Mamas! When it comes to sleep and our babies (and the best sleep aids for baby), we could all use an extra pinch of sleepy dust, am I right?

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When I first brought home Peanut, Nugget was 15 months old and still nursing.

I quickly discovered that the best sleep aid was tandem nursing. Or just nursing in general.

It was my #1 secret weapon. (Intrigued? Read more about how to tandem nurse like a boss.) As a new mom of two under two, having both babies fall asleep at the breast felt like I had won a gold medal. In fact, it still does! Yay, breastmilk!

My absolute favorite thing in the world, though, is to snuggle and hold Nugget and Peanut to sleep. In fact, I do this as often as I can.

Best sleep aid #2 – mama’s or dada’s arms.

There is nothing sweeter than holding your sleeping baby in your arms.

After Hubs went back to work, I struggled with the logistics of putting a toddler and a baby down for a nap simultaneously.

When tandem nursing didn’t work, this was an absolute lifesaver (best sleep aid #3)

Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle ‘n Swing

It swings either side to side or back and forth, depending on the setting you choose. It plays a variety of sounds/songs and has a cute mobile that can spin or remain stationary. I would put Peanut in the swing while I tended to Nugget. Once Nugget fell asleep, I would take Peanut out of the swing and either nurse her or put her in bed already asleep, thanks to the swing.

I discovered early on that both of my babies love motion.

Even before Peanut entered the scene, Nugget was a huge fan of the yoga ball. Somehow, the straight up and down bouncing motion is hypnotic and soothing to her. She knocks out almost every time on this! Best sleep aid #4:

DYNAPRO Exercise Ball

Of course, no sleep aid is foolproof 100% of the time. For times when walking/pacing is absolutely necessary, babywearing is the way to go. I love the wrap for when baby is itty bitty and the SSC (soft structured carrier) for when they are past the newborn stage (though both work for either stage). Best sleep aid #5:

 

Boba Baby Wrap Carrier

Lillebaby The Complete Airflow 360° Ergonomic Six-Position Baby & Child Carrier, Silver

Sometimes, a little background noise helps.

Kind of like having the TV on but less distracting! Best sleep aid #6:

 

Marpac Dohm Classic White Noise Sound Machine, White

 

Wrap it up!

Swaddling is not recommended if you bed share (which we do, so we don’t swaddle). (Read more about my accidental journey into bed sharing.) I have friends who swear by swaddling, especially in the early days! (Just be careful of baby’s hips.) This is the one my friends swear by. Best sleep aid #7:

Halo Sleepsack 100% Cotton Wearable Blanket, Heather Gray, Medium 

 

Remember, Mamas, the days (nights?!) are long but the years are short. With the help of some of these aids, hopefully, you and your littles are well on your way to some good sleep!

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Wishing you lots of sleepy dust,

sleeping babybaby asleep on mom's shoulder

 

Best Sleep Aids for Baby