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Sleep Gear
Sleeping and feeding—they're the two biggest obsessions for a new mom and they never really go away. Especially the sleep part. To help get your newborns/babies/toddlers sleeping soundly, here are a few picks for How to Get Your Kids to Sleep Through the Night.
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Yippee! Sheets
If you've ever found yourself late at night, bleary eyed, changing sheets that have been soaked through thanks to a leaking diaper, pull up or post-potty training night-time accident, you'll know that these re-useable, well constructed, washable (even stylish!) sheets are the extra peace of mind you've been looking for. When there is an accident, simply pull off, throw in the washer and reuse over and over.
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Grobag® Baby Sleep Bag
Sometimes you're hot. Sometimes you're not. Sleep cycles can be instantly impacted by feeling too warm or too cool, so zip them up in a sleep sack that offers a range of warmth ratings to help your little one slumber successfully.
Good to Know: Manufacturers often provide a TOG rating which identifies the warmth of the material. The higher the rating, the warmer the sleep sack. So if your babe heats up easily, choose a product with a lower TOG rating and they won't wake up from being too warm.
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Polar Bear Night
Reading is our favourite part of the evening program, and one of our favourite books is full of beautiful and serene (maybe even sleep-inducing?) illustrations. It tells the story of a polar bear out for a moonlit walk.
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Gro-clock
No wonder as parents we constantly obsess about sleep. We finally earn our way to seeing the kids sleep through the night (if we're lucky) only to face the dreaded way-too-early-in-the-morning wake-up stage. Toddlers can't tell time, but they know the difference between the sun and the moon, which, thanks to this clock, lets them know when it is time to get up.
Good to Know: When it comes to your average night light, look for ones with a bluish tone as they offer less stimulation than yellow or brighter lights.
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Jasper Crib Sheet
Snug fitting sheets that also feel soft are sound choices for creating a sleep-inducing environment. Try a set from OM home that offers beauty and organic breathability for your babe.
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Nighty Night! HD
Since there's no stopping progress, use a little technology to set the tone, and bring home the message that it's time for lights out. Kids ages 1 to 5 help put all the appealingly illustrated animals to bed in this good night-themed app, while melodic lullaby music plays in the background.
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Ergopouch Ergo Cocoon
Wrap them up in a snug swaddle that still allows for a little breathing room, and the option (for those babes that eventually need/demand it) for a little arm extension. Even better, the Ergopouch transitions into a sleep sack when they are ready.
Good to Know: For a great guide on how to properly swaddle, click here.
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Natural Calm Canada's Magnesium Citrate –
Sweet Lemon Flavour
Drink Calm and carry on. This one's for you, not your babe. While water is the best beverage for our bodies, at the end of a long day the all-natural magnesium-rich ingredients in Calm seem to keep us—well, calm.
Good to Know: This is a great way to get you in the mood…for sleep…at night, but check with your doctor if breastfeeding before buying.
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MARPAC SleepMate Dohm DS Dual Speed Electromechanical White Noise Machine/ Sound Machine
A creak, a bark, a sneeze and the sound of a soft breeze—normal noises can be enemy number one when you are trying to lull (and keep) your little one to sleep. Try a well-reviewed white noise machine to gently cover the sounds that cut into the silence of their nursery or bedroom.
Good to Know: Look for models that allow for timed shut-off if you don't want the sound to run all night
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Redi Shade/Blackout Redishade
We know you can fall asleep anywhere at the drop of a hat these days, but kids need more coverage when it comes to cutting out light sources, especially as the spring and summer days get longer. Cover the clear glass windows with blackout shades and you may just earn a few extra minutes (dare we say, hours?) of shut eye.
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no-compromiseâ„¢
Organic Cotton Classic
Baby Crib & Toddler Mattress
Hush little baby don't say a word, mama's going to buy you a well-constructed, soft, organic, waterproof mattress with a built-in dust-and-mite-repellent cover. OK, so it doesn't rhyme as well as the classic lullaby, but we guarantee you'll be singing a happy tune knowing your babe is comfortable and well supported come sleep time.
Good to Know: Select a mattress made without wool or latex as these can be high-allergy materials.
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Druide Baby Calming Bath Potion
Parents like routines. So do babes, toddlers and kids. Add a soothing, all-natural liquid to the nighttime habit of a warm bath. Made with wild mango and hibiscus flowers, it is said that the aroma of essential oils, like the ones in this bath oil, can ease a baby's agitation.
Good to Know: A gentle post-bath massage is great bonding time with your baby, and helps them get used to a set nighttime routine.
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White Single Pole & 3-Way Dimmer Switch for CFL and LED Light Bulbs
You're not dim, you're tired. Add an accessory to those bright overhead lights to allow soft lighting to set the mood—in the nursery. After snuggles and books, lowering the light can send the message that the day is done (or nap time is starting).
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The Happiest Baby on the Block
White noise machines are known to work but if you prefer something that can travel with you in the car and beyond, try one with soft sound melodies. While we're skeptical of the manufacturer's claim that it'll entice kids to sleep one to three hours longer, we'll agree that gentle sounds can often soothe a fussy baby.