My Favorite Blackout Solutions
It’s officially Summer! As the sun rises earlier and sets later, it is important to block out that light to protect your little ones sleep. In the early mornings, the drive to sleep is much lower so we want to block out any early morning light to prevent frequent early morning wakings. At the same time, your child is most likely going to bed before the sun is completely down. We also want to prevent any bedtime battles by blocking out evening light as well. Find out my favorite blackout solutions to help your child get the best quality and restorative sleep all summer long!
Blind Options
$$: Blackout EZ
Pro: Velcro's around edges of window frame to black out all light. Total darkness
Con: Not ideal if you're wanting to let natural light in when your child is not napping
$$: Lowe's Allen + Roth Blackout Cordless Cellular Shade
Pro: Easy install and lots of different sizing options. No Cords. Can easily slide up and down to let light in room when not napping
Con: Light may still come in around window boarders. May still require a black out curtain to help achieve total darkness
Pro: Great for less permanent solutions. Blocks out a good amount of light. Can easily slide up and down to let light in room when not napping.
Con: Light may still come in around window borders. May still require a black out curtain to help achieve total darkness. May tear easily.
Curtain Options
$$: Nicetown Blackout Lined Curtain
Pro: Comes in variety of sizes and colors. Great pair for blackout blinds to achieve total darkness
Con: Light may still come through around top and side borders when used alone
$-$$: Henna Blackout Curtain Panel
Pro: Comes in a variety of sizes and colors. It is great for pairing with blackout blinds to achieve total darkness
Con: Light may still come through around top and side borders when used alone
$: Black Trash Bag + Painters Tape
Pro: Super inexpensive option for an easy blackout solution and easy to pack! Cut trash bags at seams and use painters tape to attach it to wall around the window border. Use multiple trash bags for larger windows. Great for a travel option!
Con: Temporary solution
Setting your child’s environment with a dark room will improve their sleep, especially during the day when the drive to sleep is much lower. Whether you choose one option or a combination, your child will get the best quality of sleep when the room is as dark as you can get it.
If you currently have a dark environment and is still struggling with sleep, there may be a deeper issue causing broken sleep. Sleep is a puzzle and I would love to chat and help your family start the journey to better quality sleep. Contact me here to schedule your free 15-minute Introductory call!