When your baby can’t settle to sleep in the evening, we parents often find our nerves on edge. All that carrying, rocking and singing can really take its toll after a long day. Yet it’s perfectly normal for babies not to be able to drift off to sleep on their own at first. They first have to learn to wind down, and their little nervous system needs our loving support to do so.

💡 The best ways to help your baby fall asleep at a glance

• Make the most of the darkness: A darkened room promotes the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, helping your baby drift off more easily.
• Create a sense of security: Babies love boundaries. Swaddling or a cosy nest made from a nursing pillow mimics the snugness of the womb.
• Gentle movement: Light rocking or swaying in a cradle soothes the nervous system.
• Familiar sounds: A music box as part of a regular ritual signals to the brain that it’s time for bed.

The melatonin trick: Why darkness is so important

Our bodies are controlled by hormones, and one of the most important hormones for sleep is melatonin. It is produced in the brain as soon as it gets dark. Many parents leave the lights on for a long time in the evening or use bright night lights. This can mistakenly signal to the baby’s body that it is still daytime.

Our expert tip: Dim the lights in the living room an hour before bedtime. When you go into the bedroom with your baby, make sure the room is properly darkened. For nighttime nappy changes or breastfeeding, an extremely dim, ideally reddish light is sufficient, as blue light can inhibit melatonin production.

Acoustic and visual calm: music boxes and mobiles

Your baby’s brain loves repetition. If the same routine takes place every evening, their body will soon learn what happens next.

• Music boxes: The gentle, unchanging melody of a music box can be a wonderful cue. You can even place it on your bump whilst you’re pregnant so that, after birth, the sound is immediately associated with a sense of security.
• Mobiles: A soothing mobile above the cot or changing table helps babies focus their gaze and calm their minds. It’s best to choose calm colours and slow movements to avoid introducing additional stimulation.

The magic of boundaries: swaddling and the nursing pillow nest

Imagine you’ve been snuggled up warm and safe in your mum’s tummy for nine months. Suddenly, you’re lying in a huge, empty cot. For many babies, this can be unsettling. What’s more, the ‘Moro reflex’, which causes the little arms to flinch involuntarily, can often wake them up again and again.

• Swaddling: Swaddling involves wrapping your baby snugly but securely in a swaddle blanket. This provides support, calms the nervous system and reduces the startle reflex.
• The nursing pillow nest: If your baby doesn’t like being swaddled, you can create a lovely sense of security using a nursing pillow. Place the pillow in a U shape around your baby’s legs and lower torso. Make sure the head area remains clear at all times so that air can circulate properly.

Popular aids for peaceful nights

In our shop, you’ll find carefully selected items to make your evening routine easier. Feel free to browse our categories:

Cradles & Cots: Gentle rocking reminds babies of being in Mum’s tummy. A cradle can be particularly helpful on restless evenings, helping babies to wind down.

Music boxes & mobiles: Beautiful, soothing sounds and gentle visual stimuli for a relaxing bedtime routine.

Cosy children’s blankets: Breathable and toxin-free blankets that provide gentle warmth and a sense of security, ideal for the pram or as a cosy underlay.

Versatile nursing pillows: Not only invaluable during feeds, but also useful for creating a gentle, soothing barrier in a co-sleeper.

Frequently asked questions about getting babies to sleep

Am I spoiling my baby if I rock them to sleep?
The reassuring answer from real-life experience is no. You cannot spoil a baby in their first year of life with love, closeness and carrying. Your baby needs your support to regulate their emotions and calm down. Give them the closeness they seek. It helps build their basic sense of trust.

Are sleep aids such as ‘white noise’ useful?
For many babies, white noise can be very helpful. The sound of a hairdryer, rain or a special white noise app can remind babies of the constant sounds they heard in the womb. Just make sure the sound source isn’t too loud and isn’t placed directly next to your baby’s ear.

My baby falls asleep whilst breastfeeding but wakes up immediately when I put them down. What can I do?
That’s a common scenario. When you put your baby down, there is a sudden change in temperature, as the mattress is cooler than Mum’s arm, as well as a change in position.
Tip: Warm the cot slightly beforehand with a hot water bottle. Make sure to remove the hot water bottle before putting your baby in. Place your baby down feet and bottom first, followed by their head. This can help reduce the startle reflex.