When my little one first arrived, I quickly learned that where they sleep is just as important as how much they sleep. So, I’m here to share what I’ve picked up along the way, from those early days in the Moses basket to the big move into their room!

The Cozy Moses Basket Phase.
The Moses basket. It’s like the cutest little bed ever, right? Those early weeks (or months) are all about keeping things snug and secure. Babies are used to being all curled up in our tummies, so a small, cozy space like a Moses basket can help them feel safe. We used the bassinet part of our buggy; The Bugaboo Fox 5 offers a fantastic snug space which helped our baby feel safe in the very early days.

Tips for a Better Moses Basket Sleep:

• Keep it Simple: Don’t overdo it with blankets or toys. A firm mattress with a fitted sheet is all they need. Safety first!
• Location, Location, Location: We kept the Moses basket right next to our bed. Bugaboo offer a stand in which the bassinet part of the pram fits securely and is the perfect height. This made nighttime feeds and checks easy. Plus, being close enough to sense and smell can help your baby feel more secure.
• Dark and Quiet: Even in the early days, it helps to have a calm environment. We used blackout curtains and a white noise machine to create a soothing atmosphere.

Moving to the “Next to Me” Crib
When your baby outgrows the Moses basket (or if you just want them to have a bit more space), a “next to me” crib is the next step. We loved the SnuzPod4, with its ability to rock and soothe a stirring baby and slight (optional) incline to help with baby reflux/Colic. This was a lifesaver for us! It gave our little one more room to stretch out but still kept them close enough for those middle-of-the-night cuddles.

Tips for a Better “Next to Me” Crib Sleep:

• Consistency is Key: Try to establish a bedtime routine. It could be a warm bath, a little massage, and then into the crib. Doing the same thing every night helps your baby know it’s time to sleep.
• Temperature Control: Babies sleep best in a coolish room, around 16-20°C (60-68°F). We invested in a room thermometer to keep tabs on this. A sleep sack can also help keep them cozy without the need for loose blankets.
• Familiar Scents: This might sound weird, but having something that smells like you (like a worn t-shirt tucked nearby) can be comforting for your baby. Just make sure it’s placed safely away from their face.

The Big Move: Baby’s Own Room and Cot
This is a big step for both you and your baby. Moving them into their room and cot can feel a bit daunting, but it’s also a sign they’re growing up. The key here is to make their new sleep environment as comfortable and familiar as possible.

Tips for a Better Sleep in Their Room:

• Familiar Surroundings: If possible, start by letting your baby take naps in their new room before making the full transition. This way, it’s not unfamiliar when they’re in there overnight.
• The Right Cot Setup: Again, keep it simple. A firm mattress, fitted sheet, and nothing else in the cot is the safest way to go. We kept our baby’s favorite sleep sack in the mix to keep some consistency from the “next to me” crib days.
• Nighttime Comfort: We continued using a white noise machine, and I also found that a dim nightlight helped both of us feel better about the move. No one likes stumbling around in the dark, right?
• Monitor Magic: A good baby monitor gives you peace of mind. You can check on your little one without running in at every sound. It helped me relax, knowing I could hear or see them whenever I needed to.

Co-Sleeping: A Quick Note
If you’re considering co-sleeping, it’s essential to do so safely. Co-sleeping can be a comforting option for both baby and parents and poses many benefits, but be sure to follow your healthcare guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS and ensure your baby’s safety.

Sometimes, even when everything is perfect, your baby might still wake up. That’s okay! It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong…
Try to be patient, and don’t be afraid to mix things if they’re not working. Maybe your baby likes a bedtime story before bed or maybe they need a slightly different bedtime. You’ll find what works best for your family.
Wherever your baby is sleeping at the moment, the key is creating a sleep environment that’s safe, cozy, and consistent. You’ve got this, and before you know it, you might just be getting a full night’s sleep!

What works for one baby, may not work for another baby, but this is what worked for us!

Through Baby & You Nurture, I support parents in navigating these early years with compassion and understanding.

Because parenting is hard enough without feeling like you’re doing it wrong.

Support for Parents in the Early Years

The early years of parenting can bring huge joy, but also uncertainty and emotional overwhelm.

Through Baby & You Nurture, I offer therapeutic coaching and emotional support for parents during pregnancy and the first three years of their child’s life.

My approach combines:

• Pesso Boyden (PBSP) therapy principles
• NLP coaching
• My own experience navigating life as a first-time mum

Because when parents feel supported, babies feel safe too.