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Which Baby Sleep Products Really Work? Real Parents Weigh In
Which Baby Sleep Products Really Work? Real Parents Weigh In
Photo by @eyesandhart

Which Baby Sleep Products Really Work? Real Parents Weigh In

From sound machines to swaddles, parents share what really helped them catch a few more zzz’s.

author-Briana Engelbrecht
By Briana Engelbrecht
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On
Updated On
Our editors independently test and curate products. If you make a purchase via our links we may earn a commission.
Photo by @eyesandhart

In This Article

Sound Machines & White Noise
Swaddles & Sleep Sacks
Smart Bassinets
Other Surprising Helpers
A Humidifier
A Yoga Ball
Bedtime Books
Room‐Darkening Aids
An Easy Access Travel Crib
More Sleep Wins From Babylist Parents
How To Get the Most of Out of Your Sleep Products

Most new parents say sleep (or lack thereof) in the newborn phase is one of the biggest shocks and hardest adjustments in the fourth trimester. From baby waking up every hour—or close to it—to trying all the tricks and getting nowhere, there’s a ton of sleep advice and “rules” floating around.

We polled real Babylist parents about which sleep products actually helped and what their experiences were like so you can skip the trial and error (well, some of it). The biggest takeaway? Every baby is different. What works for one (looking at you, “drowsy but awake” unicorn babies) might not work for another.

There’s not one magical, quick-fix product. What did make a difference, according to our community, was the right combo of products and techniques. And to level set, when we say something “worked,” we mean it helped babies fall asleep faster, sleep longer, settle more easily after wakings, gave parents an extra hand—or all of the above.

Here are the sleep products Babylist parents swear by.

Sound Machines & White Noise

If there’s one sleep product that came up again and again from Babylist parents, it’s sound machines. The hum of white noise can mimic the sound of the womb, help drown out household noise and signal to your baby that it’s time to rest. And for some families, the right sound machine made a noticeable difference in how easily baby fell—and stayed—asleep.

One parent told us about their favorite: “The Hatch. It's programmable, portable, and has the best selection of colors and sounds. Not sure how our baby could’ve slept without it.” Parents love that it’s easy to use and grows with your baby from newborn through toddler bedtime routines.

Others swore by a more compact option with a different approach to white noise: the Baby Shusher. This little machine does the literal shushing noise for you. And as one Babylist parent put it, “Baby Shusher is a lifesaver to get the babies to sleep. That thing is amazing... even on trips with friends, people are buying it immediately after we tell them how quickly it gets her to sleep!”

Whether you want all the tech features or just a classic steady hum, these sound machines were some of the most-recommended sleep tools by Babylist families.

Swaddles & Sleep Sacks

Swaddling can feel like one of those baby sleep “secrets” you hear about early on—but figuring out which swaddle actually helps your baby sleep (and doesn’t require a master’s degree in folding) is another story. Swaddles and sleep sacks came up a lot in our survey, with many parents saying they made a big difference in calming their baby and extending those precious stretches of sleep.

One Babylist parent shared, “The newborn Halo swaddle [makes it] a breeze to get the baby back to sleep!” That ease of use is a common theme—especially when you’re doing multiple middle-of-the-night changes and feeds, simple really matters.

And once your baby starts to roll, the swaddle stage quickly gives way to sleep sacks and transitional wraps. That’s why many parents love having a few options on hand that match where their baby is developmentally—and why the Babylist Swaddle Box is a go-to pick. It includes a curated mix of parent-favorite swaddles to try out and see what actually works for your baby.

Whether you're just starting with newborn swaddles or you’re already thinking about how to transition out of them, having the right sleepwear tools can make those nighttime wakeups just a little bit easier.

Babylist Swaddle Box.

Babylist Swaddle Box

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Smart Bassinets

High-tech sleep helpers are having a moment—and for some families, smart bassinets have been a real game-changer in the early months. These bassinets use motion, white noise or vibration (or a combo of all three) to soothe baby when they start to fuss. Think of it as a gentle, built-in “shush and sway” system that kicks in automatically. The number one mentioned option was the Snoo; one Babylist parent sharing: “It’s like having a sleep assistant for baby.”

These bassinets can be especially helpful during those exhausting first few weeks when newborn sleep is unpredictable and frequent. But they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some parents raved about getting longer stretches of sleep, while others said the cost didn’t match the benefits—or they worried about their baby getting too used to the motion and having a harder time transitioning to a crib later. 

Bottom line: For some families, a responsive bassinet made those early newborn nights feel a little more manageable. For others, it wasn’t the miracle they hoped for. As with most sleep tools, there’s no magic button—but if you decide to try one, know that it may be most helpful as part of a bigger sleep strategy, not the whole plan.

Other Surprising Helpers

Not everything that helps baby sleep looks like a traditional sleep product. In our parent survey, these items popped up as much appreciated sleep supports. From easing the bedtime routine to creating a sleep-friendly environment, here are a few more things parents swear by.

A Humidifier

Keeping the air moist can help soothe dry noses, especially in the colder months or in drier climates. Some parents found a cool mist humidifier helped their baby breathe (and sleep) more comfortably.

Pure Enrichment PureBaby Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier & Soft Glow Night Light - Whisper Green.

Pure Enrichment PureBaby Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier & Soft Glow Night Light - Whisper Green

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A Yoga Ball

Yes, really. A yoga ball isn’t just for pregnancy. Many parents said gentle bouncing helped calm their baby before naps and bedtime—and gave their legs a much-needed break.

Trideer Extra Thick Yoga Ball.

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Bedtime Books

A calm bedtime routine can signal to baby that sleep is coming, and books are often a big part of that wind-down. These are a few of our favorites to get you started.

Room‐Darkening Aids

A darker room can cue melatonin production and make it easier for baby to fall—and stay—asleep. Babylist parents' favorite solution isn’t actually curtains—it’s a tent that fits over baby’s crib. One parent said, “The SlumberPod is so useful to help my baby sleep. We have no blackout curtains at home.” Whether at home or on the go, room-darkening tools were frequently mentioned as game-changers.

An Easy Access Travel Crib

Whether for room sharing or visiting family, an easy-to-set-up travel crib gave parents peace of mind (and babies a familiar, cozy sleep space). Bonus: travel cribs and playard with a zip down side mean you can easily nurse baby to sleep and ninja roll away) without having to transfer them and risk a wake up. One Babylist parent raved, “No moving sleeping baby!”

Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib & Play Yard.

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More Sleep Wins From Babylist Parents

Because sometimes it’s the weird little thing that makes all the difference, here are a few call outs that caught our attention:

  • “Spotify on my laptop.” Sometimes the best white noise is your own playlist.

  • “Glider chair.” Because rocking still wins—even when the gadgets don't.

  • “Heating pad to warm up the mattress before transferring.” One parent’s genius hack for making the crib feel less...cold and empty. Just be sure to remove the pad before laying baby in there.

  • “Playskool Glow Worm.” Old-school sleep buddy still going strong.

How To Get the Most of Out of Your Sleep Products

Whether you're using one or many of the products mentioned above, the biggest tip from parents is that no product is a magic fix on its own. But used the right way (and at the right time) these tools can support better sleep for both you and your baby.

Sleep Products Poll Results Chart.

No matter what sleep products you’ve got in your toolbox, here’s how to make the most of them:

Use Products With a Routine, Not Instead of One

Consistency is key. Products like sound machines and swaddles work best when they’re part of a predictable, repeatable routine—not a last-minute fix when baby is already overtired.

Create Sleep Cues

Think: sound machine → dim lights → story → sleep. Repeating the same steps helps your baby learn what comes next. The simpler and more consistent, the better.

Know When to Pivot

Once your baby rolls, it’s time to stop swaddling. If they outgrow the bassinet or start sitting up, transition to something safer. Every stage brings new needs, and staying ahead of those transitions helps keep sleep (relatively) smooth.

Follow Safe Sleep Guidelines

No matter what product you use, the foundation of safe sleep is the same: a firm, flat mattress, no loose bedding or bumpers and baby placed on their back to sleep. 

Budget Matters, and That’s Okay

Just because a sleep product is expensive doesn’t mean it will be a better fit for your family. In many cases, simple products used consistently end up making the biggest impact. Think about what actually works for your baby—and your budget.

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