Must-have items for better sleep, hygiene, and play.
White noise machine
Moms often say "shhh" to help babies sleep, and it works! White noise machines use the same idea, making sounds like wind or rain [1]. Pediatrician Harvey Karp believes it mimics womb sounds, helping babies sleep better, though this hasn't been scientifically proven [2].
However, studies do show that white noise helps restless babies fall asleep faster [3]. Just make sure to place the machine at least five feet away from the crib, as some can be louder than the recommended 50 decibels [4].
Smart night light
Because it mimics sunset and dawn, a smart night light can help your baby sleep better by setting their biological clock. From the start, babies often have trouble telling the difference between day and night. Over time, they learn that darkness means bedtime, encouraging melatonin production for better sleep [5]. For a better effect, use blackout curtains.
Baby nail trimmer
Baby nails grow quickly and can be sharp, posing a risk of scratches. Traditional nail scissors aren’t ideal for tiny fingers. Instead, use a baby nail trimmer, which safely shortens nails without the risk of injury.
Cosmetic cream spatula
Applying diaper cream can get pretty messy. A cosmetic cream spatula lets you put on the cream without getting it all over your hands. It's cleaner, easier, and way more convenient.
Unbreakable mirror
By two or three months, babies love reaching for things, and a mirror will totally captivate them. They don’t get reflections yet, but they enjoy seeing and interacting with their mirrored self. If they smile, the "baby" in the mirror smiles back. They start to realize they can control what (or who) is on the other side of the mirror, which is so much fun for them [7].
Photo: shutterstock
