As you prepare for the arrival of your baby, it’s essential to think beyond the basics like packing your hospital bag and setting up the nursery. Here are three important areas to focus on that can enhance your transition into motherhood and support healthy sleep habits for baby.

1. Sleep Essentials for Your Baby

When your baby arrives, they’ll need a range of essentials, including your love and care. Here are some key items to consider specifically to help new babies sleep easier:

Sleeping Arrangements: For the first six months, your baby will likely sleep in the same room as you, so plan for a safe and comfortable sleep space. Explore sleep tools that can help you and your little one get quality rest. Check out Mummy Sleep Coach on Instagram for guidance on safe sleep practices.

Baby Essentials Basket: Keep a bedside basket stocked with essentials like nappies, wipes, clothes, a thermometer, and any other items you might need during those sleepy nighttime hours. I recommend adding calming scents, such as lavender essential oils, and a white noise machine to create a peaceful atmosphere that promotes sleep.

Sleep Must-Haves for Baby:

  • A designated sleep space for your baby (this is crucial even if you plan to co-sleep).
  • White noise to help mask disturbances and support restful sleep.
  • Blackout blinds to create a dark environment conducive to sleep, especially during daytime naps.
  • A variety of bedding options to accommodate different temperatures.
  • Ample clothing, preferably with zips for easier nighttime changes.
  • Muslins for quick clean-ups.

 

Incorporating Sheepy the Sleepytime Sheep into Your Bedtime Routine:

Sheepy the Sleepytime Sheep is a fantastic addition to any Muslim baby’s bedtime routine.

This soft and cuddly companion features soothing Nasheed songs recorded by renowned artist Zain Bhikha, specifically designed for winding down at night. The starry light projection adds a calming visual element to the bedtime atmosphere, while the seven sleepytime songs and comforting Duas for sleep, including Ayatul Kursi and more bedtime Duas to create a serene environment for your baby.

With various white noise and brown noise machine for babies – like “Sshhh,” “womb heartbeat,” and gentle rain sounds, Sheepy helps create a comforting soundscape that signals it’s time for sleep.  The timer and cry function, which automatically plays soothing sounds when your baby cries, further support a peaceful transition to sleep. Once your baby has fallen asleep, be sure to remove Sheepy from their sleeping area to minimise any risk of choking or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Alternatively, you can securely strap Sheepy to the outside of the cot using its Velcro strap to ensure it’s close enough for comfort without posing a risk.

 

Qur'an cot mobile Another great addition is The Desi Doll Company Cot Mobile is a soothing, educational accessory perfect for your baby’s sleep routine. Designed for babies with Islamic content, it plays gentle lullabies, including Ayatul Kursi and Surah Al-Fatiha, introducing faith-based teachings in both Arabic and English. Calming melodies and colorful hanging toys create a peaceful environment, helping babies relax and drift off to sleep.

This cot mobile is ideal for parents looking to blend cultural education with sleep-friendly features in their nursery. As a parent, I found the Desi Doll Company Cot Mobile to be a great addition to my little one’s cot, especially for bedtime. The calming recitations became a clear signal that it was time to wind down, and it quickly became part of our nightly routine. As soon as the mobile started playing, my baby knew it was time for bed, making the transition to sleep so much smoother. The soft melodies, combined with the gentle movement of the hanging toys, created the perfect atmosphere for a peaceful night’s rest.

 

Introducing a Soft Bedtime Routine to help baby sleep:

For newborns and young babies, establishing a soft bedtime routine can help signal it’s time to wind down for the night. This may include a gentle bath, a calming baby massage, dimming the lights, and reading a short story or singing a lullaby. Over time, these consistent actions help babies associate the routine with sleep, creating a peaceful transition to bedtime.

 

2. Sleep Essentials for New Muslim Mums

As a new mother, you’ll also need to prioritise your own wellbeing. Here are some suggestions:

  • Your Own Bedside Basket: Create a basket filled with your favourite snacks, drinks, pain relief, and self-care items like nipple pads or under-eye masks. Having everything you need close by will keep you energised during late-night feeds.
  • Meal Train: Coordinate with friends and family to set up a meal train, ensuring you have nutritious meals delivered during those busy early days. Additionally, stock your freezer with pre-prepared meals to simplify mealtimes.
  • ‘Gotta Go’ List: Consider making a list of household tasks that can wait or be delegated to others after the baby arrives. Whether it’s hiring a cleaner or minimising laundry days, think of ways to streamline your responsibilities to focus on your new baby.

3. Preparing Others for Your New Baby

Welcoming a new baby impacts everyone in your family. Here are some ways to ease the transition for those around you:

Communicate with Older Siblings: If you have other children, involve them in conversations throughout your pregnancy. Encourage connection time, like extended bedtimes, to help them adjust to the new family dynamic.

Set Boundaries with Family and Friends: Clearly communicate any expectations or boundaries regarding visits and social media posts about your baby before their arrival. This proactive approach helps alleviate potential stress later on.

Preparing for a new baby can feel overwhelming, but by focusing on both your baby’s needs and your own, you lay a solid foundation for a harmonious parenting journey. With the right tools and support, you can foster healthy sleep habits for baby and mum. Remember, incorporating Sheepy the Sleepytime Sheep into your bedtime routine will help create a soothing environment with dua’s and Quran for sleep, gentle nasheeds, and white noise. This routine can help signal to your little one that it’s time to relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep, encouraging healthy sleep habits for baby. Just be sure to remove Sheepy once your baby is asleep, or securely strap it to the outside of the cot to reduce any risks while still enjoying the benefits.

 

Written by:
Shanaz
Mummy Sleep Coach x

Hi, I’m Shanaz, founder of Mummy Sleep Coach, supporting families in London, the UAE, and beyond. As a mum who’s been through the sleepless nights, now expecting my second child, I understand just how tough it can be. My journey started when I successfully sleep-trained my son while pregnant, and that’s when I realised I wanted to help other families too. I empower parents worldwide with gentle, effective sleep strategies that create lasting change. My approach is compassionate, holistic, and tailored to your family’s unique needs. Let’s work together to turn sleepless nights into peaceful ones and help your family thrive!