You guys! The Twincesses got big girl bunk beds this past weekend! I can’t even believe it, they aren’t little babies anymore. Excuse me while I go cry myself a river….
Speaking of babies, my friend’s son is not sleeping well, so she asked me for some sleep suggestions, advice, or products that worked for The Twincesses when they were younger, and I thought I’d share them with you. So, here’s my list of 5 must-have products that help babies and toddlers sleep better.

1) Blackout curtains/blinds
This helps in teaching kids between day and night, especially in the summertime when it’s light out super early, and doesn’t get dark until very late. Since The Twincesses were born they’ve had blackout curtains in their room. We had super cute hot pink ones until the recent redecorating of their room, and now, they’ve got beautiful gold ones! The nice part is you can buy them almost anywhere!
2) White noise/music machine
Since the day we brought The Twincesses home we have ALWAYS played music and/or white noise for them when they were napping, or sleeping at night. It just isn’t realistic for my household to be quiet between the phone and doorbell ringing, the dog barking and the cleaning that has to be done, I needed my kids to be able to sleep, with noise. Because of this, I could through a party in my house while the girls are sleeping and it wouldn’t wake them. Plus, it’s of course comforting and soothing for them, especially when they’re young. The Twincesses loved vacuum and other static noises when they were itty bitty babies, supposedly it reminds babies of being in the womb. And once they were a few months old we played mostly baby tuned classical music.
3) Security blanket/toy -AKA “lovey”
This is any item that comforts and soothes your child. For Peyton it was her Glow Worm from Toys R Us, and for Aubrey it was (and still is) her baby blanket! Peyton still sleeps with a lovey, but it changes every day, mostly a stuffed animal or doll of some sort.
4) Nightlight
This is great for kids who are afraid of the dark, or for toddlers who are potty trained and need to get up at night to use the washroom.
5) DockATot
The DockATot is a game changer. This is an item I wish I had since the day The Twincesses were born! It has so many uses for both babies and toddlers DockATot has been designed to offer a safe, snug and soothing environment for babies. For parents who are co-sleeping or who travel a lot, the DockATot is a great way to keep baby both comfy and safe.




And for toddlers the The DockATot Grand helps ease the transition from crib to toddler or big kid bed. The built-in, air-permeable bumpers act as bed rails, and give little ones a snug sense of security in their newer, bigger beds.




Plus, it’s just comfy as a cloud to relax and lounge in, and good up to 40lbs! The Twincesses LOVE theirs and always bring it onto the couch to lay on when watching a show! I also love it for when friends who have babies are over, it’s a safe and clean place for their kids to lay, or do tummy time on!
What items were essential to your kids for nap and bedtime?
Samantha is a chronically tired & over caffeinated stay at home mom to adorable and energetic 3 year old Twincesses. Her favorite things in life (next to her family) are: under-eye concealer, The Backstreet Boys, finding a great sale, and baking.
She’s a hot mess mom who’s winging her life, motherhood, and especially her eyeliner, and she hopes that her writing can help others survive the #momlife. Follow along at www.raisingtwincesses.com