Must-Have Baby Sleep Tools: What Actually Works?

When you’re sleep-deprived and desperate, it’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of buying every baby sleep gadget under the sun. (Trust me, my Amazon history says it all.) But which tools actually help, and which just gather dust? Here’s a guide to baby sleep tools that actually work—and some you can skip.

1. Blackout Blinds

Why they help: Babies (and let’s be honest, adults too) sleep better in the dark. Even the smallest sliver of daylight can scream “party time” to a baby at 5 a.m.
My recommendation: Blackout blinds or portable blackout covers can be a game-changer, especially for naps and early mornings.

(Top tip: I use blackout blinds with a seal around the edges so no light gets in. Use the “hand test”: hold your hand in front of your face—if you can see it, it’s not dark enough!)

2. White Noise Machine (or App)

Why they help: Babies are used to the whooshing sounds of the womb, and white noise mimics that comforting background hum. For older babies, white noise helps mask external noises like the doorbell, traffic, or your neighbour’s dog.
My recommendation: A machine with continuous play and adjustable volume is ideal—but even a white noise app or Spotify playlist works just as well (just make sure it doesn’t stop after 20 minutes).

(Top tip: Keep white noise on all night to maintain a constant sleep environment, and make sure it’s no louder than 60dB—you can check with a phone app.*)

3. Baby Sleeping Bag

Why they help: A baby sleeping bag keeps your little one cosy without the need for loose blankets (which aren’t safe for sleep). It also prevents that classic “kick the covers off and then scream because I’m cold” moment at 2 a.m.
My recommendation: Choose a sleeping bag with the right tog rating for the season and room temperature.

(Swaddles are a great alternative for younger babies, but once your baby can roll, it’s time to switch to a sleeping bag for safety.)

4. Room Thermometer

Why they help: Overheating is a big risk for babies, and a room thermometer helps you keep the room at a safe and comfortable temperature (16-20°C is the sweet spot).
My recommendation: A simple digital room thermometer is enough, but many baby monitors come with a built-in thermometer, making life that little bit easier.

(Because the last thing you need at bedtime is another gadget to fiddle with.)

5. Comfortable Baby Mattress

Why they help: A firm, flat mattress is essential for safe sleep, but comfort matters too. A good-quality mattress supports your baby’s growing body and helps them sleep better.
My recommendation: Opt for a breathable, waterproof mattress that fits snugly in the cot.

(Think of it as the baby equivalent of finding the perfect mattress for yourself—life-changing.)

Tools You Probably Don’t Need

• Cot mobiles with lights and music: They’re cute, but they often overstimulate babies rather than soothe them.

• Baby sleep positioners or wedges: Not recommended for safe sleep.

• Ewan the Dream Sheep or the SnüzCloud: They’re popular, but many parents find the short play cycle (20-40 minutes) frustrating when the sound stops and the baby wakes up. A continuous white noise machine often works better.

• Owlet Smart Sock: As a GP, I worry about this one. While it promises to track your baby’s oxygen levels and heart rate, most parents (understandably) aren’t trained to interpret the data. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety—and trust me, new parents have enough to worry about.

• Snoo Smart Cot: It’s clever, but it comes with a hefty price tag. I’ll be honest—I fell into the trap and rented one myself, hoping it would be the magic fix. Spoiler: it wasn’t. While it offers automatic rocking and white noise, babies still need to learn to settle without constant motion, and not every parent finds the investment worth it. 

• Overpriced sleep sprays or lotions: While they might smell lovely, there’s no evidence that lavender sprays or special lotions actually help babies sleep better.

• Weighted sleep sacks or blankets: Not recommended for babies under 12 months due to safety concerns.

• Apps that promise to “predict” your baby’s next nap: Tempting, but babies are beautifully unpredictable—and that’s okay!

• Anything that promises instant sleep magic: If it sounds too good to be true... well, you know the rest.

(Save your money for coffee. Lots of coffee.)

Final Thoughts

Sleep tools can help, but they’re not magic wands (sorry!). Focus on creating a safe, comfy sleep environment and a consistent routine—because those matter more than any gadget.

(And remember: no tool replaces your love, cuddles, and the 57 lullabies you’ve sung tonight.)

Need more help? I’m just a message away. Book a sleep consultation at www.thegoodsleepclub.co.uk or DM me on Instagram @the_goodsleepclub.