Sleep & Settling

Better Sleep Starts Here: 12 of the Best Sleep Products for a Peaceful Night’s Sleep

Let’s just get this out of the way: nobody in this house is sleeping enough. Not the baby. Not the five-year-old who’s suddenly “not tired” at 9pm. And definitely not you.

Maybe it’s a growth spurt. Maybe it’s a toddler who’s taken up a new career as a professional bedtime negotiator. Or maybe it’s you, wide awake at 2am, mentally reorganising the pantry while everyone else snores like a freight train. Whatever it is, one decent night’s sleep can turn tomorrow from a write-off into something you can actually handle.

Because let’s be real, tired people are not nice people. We’re snappy, foggy and eyeing off bedtime before the breakfast dishes are done. And for kids, sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s when they grow, learn and recharge those little batteries (so they can drain yours all over again tomorrow).

Good news though. You don’t need a total bedtime overhaul. Sometimes you just need better gear. So we’ve rounded up the best sleep products for babies, kids and the knackered grown-ups running the show.

Good sleep can help with (spoiler: basically everything):

  • Better moods
  • Focus and concentration
  • Learning and memory
  • Healthy growth and development
  • Energy levels
  • Physical and mental wellbeing

Which Sleep Aid Is Right for You?

Walk into any baby store and you’ll be hit with a wall of sleep products, all swearing they’ll fix bedtime forever. Spoiler: they won’t all. So here’s your cheat sheet.

Newborn who loves being wrapped up like a tiny burrito? Swaddle. Want them toasty without the wrapping? Sleep sack. Need them close enough to reach at 3am without leaving your bed? Bassinet, every time.

As they grow, the gear changes. A toddler pillow is for little ones who are at least 2 and developmentally ready (not a day before). And waterproof bedding? That’s for the spills, leaks and “Mummy, I had an accident” moments that only ever happen in the dead of night.

And Mum and Dad, this list is for you too. An eye mask for when the sun crashes your nap. Earplugs for when your partner starts sawing logs. And a proper pillow, because your bed should feel like a treat, not a punishment.

Throw in a sound machine for soothing background noise (handy for babies and adults) and a nursery thermometer so you’re not playing TOG roulette every night, and you’re sorted.


Better Sleep Starts Here. 12 of the Best Sleep Products to Deliver a Peaceful Night’s Sleep

Tweetycam Baby Monitor

RRP: $259
WHERE TO BUY: Tweetycam
PERFECT FOR: Parents who want eyes on baby without the WiFi drama

Tweetycam Baby Monitor
Source: Supplied

Nothing says “welcome to parenthood” quite like your baby monitor app deciding to update at 2am. Tweetycam said thanks but no thanks to WiFi, so there’s no app, no internet connection and no fiddly setup. Plug it in. Switch it on. Done. Exactly the amount of effort you can manage on four hours’ sleep.

The 5-inch HD screen and night vision let you check on bub in the pitch black, and backlit buttons mean no more jabbing blindly at the monitor. Privacy nerds, rejoice: it runs on an encrypted connection with no cloud involved.

Australian-owned Tweetycam was built by parents, for parents, and more than 80,000 families across Australia and New Zealand are on board. It’s also nabbed ProductReview.com.au’s Best Baby Monitor award three years running, with more than 1,500 verified reviews, a 4.9-star average and 99% positive feedback. Three years in a row? That’s not luck, that’s a pattern.

mum central


Sleep Like Goldilocks Sleepwear Guide, Night Light & Nursery Thermometer

RRP: From $24.95 | Goldilocks device $169.95 | Bundles from $189.95
WHERE TO BUY: Sleep Like Goldilocks
PERFECT FOR: Parents who check the nursery temperature five times before bedtime

Sleep Like Goldilocks Night Light Thermometer
Source: Supplied

Too hot? Too cold? Extra layer? One less? If you’ve ever stood over the cot at 11pm Googling TOG charts like your life depends on it, hi, we see you.

Melbourne parents Andrew and Lana created Sleep Like Goldilocks to end that guessing game. It shows you the room temperature AND which TOG rated sleepwear to use, right there on the screen. No maths. No panic.

Here’s the really clever bit. The overnight prediction feature looks at how your nursery holds heat, combines it with the local forecast and predicts the temperature at 3am. It’s basically a weather forecaster for your baby’s bedroom. And it works with any sleeping bag, so you’re dressing bub for the night ahead, not just the next five minutes.

There’s a colour changing night light too, so you can check the room without flicking on the big light and undoing an hour of settling. It’s got a 4.9 star rating from 251 reviews, more than 20,000 Aussie families trust it, and you get a 100-night trial, three-year warranty and Australian based support.

MUM CENTRAL SPECIAL OFFER
OFFER: 10% OFF SITEWIDE
CODE: MUMCENTRAL10
EXPIRY: 31 DECEMBER 2026  

mum central


Babybee POD2 Bassinet + Bedside Sleeper

RRP: $399.99
WHERE TO BUY: Babybee Online
PERFECT FOR: Parents who want their little one close by for those middle of the night wake ups

Babybee Pod2 Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper
Source: Supplied

Newborn nights are hard enough without a hallway commute every two hours. The Babybee POD2 Bedside Sleeper works as both a bedside sleeper and stand-alone bassinet, keeping your baby close for overnight feeds, settling and those inevitable 2 am check-ins. Your slippers can take the year off.

Designed for newborn up to 9kg, the POD2 features a drop-down bedside panel and adjustable height settings to help it sit comfortably alongside your bed. Full mesh sides provide airflow and clear visibility of your baby, while the POD2 is designed and tested to meet Australia’s current infant sleep product safety standards.

Parents seem to agree: the POD2 was named Best Cot + Co-Sleeper in the Mum Central Awards in both 2025 and 2026. Designed by Australian baby brand Babybee with input from local parents, the POD2 also packs in the practical details you’ll appreciate at 3 am: a generous storage basket for nappies and wipes, removable washable fabrics, and an organic cotton fitted sheet and waterproof mattress protector included. Optional lockable wheels make it easy to move between rooms, too.

fFor parents looking for a bedside sleeper or newborn bassinet that combines safe sleep, visibility, storage and everyday practicality, the POD2 earns its place as a newborn must-have.

mum central


Milk&Bed Organic Cotton Waterproof Bedding

RRP: $69.99
WHERE TO BUY: Milk&Bed
PERFECT FOR: Parents who are over midnight sheet changes

Milk&Bed Organic Cotton Waterproof Bedding
Source: Supplied

Picture it. Midnight. Wet sheets. A sobbing toddler on your hip. You, trying to wrestle a fitted sheet onto a mattress one-handed. Never again, thanks.

Milk&Bed makes waterproof bedding that actually feels like normal cotton sheets, not a crinkly hospital mattress. The organic cotton surface is soft to sleep on, with a sneaky TPU waterproof layer underneath, so when disaster strikes you just whip off the sheet and go back to bed. Mattress saved. Sanity saved.

The range covers bassinets, cots, toddler beds and adult beds, with waterproof fitted sheets, quilt covers and pillowcases. Handy, because let’s be honest, the accidents don’t stop at the cot. (Spilled milk in the big bed at 6am, anyone?)

Every Milk&Bed product is made with GOTS certified organic cotton and is Oeko-Tex certified and tested for harmful substances. Leaks, spills and “whoopsies”, handled.

MUM CENTRAL SPECIAL OFFER
OFFER: 20% OFF ALL ORDERS
CODE: SLEEP20
EXPIRY: 25 DECEMBER 2026

mum central


Welcare Sleep-Tight Sleep Sound Machine

RRP: $104.95
WHERE TO BUY: Welcare
PERFECT FOR:  Babies who want Mum on tap, even when Mum really needs to put them down

Welcare Sleep Tight Sound Machine
Source: Supplied

Settling a newborn is one part skill, one part science and about eight parts sheer luck. The Welcare Sleep-Tight stacks the odds in your favour by recording and playing Mum’s own heartbeat using Heart Sure Technology. That’s the soundtrack baby listened to for nine months in the womb. Pretty clever, right? You can also choose relaxing sounds and lullabies for bedtime.

It’s portable, so it can tag along on holidays, sleepovers at Nan’s or anywhere bub needs to settle somewhere new. Set it for 15, 30 or 60 minutes, or leave it running, with seven volume levels including mute. The hanging strap means it goes wherever you need it.

It runs on three AA batteries and has a low battery indicator, so there’s no surprise silence at 1am (the worst possible plot twist). Plus there’s a 12-month standard warranty for peace of mind.

MUM CENTRAL SPECIAL OFFER
OFFER: SAVE OVER $130+ ON THE WELCARE BABY BUNDLE
PRICE: $189.95
CODE: NOT REQUIRED
EXPIRY: NONE

mum central


ergoPouch 2.5 TOG Cocoon Swaddle Bag

RRP: $64.95
WHERE TO BUY: ergoPouch
PERFECT FOR: Tiny Houdinis who bust out of every wrap

ergoPouch 2.5 TOG Cocoon Swaddle Bag
Source: Supplied

If you’ve ever spent ten minutes perfecting a muslin wrap, only to find a rogue arm flailing free five minutes later, this one’s for you. The 2.5 TOG Cocoon Swaddle Bag is a zip up swaddle that keeps newborns warm and comfortably contained. It’s made from stretchy organic cotton for a snug fit, no origami degree required.

Even better, one swaddle works three ways: arms in, hands up or arms out. Shoulder studs make it easy to transition to arms out as baby’s startle reflex fades, so you’re not buying a whole new swaddle every time they hit a new stage.

The 2.5 TOG rating suits cooler sleeping conditions, with room to layer underneath. The zip makes 2am nappy changes quick, and the stretchy fabric lets baby move their legs comfortably. Houdini, contained.

mum central


Otifleks GoodSleep Earplugs

RRP: $12.95
WHERE TO BUY: Otifleks, Chemist Warehouse and all leading pharmacies
PERFECT FOR: Light sleepers who hear EVERYTHING (yes, even the dog licking itself)

Otifleks GoodSleep Earplugs
Source: Supplied

Sharing a bed with a snorer? A 5am gym junkie? A partner who breathes like a leaf blower? Good earplugs can change your whole night.

Otifleks GoodSleep Earplugs are made from a soft thermoactive material that warms up with your body heat to moulds to your ear, so you won’t feel them in when your head hits the pillow (even for side sleepers). They come in 4 sizes (S, M, L & XL), because one size fits all has never once fit all. The low profile design is great for side sleepers, and they’re designed to pop in and out easily for when you actually need to hear what’s going on.

They’re reusable for up to two years, wash with soap and water, and block noise with an SNR 30 rating. The little carry case means they can live on your bedside table or in your travel bag. At $12.95, it’s the cheapest marriage counselling you’ll ever buy.

mum central


ergoPouch Organic Toddler Pillow and Case

RRP: $44.95
WHERE TO BUY: ergoPouch
PERFECT FOR: That big kid bed milestone (cue the happy tears)

ergoPouch Organic Toddler Pillow & Case
Source: Supplied

Getting your first pillow is a Very Big Deal when you’re two. It’s also a bit of a big deal when you’re the parent who suddenly realises they’re not a baby anymore. Excuse us, we’ve got something in our eye.

The ergoPouch Organic Toddler Pillow has a low 3cm profile designed to support correct neck alignment during sleep, and it comes with a matching pillowcase, so it’s ready the moment your little one is.

The key thing? It’s made specifically for toddlers. None of this shoving an adult pillow into a tiny bed and crossing your fingers. The low profile fits neatly into your child’s existing bedding without taking over.

ergoPouch recommends introducing the pillow no younger than 2 years, once your child is developmentally ready. It can go into a cot set up as a toddler bed with one side off, or with the cot mattress on the floor.

mum central


Dreamlight Air Sleep Eye Mask

RRP: $34.95
WHERE TO BUY: Smart Wellness
PERFECT FOR: 
Napping while the sun has other plans

Dreamlight Air Sleep Eye Mask
Source: Supplied

“Sleep when the baby sleeps,” they said. Great advice, until the sun is blasting through the blinds like it’s got something to prove. The Dreamlight Air Sleep Eye Mask has a new 3D contour design that creates a fully enclosed space for total blackout. Take that, sunshine.

The super lightweight Airbag design sits around your eyes without pressing on your eyelids (goodbye, squished eyeball feeling), and the raised 3D eye cavity leaves room around the eyes. The soft strap is designed to minimise pressure points whether you sleep on your back or side, so you can stay under for longer.

When it’s been through a few hundred stolen naps, just chuck it in the wash. It’s machine washable, and the low profile packs easily for travel, whether that’s a weekend away, a long-haul flight or a night on the in-laws’ sofa bed.

mum central


Sleepsake Butterfly Pillow

RRP: $109.95
WHERE TO BUY: Sleepsake
PERFECT FOR: Side sleepers tired of waking up with a dead arm

Sleepsake Butterfly Pillow
Source: Supplied

You know that feeling when you wake up and your shoulder feels like it spent the night under a wheelie bin? Yeah, no. The Sleepsake Butterfly Pillow has deep shoulder cut outs on both sides, giving your shoulder and upper arm somewhere to tuck in while you sleep.

A central dip keeps your head supported, whether you’re a side sleeper, a back sleeper or a chronic flip-flopper. Turn it around to choose between two heights, and the memory foam stays soft and supportive without going flat like every other pillow you’ve ever loved.

Run hot? (Especially when a tiny human radiator crawls into your bed at 4am.) The ice silk cover is made for hot sleepers. There’s a one year warranty and 100 night Happiness Guarantee, and Sleepsake is Australian owned and operated, with a local team on hand if you’ve got questions.

MUM CENTRAL SPECIAL OFFER
OFFER: 50% OFF + FREE GIFT CARD
CODE: NONE
EXPIRY: NONE

mum central


Bestway® Tritech® Twin Air Mattress

RRP: $45
WHERE TO BUY: Big W
PERFECT FOR: Sleepovers, surprise guests and “can Jack stay the night?” texts

Bestway Tritech Twin Air Mattress
Source: Supplied

Sleepovers are fun right up until 9pm, when you realise you’ve got four extra kids and exactly zero spare beds. The Bestway Tritech Twin Air Mattress gives kids and guests their own comfy spot for sleepovers, visiting family, camping trips or outdoor movie nights, then packs away when the party’s over.

The built in USB pump inflates it in around three minutes using a wall plug, car plug or portable battery pack. That’s quicker than finding the spare doona. No power? It also works with a handheld pump, so it’s camping ready. The flocked sleep surface and built in pillow add a few home comforts, too.

Its patented Tritech material adds extra strength and helps it hold its shape through plenty of inflating and deflating. It’s engineered to provide firmness, reduce air loss overnight and offer contoured support. Will the kids jump on it anyway? Obviously. Grab it at Big W without blowing the budget.

mum central


GroTime Kingsley Cot in Natural

RRP: $1,499.00
WHERE TO BUY: Infagroup
PERFECT FOR: Parents who want a cot that looks gorgeous AND earns its keep

GroTime Kingsley Cot in Natural
Source: Supplied

Let’s be honest, cots aren’t cheap. So when you’re forking out, you want it to go the distance. The GroTime Kingsley Cot in Natural has two adjustable base heights for the newborn and toddler stages, and that warm natural timber finish is total nursery goals. Pinterest, eat your heart out.

Then there’s the full-width soft close drawer. Sheets, spare bedding, the 47 muslins you somehow own, all stashed without needing another piece of furniture. And when the time comes, it converts to a toddler bed with the compatible toddler rail (sold separately).

It’s made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine with a reinforced LVL support system, has non-toxic finishes and complies with AS/NZS 2172 for household cots. It’s Australian designed and developed by GroTime, part of an Australian owned family business with heritage dating back to 1955. More than 70 years in the game? They know a thing or two.

mum central


Sleep Products FAQ

Q. What’s the difference between a swaddle and a sleep sack?

A swaddle is basically a big, snug hug that helps baby feel held. A sleep sack lets them wriggle their arms and legs like the free spirits they are. Can’t decide? The ergoPouch 2.5 TOG Cocoon Swaddle Bag can be worn three ways (arms in, hands up or arms out), so it keeps up as their sleep needs change.

Q. How do I know when my child is ready for a pillow?

Short answer: not while they’re a baby. Pillows aren’t recommended for babies, so wait until your child is at least 2 years old and developmentally ready. When that day comes, the ergoPouch Organic Toddler Pillow has a low profile made for little sleepers. And for you? The Sleepsake Butterfly Pillow has shoulder cut outs, so side sleepers can finally stop waking up crooked.

Q. Does white noise actually help babies sleep?

For some babies, yes. Steady background sound can be really soothing, especially when the dishwasher, the dog and a pair of squabbling siblings are all fighting for airtime. The Welcare Sleep-Tight Sleep Sound Machine does white noise, nature sounds and lullabies, and can even record and play Mum’s own heartbeat. Yep, really.

Q. How can I make the bedroom darker for daytime naps?

Blackout blinds are lovely, but an eye mask is the fastest fix. The Dreamlight Air Sleep Eye Mask uses a new 3D contour design for total blackout, and it sits around your eyes without squishing your eyelids. Nap mode: activated.

Q. Why is sleep so important for babies and kids?

Because sleep is where the magic happens. It plays a huge role in kids’ growth, learning, memory, mood and overall wellbeing. Babies and little ones need heaps of it while their bodies and brains develop, and older kids need enough to rock up ready for the day (rather than face-down on their desk).

A solid bedtime routine and a comfy sleep space help build healthy habits. And for adults? More sleep means more energy, sharper focus and far fewer snappy moments. When the whole house sleeps well, everyone wakes up nicer. Yes, including you.


Here’s the truth: when everyone sleeps better, the whole house is nicer to live in. Fewer meltdowns (from the kids AND the grown-ups), more patience, and mornings that feel less like a hostage negotiation.

Will you get eight uninterrupted hours tonight? Let’s not get carried away. But a comfier, calmer bedtime? That, we can absolutely do.

Our Sleep Products Roundup is a sponsored editorial, where we handpick and collaborate with brands we genuinely admire to bring you the latest trends. If you’re interested in joining our future editions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

mum central

Tina Evans is a complete introvert, an avid reader of romance novels, horror novels and psychological thrillers. She’s a writer, movie viewer, and manager of the house menagerie: three kelpies, one cat, a fish, and a snake. She loves baking and cooking and using her kids as guinea pigs. She was a teenage parent and has learned a lot in twenty-three years of parenting. Tina loves Christmas and would love to experience a white Christmas once in her life. Aside from writing romance novels, she is passionate about feminism, equality, sci-fi, action movies and doing her part to help the planet.

Write A Comment

Share via
Copy link