Baby Sleep Aids: Do They Work and Should You Use Them?

Getting your baby to sleep through the night, especially in their early stages of life, can be extremely challenging. It’s understandable why parents look to sleep aids for a possible resolution so that everyone can be a little more at peace. However, do sleep aids really work? What are your options when it comes to sleep aids and are they safe for your baby? In this article we are going to take a closer look into whether or not a sleep aid is something you should add to your family and what options you have.

Sleep Machines

You may have heard of baby sound machines or sleep soothers. Typically, these are machines that make a white noise sound in order to help them fall asleep. It may seem counteractive, but creating noise in the room can actually bring comfort to your baby because it will remind them of being in the womb. Being in the womb is a very noisy experience for babies and that’s what infants are initially used to. These machines can also be helpful in getting your baby continually used to the idea of sleeping with background noise. If you’re an on-the-go family, building this skill will be a life saver when it’s naptime for your little one. Sound machines are known to be one of the most effective sleeping aids. However, every baby is different. Your baby may not like white noise and/or may become too dependent on the sound machines. Every device has its risks. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics , using this machine risks hearing damage and problems with speech development and language. In order to keep your child as safe as possible during use, keep the device at least seven feet away from them and the volume at a very low level to avoid the possibility of hearing damage.

Sleep Supplements

Giving your baby some type of supplement at such an early age can seem unsafe or scary especially for first time parents. So, are sleep supplements safe for your baby? Well, honestly it depends on the supplement and the circumstances of your child. One of the most common sleep supplements known to the general population is melatonin. Melatonin is actually a hormone that humans produce on their own naturally, but taking it as a supplement can help with falling asleep at a faster rate. Melatonin has been known to be helpful for children that have sleeping disorders such as insomnia or ADHD. However, when it comes to using this on children, it’s generally not recommended and you should always consult a pediatrician before using it on your child. Studies have shown that it can be effective for short-term use but the long-term effects are still unknown so this shouldn’t be considered for a permanent solution.

There are other supplements options that may be perceived as more gentle and safer for children but it’s important to really do your research on what ingredients are put in these products before giving them to your baby and remember that no supplement should be used as a long-term solution.

What are my other product options?

There isn’t a sleeping aid out there that is guaranteed to work. Each baby has their one unique sleeping pattern and it can’t always be corrected by a specific product. There are a lot of options out there but ultimately you have to decide what you think is best for your baby. Some other options that are on the market right now for sleep aids include:

• Audiobooks for Sleeping
• Scent Machines
• Sleep Patches
• Essential Oils

How we can help

Sleep aids are a plausible option to help out your little one but they leave room for dependency and don’t completely solve your problem. A more natural approach to help your baby sleep is a better approach if you’re looking for permanent long-term solutions and that’s why sleep consultants are a great option. Sleep consultants are infant and toddler sleep specialists that can provide the support and encouragement needed to help families get their nights back to normal through remote or in-home sleep training. Sleep Shop is staffed with multiple well certified sleep consultants. We have made it our mission to spare as many families from the stress of staying up all night by sharing our tried and true techniques honed through study as well as years of personal experience. We tailor our techniques to each individual family’s unique parenting style and goals so that we can restore your peace of mind and guarantee you long-lasting results. The first few months of parenthood should be an enjoyable experience for mothers and fathers. We want to make sure that happens for you!