These sleep hacks are amazing! I love the idea of having a few easy things I can go to if I need help getting my little ones to sleep well.
These are not sleep training programs or long, thought out processes – these are quick and to the point. They are small adjustments you can add to your sleep routine to get those kiddos sleeping easier and better. Lord knows we need it sometimes.
Want to know why your baby isn’t sleeping through the night? Answer these questions and you’ll find out.
(affiliate links included throughout – see my disclosure for more information – thanks for your support)
Sleep Hacks
1. Sleepy Food – Try this secret ingredient food item (that is probably in your kitchen right now) to help your little ones fall asleep easier. This is one of my most favorite sleep hacks ever!
2. Lavender – There is story after story on the internet about children being lulled to sleep with the power of lavender essential oil. It’s really incredible. With Paityn, I used a lavender mix (one combined with a few other oils) and it was something I always went to in my arsenal of sleep inducers. It’s inexpensive, powerful and can be used for a ton of other things. You’d be crazy not to keep a bottle of this around.
3. Weighted Blankets – Placing gentle pressure on kids with a weighted blanket is said to help their body produce chemicals naturally needed to fall asleep, serotonin and endorphins. Thank you Meet Mot & Pea for this idea!
4. Black Out Curtains – Darken up that room! In my experience, letting in outside light always keeps my daughter up. It must absolutely be completely dark except for her faint blue night light. There is an awesome product called the Gro-Anywhere Blind that literally folds up and can pop up over any window when you need it. Perfect solution.
5. Once They’re Asleep – Keep Them There – If you can’t seem to keep your kids in their bed throughout the night, try this simple trick to keep them from waking up looking for you. This idea from Your Modern Family is really genius!
Bonus: I just got this new book they are saying is guaranteed to put your kid to sleep. Have you seen it? It’s called The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep and we are loving it!!
If you are looking for a sleep training guide, I will recommend Coos to Snooze.
Please remember that I am not a doctor nor do I have any medical knowledge beyond my mommy experience. I’m just passing along things that have worked for me and others. Perhaps these sleep hacks will work for you as well!
LOOKING FOR MORE SLEEP HACKS?
Grab my new free ebook, Hacking Sleep!
…
My friend Rachel just created an amazing new baby sleep course! It’s called Coos to Snooze and it’s really fantastic. By putting these key habits into place your baby WILL sleep. If you try it for 30 days and they don’t? You get your money back! This might be the best $49 you’ve ever spent.
Liz is a just a mom trying to keep it real about how little she sleeps, how often she gets puked on and how much she loves them. You can find her here every day writing about real-mom moments.
Great tips! Thanks for linking up at the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop! We hope you stop by again next week!
What do you do with the lavender oil? Do you rub it on their temples?
My daughter used lavender oil on her baby, she would put a little coconut oil in the palm of her hand then drop a couple of drops of oil rub ion to your baby’s feet then put socks on them. Also rub a little on forehead on temples a and under nose… Rub remainder on chest she used serenity oil also works like a charm.
Nice ideas! Weighted blankets are great, but remember, they’re not for babies. Little ones that aren’t yet strong enough may roll onto their bellies and not be able to roll back over due to the weight of the blanket. Stick to a blanket that is no more than 10-15% of your child’s weight (they’re easy to make with rice or plastic pellets) and hold off until they’re at least a year and a half–preferably two years old.
You can also use weighted blankets or lap pads during the day to help your child settle and sit still for story time or meals.
-Caitlin, OT
We have the dark curtains… I am ordering some lavender oil tonight! Something has to help my 5 year old sleep!
Just a tip: studies have shown that if you’re going to have lights in your room while you sleep, red or orange lights are most conducive to sleep.
What is the secret recipe for the sleep food I tried going to the link but I can’t find it please and thank you?