Create a Calming Bedtime Environment: Design Secrets for Better Sleep – Part 2

We’re back with the second half of our calming bedroom tips. In our first post, we looked at how you can make a difference to the light and noise in your child’s room, but what other decisions can we make to maximise the sleep potential?

Design Secrets for Better Sleep

Crib and Bed Placement Matters

Think about how you want to feel when you head to bed: comfortable, cosy, and safe. It’s the same for our children. When deciding where your child will sleep, try to keep them away from drafts or vents to avoid any midnight chills. Also think about where they’ll be best protected from light and sound disturbances, even something as simple as hallway light spilling into the room during check-ins.

One last point: avoid placing beds or cribs directly under shelves or heavy décor, in case something falls. And as your child starts standing or climbing, consider what’s within reach, both in terms of distraction and safety.

Safe and Sleep-Friendly Bedding

Take the time to choose sleep-appropriate bedding for your child’s age. For babies, the safest option is a fitted sheet, with no bumpers, pillows, or plush toys. Organic, breathable fabrics help keep your child comfortable through the night.

Online guidance about room temperatures and tog ratings versus clothing can also be a helpful reference when you want to make sure they’re sleeping soundly. Swaddles and sleeping bags are great for the first few years as children continue to move around during sleep. When you transition to a toddler bed, involve your child in choosing their pillow and quilt. Helping them feel ownership over their sleep space makes a real difference.

Add Calming Scents, With Caution

The role of scent in relaxation is well documented, with smells like lavender and camomile known to support calm. But for children, less is best. For babies (and pregnant mums), it's recommended to avoid essential oils altogether.

As your child gets older, a mist spray at bedtime can become a lovely part of the routine, perhaps used in the room rather than directly on pillows. Our Warmies (weighted microwavable soft toys with a lavender scent) are a gentle way to introduce calming smells into cosy beds without direct skin contact.

Incorporate a Consistent Sleep Cue

Sleep cues help provide predictability and rhythm to bedtime. Mobiles with a lullaby can be lovely early on, though not safe to leave above the crib overnight. Soft music or singing can also be powerful in helping everyone wind down.

In our house, we sometimes play a Tonie lullaby on a shelf if it’s been a particularly busy day. But don’t overcomplicate things. Less is more, especially if you want others to be able to step into your routine when needed.

Final Touches: Personal but Peaceful

The final tip? Make their room feel personal but peaceful. Choose décor that’s meaningful without being overstimulating. Wall art, soft textiles, and cosy touches help children feel safe and grounded.

Let them help choose their room’s theme so they feel connected to their space. Opt for interchangeable elements like cushions or artwork that can grow with them. One final idea we love is photos. Seeing the faces of people they love can be deeply comforting, especially at bedtime. A small photo near the bed can say, “you are safe, you are loved,” without a single word.

Conclusion

As we’ve said, the little decisions we make about our children’s bedrooms can have a big impact on their sleep. Every child is different, and these ideas should be adapted to suit your family. But thinking about light, noise, layout, and atmosphere can make bedtime feel more settled for everyone.

We’d love to hear what’s worked for your family, or if this post has helped you rethink your space. Tag @mindandmoonuk to share your calming bedtime setup, or drop us a message with your thoughts.