The Ultimate Dad’s Sleep Training Toolkit: 5 Things to Buy for a Successful Night

rkrienitz
Mar 19
3 min read

Making sure you are prepared for your sleep training journey is essential which is why you need a sleep training toolkit. 99% of it is understanding what to do, being aligned with your partner, and staying consistent, but having some of these products will also help aid you on your journey. We personally used a sleep sack, a baby monitor, blackout curtains, and a white noise machine. Informing yourself about each sleep training method is also best so you know which method aligns with you.

1. Read About the Different Sleep Training Methods

A book we were consistently recommended was Precious Little Sleep. It provides evidence-based strategies to help babies learn how to sleep independently. The book explores different sleep training methods—including gentle approaches, Ferber-style sleep training, and full extinction—while emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We ended up being as close as possible to Ferber-style sleep training, which just allows for increased intervals of check-ins. For example, on that first night when he was crying, we checked in at 3 minutes, 5 minutes, and then 10 minutes.

2. Get a Sleep Sack

We landed on the Woolino sleep sack. We were previously just using a blanket, which is NOT recommended, and ended up in search of a better solution. The sleep sack has become part of our bedtime routine from naps to nighttime and keeps our little guy warm and cozy without the worry of a loose blanket covering his face. It has a little pocket where you can put a pacifier if needed.

3. Invest in a Good Baby Monitor

We were lucky enough to be gifted the Nanit for our baby shower. While this is one of the more expensive options, it is one of our most used products. It helps us keep an eye on him during sleep training and also logs when he falls asleep and wakes up so we can capture that data to know when his wake windows and nap times are. It was especially helpful during those first few nights when he rolled over to sleep on his belly for the first time. We were able to keep a close watch on him to make sure he was safe and not in distress.

4. Invest in Blackout Curtains

We live in Los Angeles, and his room is south-facing, so having good blackout curtains was essential. We didn’t buy these specifically since we have older windows that require a top-down shade, so we landed on this roman shade. Either way, this helps keep his room super dark during naps so he can stay in that deep sleep.

5. White Noise Machines Are Your Friend

Investing in a good white noise machine, both portable and permanent, will help if you have any outside noise that may wake your baby up. The Hatch Baby Sleep Bundle has both of those items and will set you up for success. We personally just have the Hatch Rest Go, which is part of the bundle, and use our Nanit, which has a built-in speaker to play white noise. I will note that the Nanit’s speaker is not very good, so the bundle may be a better option if you need a night light in their room as well.

Sleep Training Toolkit - Conclusion

Sleep training can feel like an overwhelming journey, but having the right tools in your dad arsenal can make all the difference. While consistency, patience, and alignment with your partner are key, investing in products like a sleep sack, baby monitor, blackout curtains, and a white noise machine can help create a sleep-friendly environment that supports your little one’s rest. Pair these essentials with a well-researched sleep training method that works for your family, and you'll be setting the foundation for smoother nights ahead. Remember, every baby is different—stay flexible, trust the process, and before you know it, restful nights will become the norm.