having one and say their babies sleep better if they get used to the noise about the house. I just prefer one. This is the one that I buy for all my kids' rooms: https://amzn.to/3LQ64eX

   
   

   I like to put my baby to sleep and for them to stay asleep until they naturally wake. Some of my older kids still use theirs, and some of my kids one day just said they did not want their sound machine anymore. A sound machine has been a tool that has served me well and, as far as I can see, there have not been any negatives to using one.