The ultimate guide to creating the ideal sleeping environment

A good sleeping environment plays a crucial role in a baby's sleep quality and contributes to his or her overall development. That is why it is important to tailor the sleeping environment as best as possible to the needs of your baby. In this article you can read why this is so essential and how you can design the ideal sleeping environment.

Every child is unique, and what works for one child may be different for another. As a mother of 4 children, I have experienced this myself. It is important to understand that each baby is an individual. As a parent you are constantly looking for your child's unique needs and wishes. There is therefore no universal approach, but we can provide you with a number of practical tips to guide you to the ideal sleeping environment for your baby.

Why a good sleeping environment is crucial

During sleep, your baby goes through different phases of development, which makes a quality night's sleep very important. Creating an optimal sleep environment can help with:

• Promote deep sleep. A well-designed sleep environment helps promote deep sleep stages, which is essential for the development of the baby's brain and immune system.
• Regulation of body temperature. The right temperature in the sleeping environment contributes to a comfortable and safe sleep for your baby. For example, overheating can increase the risk of cot death.
• Stimulation of the senses. By using soft colors and soothing sounds, the sleep environment can help create a calm and soothing atmosphere for your baby.

7 tips for an optimal sleeping environment

What can you do as a parent to tailor the nursery as best as possible to the needs of your little one? Pay attention to these 7 aspects..

1. Temperature

Keep the room at a comfortable temperature between 18 and 21 degrees as much as possible. Use thin, breathable layers for bedding and avoid excessive heating. If it does get warmer in the nursery, make sure you dress your child less warmly. Choose a light romper and a thin sheet. At Fedde&Kees we have consciously chosen products with a lowe TOG value. It is easier to add heat than to take heat away!

2. Lighting

Make sure it is dark in the baby room when your child is (almost) about to go to sleep. Dim the lights during the sleep ritual to stimulate the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Consider a nightlight with soft light to create a sense of security.

3. Acoustics

Newborn babies are very sensitive to stimuli and sounds. Therefore, make sure you have a baby room with as few stimuli as possible. Avoid loud noises that can disturb sleep. Consider your own voice, but also media such as radio and TV. Soothing white noise or soft music can actually have a calming effect on your baby.

4. Safe sleeping environment

Follow the guidelines for safe sleeping for babies: in their own bed, on their back, in a sleeping bag and without loose material in bed. Cuddly toys are great for the baby's room, but not in the bed. If your baby lands with his face against it, he may no longer be able to breathe properly. Of course, you want to prevent this at all times! It is possible to use a small cuddle cloth in bed. Such a small cloth has no filling and therefore poses much less risk.

5. Optimal layout

The placement of the bed has a major influence on your child's sleep. For example, try to keep the bed away from direct sunlight and drafts. Also ensure a structured and recognizable layout of the baby room to promote a sense of order and tranquility. As a parent it may seem fun to change the baby room sometimes, but it is nice for your baby if everything stays the same! Believe me, changing the room will happen when your child is a bit older.

6. Use of sleeping accessories

There are all kinds of accessories that can help your child sleep better. There are devices and apps that produce white noise, which calms your child. At Fedde&Kees we also have beautiful products that help babies sleep better. A small cuddle cloth above the head, for example, provides boundaries and a safe feeling. In addition, it is award-winning NUNKI sheet perfect to create the ideal conditions for sleep. It makes your baby feel safe, helps reduce stimuli and cannot become loose, keeping your baby safe and secure in bed all night long.

7. Bedtime ritual

Create a consistent sleep routine with calming activities such as a warm bath, a story, or soft music. This helps your baby understand that it is time to sleep. It doesn't really matter what kind of bedtime ritual you choose. It is especially important that you do everything in the same order every day so that your baby recognizes the routine. The aforementioned NUNKI sheet also contributes to a recognizable bedtime ritual, where your baby recognizes the same pattern every time - regardless of who puts the child to bed! To find out more about sleep rituals, also read:: 4 examples of a nice bedtime ritual for your baby

By optimizing the above aspects, you can create an ideal sleeping environment that contributes to the well-being and development of your baby. Remember, these tips serve as guidelines! It is always important to observe and adjust based on the needs of your unique child.

Love,

Frederieke