If you're like me, you've searched on Pinterest or Amazon for 'Baby registry ideas' and the lists that pop up seem endless.
So here's my quick '5 Baby things that I wouldn't buy' as a sleep consultant.
1) The Snoo
I want to be careful here, as the creator of the Snoo has a great sleep book and information out there that I love!
But the issue I have with the Snoo is that #1- It's a very expensive bassinet and #2- You can work on your baby's sleep from the beginning, and not rely on things like this.
It's a whopping $1695.00.
My fee is a fraction of this and I teach you how to get your baby to sleep (aka SKILLS) vs. a baby gadget.
Now, you can rent the Snoo, and maybe for some families, that's a great option.
But for me, I wouldn't spend that kind of money on a bassinet.
2) A crib, toddler bed and then move to a twin bed
If you buy a crib that transitions to a toddler bed, great!
But I wouldn't purchase a toddler bed if my crib didn't do that.
I'd skip to a twin-sized bed as it's versatile and will be a longer-term investment.
3) Sleep Patches/Stickers
I've seen a wide range of advertisements for products like this and when it comes to kids, MANY drugs aren't tested and if they are, not properly.
If your child is having sleep troubles, behavior interventions are by far the gold standard for good sleep.
Then beyond that, have a chat with your pediatrician.
Please don't buy sleep patches off of Instagram or Facebook for your child without first talking to your doctor.
4) Sound machines that have a light show that you can't turn off
Blue light has been researched extensively on its effects on our brains and how it interrupts our sleep.
Most of the baby sound machines that have a 'light show' use blue light.
If you are wanting to purchase one of these, make sure the function turns off and use it at other times, and not around sleep.
P.s. My favorite sound machine is $20, is durable and has worked for years, so don't feel like this needs to be a pricey item.
5) Buying many sleep sacks in the hopes that it fixes your baby's sleep
I can't tell you how many parents I've talked to who have a sleep sack 'graveyard'.
A swaddle and sleep sack can indeed help your baby sleep well, absolutely.
But if you find yourself purchasing several in the hopes that it will magically fix your baby's sleep, you're probably wasting your money.
My favorite swaddle and sleep sacks are from Halo and they are very affordable!
What would you add to this list?
Anything you bought that wasn't what you hoped?
If your baby isn't sleeping well, no matter the swaddle or sound machine, let's talk!
I help parents like you every day to get their babies to sleep well.
Most parents see massive improvement with night sleep within a week, a week!
Here for you,
Melody Patton