Blackout curtains/blinds - essential item, or Rod For Your Own Back?

[MammaSchwifty]

I'm setting up my 5.5 month old DD's room, ready for the transition from sleeping in our room as per SIDS guidance (next2me).

Just wondering whether blackouts are really a must-have, or if they just result in a child that can only sleep in a pitch black room.

For what it's worth, she is no 'unicorn baby' that sleeps like a dream. She has been having split nights and hourly (last night 30 minute) wakings and all sorts, despite her being able to self settle at the start of the night.

I think I've just answered my own question with the above paragraph, as obviously I want the best chance of a decent nights sleep possible right now... but I'm still interested in knowing your thoughts/experiences with this!

Yes, absolutely get them.

I have backout in DS’ room and also mine. I think it’s helpful.

I do take a travel one on holiday but that’s not a huge problem.

Yes definitely, you should try Wow Curtains their blackout lining is actually good quality compared to John Lewis'

Just get black outs. In the summer when it is still light after 9pm they are essential

Thanks for your replies - Do you use any kind of night light with the blackouts, or do you keep baby/child pitch dark all the time?

I’ve always had a nightlight, yes. I feel a bit disoriented if I have a completely dark room and early days it was needed during night wakings.

Yes to nightlight. Also that means they are used to sleeping in lighter rooms with consistent light. I also found that it meant that it was easier to recreate sleeping conditions when away from home. The same light means the same sleep environment etc.

Black out essential when you are trying to get a toddler to understand its bedtime at 8 when it's still sunny outside!

www.wilko.com/kids-lighting/wilko-plug-in-night-light-soft-white-glow/invt/0332947?nst=0&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3fvA9YHH2QIVbhHTCh0HEAemEAQYASABEgJBAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

These are great. Just the right amount of low level light.

By the way - sids advice isn't that you should move them at 6 Months. It's just that they shouldn't sleep in a separate room until that point. Just in case you misunderstood! Do consider keeping them in with you if you don't want to be traipsing across the landing every hour.

Some people swear by black out blinds, won't do any harm. Just get travel ones you can use when you go away, and a snoozeshade for your buggy.

That's what I meant amelie

You should really get some, it will be the best money you have ever spent. You don;t need to spend a lot, blinds are easy to fit and can be ordered online. I have blackout lined blinds and blackout lined curtains in every room. I think it helps you sleep when it is dark and that in turn develop a pattern of sleep which is really important. I have used blinds superstore for advice in the past they are really good.