← The Journal Sleep

First night home: a calm-start checklist

The short, sane list for your baby's first night in their own room — safe sleep, soothing, and what actually matters.

Traversina bedside sleeper beside the bed
Traversina bedside sleeper beside the bed

The first night home is equal parts wonder and worry. Here's the short version of what matters, and what doesn't.

Safe sleep, first

A firm, flat mattress, a fitted sheet, and nothing else in the cot. Baby on their back, feet to the foot of the cot. That's the foundation every other decision sits on.

Warmth, not heat

A light sleeping bag rated to the room temperature beats loose blankets. Aim for 18–22°C in the room.

Give yourself grace

You will check the monitor a hundred times. That's normal. The Traversina bedside sleeper keeps them within arm's reach for those first weeks.