6 Newborn Sleep Must-Haves Every Mom Should Know About

We’re living in a time where it feels like there’s a new “must-have” product every single day. And with social media—hello TikTok, Instagram, and all the mom influencers—it’s so easy to get sucked into the black hole of “Do I actually need this?”

I’ll be the first to admit it… I’ve totally been that person who buys what I see on TikTok 🙋‍♀️ (yes, the Tarte duo, that WOW spray, aaaall the things). But when it comes to baby sleep? That’s where I can actually help cut through the noise.

Because the truth is: you don’t need a million gadgets. What really makes a difference for newborn sleep comes down to a few simple basics—what I like to call the “newborn power tools.”

Here are the essentials I recommend to every new parent:

1. Sleep Sack or Swaddle Blanket

Newborn Power Tool 1! Babies sleep longer and better when they’re warm, cozy, and not startled awake by their little arms and legs (thanks to the startle reflex). A good swaddle or sleep sack can be a total game-changer.

2. White Noise Machine

Newborn Power Tool 2. White noise mimics the sounds of the womb, helping babies feel safe and calm. I recommend using it for both naps and nighttime—it’s one of the simplest and most effective tools.

3. Pacifier

Newborn Power Tool 3. Once your baby has a strong latch (if you’re breastfeeding), a pacifier can be a lifesaver. Babies naturally soothe by sucking, which is why many want to nurse to sleep. A pacifier helps meet that need—without you being the human pacifier 24/7.

4. Baby Carrier

Let’s be honest: contact naps are the thing in those early months. And while snuggling your baby on the couch is the sweetest, sometimes you want to get up and move (or just not feel nap-trapped). A good carrier means your baby gets their nap, and you still get to live life.

5. Wireless Night Light

Newborns don’t know the difference between day and night just yet (that usually clicks in around 12 weeks). Keeping nighttime calm and dark helps, and a soft wireless night light is perfect for feedings or diaper changes without waking your baby all the way up.

6. Baby Monitor

At some point, you’ll want to put your baby down safely and step away—maybe for dinner 🙌—while still keeping an eye on them. A baby monitor gives you peace of mind so you can breathe a little easier.

Bonus: A Checklist Just for You

I know how overwhelming those first weeks can feel, so I made a baby checklist with all my favorite must-haves to help you feel prepared (and a little less stressed).

👉 [Get the checklist here!]

And if you’re not in this season, send it to your pregnant friend—they’ll be forever grateful.