3 Easy (And Cheap) Tips for Darkening Your Child’s Room
Every momma asks me, “What can I do right now, today, to help my child sleep?” If you’ve been at the end of your rope after many sleepless nights, then you’ve probably asked the same question. Because you’re willing to try anything right?
Well, don’t worry. This tip is one that doesn’t require a ton of effort on your part. In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways you can help your child sleep.
I want you to take a look at this photo. Can you see the crib? It’s there…I promise…
THIS is how dark I recommend your child’s room should be, at night AND for daytime naps! A dark room is one of the most important environmental factors to good sleep. A dark room can also can help:
-
- Extend nighttime stretches
- Decrease early morning wakeups
- Lengthen short naps
Even the slightest of light creeping in your child’s room can interfere with melatonin production, that hormone that helps us all fall and stay asleep.
So how can you get your child’s room as dark as possible? Here are three easy tricks that are effective (and cheap)!
- Aluminum Foil
For this trick, all you need is a roll of aluminum foil and some painter’s tape. First, you’ll roll out the foil to measure the width of your window. Cut the foil down, then repeat to create as many pieces as needed to fit the length of the entire window. Lay all of the aluminum foil pieces down on the floor, and tape them together, making sure that the foil overlaps without any gaps for light to seep through. Once you have your foil assembled, place it in the window, and use the painter’s tape to adhere it to the window. For a step-by-step tutorial (with pictures) be sure to check out this blog!
- Trash Bags
Another easy trick using something you already have on hand – trash bags. Black, yard trash bags like these are the best option. You don’t want to use the white kitchen trash bags, because they’ll allow too much light in. Using the same technique as the aluminum foil method, you’ll tape the bags together to completely cover the window.
3. No-Sew Blackout Fabric Lining
If you already have curtains on your windows, but they aren’t blackout grade, you can create blackout curtains by adding blackout fabric using hem tape. This method is a little more involved, but is usually cheaper than buying blackout curtains and won’t cramp your interior design style. To see a step-by-step tutorial for this method, check out this quick video.
Bonus Tip: Blackout EZ Window Covers
Of course, if DIY just isn’t your thing, I highly recommend Blackout EZ Window Covers. Tried and true, these are the best. And as a sleep consultant, I have tried a ton of different blackout methods. They go on the inside of the window so they do not damage anything. The way they adhere is very similar to 3M velcro strips. They have standard sizes but you can also customize to the size and shape you need. Plus they are super fast and easy to set up! I can definitely testify that they are 100% worth the investment.
There you go! A few of a sleep consultant’s favorite methods for keeping light out of your child’s room to help them sleep through the night. You can use these tricks at home, but they’re also great for vacation! If you’re staying in a hotel or AirBnB this summer that let’s too much light in, all you have to do is run to the store or bring these easy supplies along. Your kiddos will be sleeping soundly in no time.
If you’ve already tried darkening your child’s room and are still experiencing difficulties, there may be more going on! I offer tons of free tips & tricks like these in my FREE Sleep Community, Formerly Tired Mom’s Club. Be sure to join me there for more great info that will help your family finally get the sleep you need!