The Must-Haves to Survive Baby’s First Sleepless Nights

LThe first nights with a newborn feel like stepping into uncharted territory. You think you’re ready — and then reality hits: it’s 2 a.m., your baby’s crying, and you’re fumbling in the dark, trying to improvise.

My wife and I chose to co-sleep with our daughter during the first few months — mostly for peace of mind and practicality. It helped us stay close while making night wakings more manageable.

The items I share below are all made for that kind of setup: shared room, frequent wake-ups, low-light needs, and tired parents who just want to make it through the night in one piece.

With my daughter, I quickly realized that having the right gear can make the difference between a disaster of a night… and one that’s actually okayish (we’re not aiming for full nights just yet!).

Here’s what I actually use every night — to get by with minimal damage.

🧸 Lighting: The Unsung Hero of the Night Shift

For a Calm Bedtime Vibe: SOLIDEE Bunny Night Light

When I’m putting my daughter to bed or sitting by her side while she drifts off, I need gentle lighting — something that won’t overstimulate her but still lets me see what I’m doing.

That’s where this adorable bunny night light comes in. It’s touch-sensitive, cute, and has two modes: a multicolor setting (you can freeze the color — red is great for nighttime) and a standard white light.
It’s soothing, not harsh, and flexible enough for different moments.

Bonus: it actually looks great in the nursery. Once your baby starts napping more during the day, you’ll appreciate having a light that’s both functional and decorative. We keep ours on the dresser or next to the crib.

The only downside? Battery life. It lasts about 10 hours, so I keep it plugged in just in case.

Link : Light Bunny SOLIDEE

For Late-Night Diaper Changes: Xiaomi Motion Sensor Night Light

Changing a diaper at 3 a.m. is never fun. Doing it under a bright light? Even worse.

This Xiaomi motion-sensor light changed the game. I installed it right above the changing table. It turns on automatically when I approach — no buttons, no blinding beams, and it shuts off on its own.

The best part? You can schedule when it activates (we set it for night only), and adjust brightness and color using the mobile app. You get the exact lighting you need without waking the whole house.

Simple, smart, essential.

Link: Xiaomi Motion-Activated Night Light 2

For Weekend Trips or Naps Away From Home: OLIGHT Perun 2 Mini

When we sleep over at friends’ houses or go away for the weekend, I needed a portable light — something compact, rechargeable, and reliable.

This OLIGHT Perun 2 Mini is a gem. It has a red light mode, lasts up to two full nights without charging, and gives off just enough light without disturbing sleep.

What I love most is the versatility: it clips anywhere (I’ve used a curtain), and it’s magnetic — I’ve stuck it to a radiator to softly light up the room all night long.

Just toss it in your bag and you’re ready for any nighttime adventure.

Link : Light OLIGHT Perun 2 Mini

🛏️ For Safe and Easy Sleep: Chicco Next2Me Essential Co-Sleeper

I wasn’t sure about co-sleeping at first, but I really wanted to keep our daughter close in the early weeks.
The Chicco Next2Me Essential turned out to be perfect — sturdy, easy to attach to the adult bed with straps, and fully adjustable.

We leave the side open toward our bed, which makes it super convenient: I can reach over to soothe her, hold her hand, or just check on her without even getting up.

Bonus: the mattress size is standard, so no need for fancy sheets. And the breathable mesh sides? A total stress reliever if your baby tends to scoot to the edge.

Feeding, soothing, or just snuggling — it’s all within reach.

Link : Cododo Chicco Next2Me Essential

🍼 For Night Feeds: HOBEA Nursing Pillow

Feeding in the middle of the night is hard enough. Doing it with back pain and tired wrists? Nope.

This German-made HOBEA nursing pillow made all the difference.
We had a budget one before — it flattened fast and didn’t give much support. But this one is firm (without being hard), molds to your body, and helps you relax while holding your baby securely.

I use it in bed or on the couch. My wife even uses it outside of feeds — sometimes we prop our daughter up on it while she’s sitting (always supervised, of course).

It’s well made, supportive, and genuinely useful all day long.

Link : Nursing Pillow HOBEA

❓Tired Dad FAQ (a.k.a. Things I Wish I Knew Earlier)

• Is red light really better at night?
  Yes. It helps you see without messing with your baby’s — or your own — internal clock.

• Is the SOLIDEE night light enough for breastfeeding?
  Yes for a calm setting — but if you want a bit more visibility, combine it with the OLIGHT.

• Does the Xiaomi light hold a charge?
  It runs on batteries and lasts several days depending on use. No thinking required — it just works.

• Is the Chicco co-sleeper compatible with all beds?
  It fits most setups, thanks to the adjustable straps. Just make sure your frame allows for side attachment.

• Can I use the HOBEA pillow for more than feeding?
  Absolutely. We use it to prop our daughter up for quiet play or to read with her.

Bottom Line: Don’t Try to Be a Hero

The first nights aren’t the time to “wing it.”
Every smart tool becomes a quiet ally in your survival mission.

With soft lighting, a safe sleep setup, and gear that actually supports you — you’ll claw back a few precious minutes of rest.

Hang in there — you’ve got this.