How to Optimize Your Baby’s Nursery for Better Sleep

Creating the perfect sleep-friendly nursery isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about helping your baby get the rest they need. A well-designed sleep space can support your little one’s circadian rhythms, reduce night waking, and even lower the risk of sleep-related issues. Here are science-backed ways to transform your baby’s nursery into a dreamy sleep haven.

Keep it cool.

Babies sleep best in rooms that are cool (around 68–72°F), dark, and free from jarring noises. Plus, overheating is a known risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), so keeping the room at a comfortable temperature is a safe-sleep must, too!

Use blackout curtains.

If you’ve tried to snooze with daylight streaming through a window, then you won’t be surprised to read that consistently dark sleep environment helps babies sleep longer at night. In fact, research shows that babies sleeping in a non-dark room get about 30 minutes less sleep per night! Use blackout curtains or shades to block outside light and keep the nursery dim during nighttime sleep and naps.

Add sleep-friendly lighting.

Of course, a pitch-dark room isn’t always ideal either…but choose your light wisely!

Your baby’s biological clock (or circadian rhythm) is sensitive to light. Bright artificial light—especially blue light from screens—can suppress melatonin and disrupt sleep, even for babies. That’s why pediatric sleep experts recommend dim, warm-toned lighting in the nursery, especially in the evening.

Try a dimmable night light or a small lamp with a red or amber bulb for nighttime feedings. Avoid using overhead lights during middle-of-the-night diaper changes and keep light exposure low to help signal to your baby that it’s still time to sleep. (SNOObie’s nightlight gives parents a range of colors to choose from, including warm red and orange hues!)

Turn on white noise.

While silence might seem golden, babies are used to the whoosh of sounds in the womb! That’s why consistent white noise—like the gentle shushing of SNOObie or SNOObear—can be incredibly soothing and help mask disruptive background noise.

Choose a safe, smart crib setup.

More important that boosting ZZZs is making sure that your little one is sleeping safely. that means in a crib, bassinet, or play yard with a firm, flat mattress covered by a fitted sheet, free of pillows, loose bedding, or soft toys.

Smart bassinets, like SNOO, add an extra layer of safety and peace of mind by securing babies on their backs and automatically responding to fussing with calming motion and white noise. This can help babies (and parents!) sleep longer and more peacefully—while maintaining safe sleep practices.

Put your crib in the right spot.

Position the crib away from windows to avoid drafts, direct sunlight, and outside noise. This not only helps regulate temperature and light but also minimizes distractions that can wake your baby.

Clean up the clutter.

A tidy nursery isn't just easier on your eyes—it's safer for baby, too. Reducing clutter around the crib ensures nothing can accidentally fall in and compromise your baby's safe sleep space. Plus, keeping changing supplies, pajamas, and swaddles within easy reach makes bedtime routines smoother, which is important for building consistent sleep cues.

Design for daytime sleep, too.

Babies nap often in the first year, and short daytime sleep helps consolidate nighttime rest. While blackout shades and white noise work wonders at night, they’re equally helpful for naps. Establishing a consistent nap spot—like the same crib or bassinet used at night—helps reinforce sleep associations. Regular nap routines and sleep environments improve overall sleep quality!

Stay flexible as your baby grows.

As your baby develops, their sleep needs and habits will shift. Having a nursery that can adapt—such as dimmable lights, adjustable white noise, or a convertible crib—will help you support your baby through these transitions.

Optimizing your baby’s nursery isn’t about fancy gadgets or Instagrammable aesthetics—it’s about creating a calm, safe, and consistent sleep environment. By sticking to science-backed practices and tuning in to your baby’s cues, you can help your little one get the sweet, restorative sleep they need to grow and thrive.

More on Baby Sleep Essentials:

• What to Look for in a Nightlight
• What to Look for in a White Noise Machine
• Your Guide to Peaceful Room-Sharing With Baby
• Daytime Habits for Better Nighttime Sleep
  

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REFERENCES

• American Academy of Pediatrics: A Parent’s Guide to Safe Sleep
• Parents’ Experiences of Using a Baby Box, BMC Health Services Research, August 2022
• Sleep Duration and Bedtime in Early Childhood Predict Academic Achievement, Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2023
• National Institute of General Medical Sciences: Circadian Rhythms 

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.