Nursery and Baby Tips

Parenting can be a wild ride. In an instant your life changes and you become responsible for a tiny person who relies on you for everything. Except that one day they won’t rely on you any longer. One moment you’re cradling your newborn and marvelling at their impossibly tiny features. In the blink of an eye, they’re outgrowing their bassinet, then standing up in their cot and then climbing into their “big kid” bed. Each of the parenting milestones is filled with its own unique joys. But it’s the “lasts” that we often feel the most. The last night in their bassinet. The last time they wake in the middle of the night for a feed. The last time you carry them to bed while they’re sleeping. Yet with every “last” comes a new “first”. The first night in their new cot. The first night they sleep through the night. The first time they can take themselves off to bed after falling asleep on the sofa. Parenting is a dance of letting go and leaning into what comes next – a constant cycle of closing one chapter and embracing the next with love and curiosity. The tiny moments we hold on to The early days, weeks and months with a newborn rush past in a blur of sleepless nights and endless feeds. No sooner do you think you’ve mastered a stage of parenting than your baby has suddenly changed again, reaching a new baby milestone with new skills and needs. But there’s also something magical about that time. You’re in your own little family bubble, enjoying a world that feels smaller, quieter and filled with wonder. You sit and watch their chest rise and fall while they sleep and love the way their tiny fingers wrap around yours. Of all the great parenting tips you receive as a new parent, know that it’s these moments. The quiet moments when it’s just you and your baby, that you’ll remember the most. You’ll remember the hard stuff too – and treasure it in your own way – but it’s the tiny memories we hold on to. And that’s what makes those lasts so hard. Those parenting milestones mean that you’re closing the door on another chapter, another set of tiny moments. Every “last” leads to a “first” The “lasts” can feel so final. But with each “last” comes a “first” – the beginning of something new and extraordinary. The last night in the bassinet is the first step towards independence as your baby transitions into their cot. The last time you use the pram leads to the start of many exciting adventures. The last day of daycare marks the beginning of their time at “big school.”  Parenting is a journey of milestones, a series of “lasts” that gracefully give way to “firsts.” It’s bittersweet. There’s sadness about closing the door on one stage. But also excitement at what awaits beyond the door to the next stage, with all of the tiny moments that come with it. iL Tutto is with you for the “lasts” and the “firsts” From the first sleep at home to the last sleep in the bassinet and the years in the cot and toddler bed, iL Tutto is with you for all the parenting milestones. Our nursery furniture is designed in Australia by parents for parents. We’ve been through the “lasts” and looked forward to the “firsts”. And we’ve created our range of “Grow With Me” packs to help you prepare for all of those new baby milestones with ease. Each pack includes a CoZee Co-sleeping Bassinet to help make those early days with a newborn a breeze. Sleep with baby in arm’s reach, minimising the disruption to your sleep during the night and helping to foster a strong connection between you and your baby. Choose a basic package with only what you need or opt for the works – bassinet, cot, chest and nursery chair – so you’re prepared for every stage. Ready for every parenting milestone Embrace every “last” and every “first” with confidence, knowing iL Tutto is here to support you through every stage of parenting. From those tender newborn days to the excitement of their first night in a cot, our thoughtfully designed “Grow With Me” packs make for seamless and stress-free transitions. Explore the range and prepare for the beautiful moments ahead.

If there’s one thing that’s common among the majority of new parents, it’s sleep. Or rather, lack of sleep. Baby sleep is unpredictable and ever-changing. And while you can’t always control when or how your baby sleeps, one thing you can control is how prepared you are for each stage.  We’re parents. We’ve been on the no-sleep rollercoaster and lived to tell the tale. We understand the challenges parents face when it comes to creating a sleep space that is not only safe and comfortable but also practical and stylish. That’s why we’ve designed a range that supports you through every transition.  We wish we could wave a magic wand and solve your sleep woes. We can’t. But we can do the next best thing by helping you to create a nursery that’s ready to support you and your baby through every stage of sleep. We’ve compiled our sleep tips for new parents to get you on the right track for the sweetest of dreams.  Newborn sleep – bassinet  Newborn sleep patterns can be unpredictable and fragmented with short bursts of sleep scattered throughout the day and night. The newborn stage is all about closeness, comfort and connection. As much for the baby as it is for the parents.   Safe co-sleeping – with a co-sleeping bassinet, like the CoZee Lite Bassinet – offers parents the reassurance of having their baby within arm’s reach, making those early weeks feel more manageable. It’s purposefully designed to combine safety, practicality and comfort while also being lightweight and portable.  Sleep deprivation for new mothers and fathers is extreme. That’s why the CoZee Co-sleeping Bassinets are packed with sleep-friendly features. There’s the easy-to-use side opening which makes night feeds a breeze, giving you the ability to keep your baby within arm’s reach at all times.  The lightweight design and compact fold also make it easy to get the baby to sleep anywhere. Whether that’s on visits to grandparents, weekends away or simply moving the bassinet from room to room to avoid noise or to keep them close.   The transition from bassinet to cot  Those baby milestones happen fast and before you know it, your baby will be ready to transition from bassinet to cot. This is usually when they start rolling or when they grow too big for the bassinet, which can happen at around 3-6 months old.   Once your baby does move into the cot, there are other transitions that happen, namely changing the mattress height as they grow. All iL Tutto cots offer adjustable mattress heights so the cot can grow with your baby. Beyond the baby stage, each cot also converts into a sofa and toddler bed for even more longevity.  Many of the iL Tutto cots can also be combined with a matching chest for effortless nursery style. The space-saving designs offer ample storage with a detachable changer for added versatility beyond the nappy years.  The role of a nursery chair in baby sleep  Often the answer of how to get a newborn to sleep doesn’t involve any complex secret or trick. It’s usually about motion and closeness. That’s where a nursery chair comes into play.   A well-designed nursery chair offers the perfect place for feeding during the night – or day – and rocking your baby to sleep. Many parents find that their nursery chair almost becomes a sanctuary in the nursery. It’s a calming space that makes it easy to establish a sleep routine.   iL Tutto nursery chairs are designed by parents for parents to be both stylish and practical, offering supportive cushioning, gentle rocking or gliding motions and ergonomic armrests. It will become your favourite spot to spend time with your baby – whether that’s feeding, singing lullabies, reading or watching them as they sleep peacefully in your arms.  Sweet dreams are built on preparation  The best sleep tip for new parents that we can share is to be prepared with the tools you need from the beginning. And we make it easy for you to do so with our “Grow With Me” packs. Choose the pack that suits you best, including a full nursery pack with CoZee Lite Bassinet, Cot, Chest and Chelseag Eg Shell Nursery Chair. The packs are designed as a cost-effective solution to set you and your baby up for sweet dreams from day one.    Ready to create your dream nursery? Explore our Sleep range to find the perfect pack for you.

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience and diverse experiences of women everywhere. For many, becoming a mother is one of the most transformative journeys of their lives. And for every woman, it’s a completely unique journey with its own joys and challenges. We’ve spoken to three incredible iL Tutto mums about their experiences. Their stories highlight the beauty and complexity of motherhood and how a comfortable, supportive space can make all the difference.  Embracing the pause: Tahlia’s journey into motherhood For Tahlia, life as a busy salon owner in Adelaide meant always being on the go. But when she and her husband welcomed their first baby, Alfie, she found herself slowing down in a way she never had before.  After experiencing two miscarriages, Tahlia was determined to create the perfect nursery. One of her biggest considerations was whether she needed a nursing chair. “I wasn’t sure how much I’d use it, but my husband said, ‘Just treat yourself,’” she recalls. She chose the Quinn Electric Glider Recliner – and now she can’t imagine life without it.  “I actually sat in it every day before Alfie was even born,” she laughs. “Now, it’s my go-to for feeds, and the built-in USB charger is a lifesaver – I can charge my phone, the bottle warmer, even the baby monitor.”  Breastfeeding has been smooth overall, but those early days were exhausting. “I was induced, so my milk didn’t come in straight away. Having the chair in the nursery meant I could settle in comfortably for long feeds.” Even her husband loves it. “Right now, he’s at home giving Alfie a bottle in the chair.”  Her biggest advice for new mums? “Prioritise comfort. Motherhood is full of surprises, and being comfortable—whether it’s in your chair or your mindset—makes a huge difference.”  Finding comfort in the unexpected: Hayley’s story  When Hayley’s son, Harrison, arrived six weeks early, life took an unexpected turn. Between time in the NICU and special care nursery, those early weeks were filled with hospital visits, pumping sessions and adjusting to motherhood sooner than expected.  During that time, her Louie Electric Recliner Glider became a sanctuary. “Even before he was home, I’d sit in the chair to pump – it made me feel connected to the nursery and to him,” she says. Once Harrison was home, the chair became even more essential. “Being able to recline when you’re exhausted is amazing and the rounded arms make feeding so comfortable.”  Choosing the right chair was a decision Hayley took seriously. “At the expo, we tested them all, and the Louie just felt right. The electric recline was a must—I had a planned C-section, so I couldn’t push a manual footrest.” Now, it’s a space both she and her husband love. “It’s roomy enough for him to bottle-feed too.”  Her advice to new mums? “Test out the chair before buying. And if your journey takes an unexpected turn, remember – your baby is getting the best care, and you’ll find your own rhythm in time.”  Grateful for every moment: Hannah’s story  For Hannah, welcoming her daughter Zoe has been a profoundly different experience from her first time as a mum. After struggling with postpartum depression with her son and experiencing the heartbreaking stillbirth of her daughter Isla in 2023, this postpartum phase has been filled with gratitude and joy.  “This time, I’m just so grateful to have her,” Hannah shares. “She’s a dream – so smiley and happy.”  Determined to create a more comfortable experience, Hannah invested in the Quinn Glider Recliner. “With my first, I remember thinking my chair was so uncomfortable that I didn’t even want to sit in it,” she recalls. “This time, I wanted a space where I could relax and actually enjoy those moments.” The difference has been transformative. “Having a nice place to feed makes everything feel more settled.”  Her words of wisdom to other women embarking on the journey of motherhood? “Invest in a good chair – it makes a world of difference. And trust your intuition. There’s so much advice out there, but at the end of the day, you know what’s best for you and your baby.” 

Style and colour are often the key considerations you make when buying a nursery chair. But as much as the aesthetics matter, so too does the fabric the chair is made with.  It’s not just about how the chair looks – it’s about how it feels to the touch, how durable it is and, most significantly, how safe it is for you and your baby. At iL Tutto, we only use high-quality fabrics that are durable and easy-care. Importantly, all of our fabrics also carry standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification so they’re free from toxins and chemicals that could be harmful to your baby. We explore the standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification and the care that goes into our iL Tutto fabrics. Why OEKO-TEX® certification matters The standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification is one of the world’s best-known labels for textiles independently tested for harmful substances. To receive certification, a fabric must meet strict safety criteria that ensure it’s free from a wide range of chemicals, including heavy metals, formaldehyde and allergens. The OEKO-TEX® certification is updated regularly, ensuring that fabric producers continue to meet these stringent safety standards.  So why does this matter for a nursery chair? Babies are particularly sensitive to their surroundings and their skin is far more delicate than adult skin. Whether you’re feeding or snuggling your baby in the chair, their skin will often come into contact with the fabric. Choosing an OEKO-TEX® certified nursery chair means that you’re providing a safe, non-toxic space for your baby. It’s one less thing to worry about as a new parent, knowing that the chair’s fabric won’t release harmful substances into the air or onto your baby’s skin. For iL Tutto, this means a continued commitment to offering fabrics that are not only stylish, functional and high-quality but also safe. The iL Tutto fabric collection The iL Tutto fabric collection combines luxurious textures with practical features, ensuring that your nursery chair is as comfortable as it is stylish.  One of the standout fabrics in the collection is the ever-popular Teddy. This cosy fabric offers a warm, inviting texture, perfect for snuggling during late-night feeds or quiet moments with your baby. Teddy is not only comfortable but also durable and the plush appearance adds a touch of elegance to any nursery space. There are two teddy nursery chair styles in the iL Tutto collection – Frankie and Louie. Bouclé, another favourite in the iL Tutto range, is known for its unique textured, nubby weave. The bouclé texture not only looks beautiful but also hides wear and tear, making it an good option for families who want a stylish chair that can stand up to everyday life. Best of all, bouclé is easy to clean and care for, ensuring it looks fresh and stylish for years to come. There are a range of bouclé nursery chairs in the iL Tutto collection, including Chelsea, Quinn, Lulu, Paige, Felix and Henry.  The collection also includes four fabric options – Eggshell, Sand Shell, Coastal Sand and Pure Grey. These neutrals are incredibly versatile, offering a range of styling options for the nursery. They’re soft to touch and highly resilient to ensure the longevity of your nursery chair. You can choose these fabrics on a number of chairs in the iL Tutto collection, including Chelsea, Frankie, Quinn and Billie.  Finally, for those that prefer leather upholstery, the Leo Electric Recliner Glider Chair is available in Tan or Palomino leather. The leather is exceptionally durable and easy to wipe clean, making it an excellent choice for a nursery. Complete peace of mind When choosing the right fabric for your nursery chair, consider the colour of your nursery and opt for a fabric that will complement that. Also consider your preferences for texture. Do you want a fabric that’s quite tactile like a bouclé or teddy fabric? Or do you prefer the soft touch of leather? Or a streamlined fabric texture? If you’re uncertain, we always recommend ordering a fabric swatch before you order your chair to ensure the fabric is exactly what you’re looking for. Investing in an iL Tutto nursery chair means investing in the peace of mind of OEKO-TEX®certification, no matter which fabric you choose. Explore the collection and discover stylish, practical nursery chairs designed by parents for parents.

Green is the colour of nature. It’s tranquil, calming and timeless. It’s also a versatile colour that can complement a wide variety of design aesthetics. And that’s why it makes the perfect choice for a nursery.   From earthy olive hues to bolder shades of green, the green nursery trend offers endless styling possibilities. Whether you opt for a simple pop of colour with a green nursery chair or embrace a green palette throughout the nursery, green is a stylish choice.   In the iL Tutto nursery chair collection, you’ll find three stunning olive green nursery chairs. Olive is a contemporary shade of green that creates a sense of warmth and cosiness, while adding a touch of luxe sophistication.  We explore the olive green nursing chairs in the iL Tutto collection and share green nursery design tips for a stylish green nursery. iL Tutto olive collection  The iL Tutto collection offers three Australian designed olive green glider chairs. Each chair combines comfort, style and functionality to meet your needs as a new parent and beyond. All three designs feature an electric recline functionality, which is ideal for mothers who have diminished core strength following pregnancy and childbirth, particularly c-sections. The chairs also include built-in USB charging ports to keep you connected while feeding and are covered in fabrics certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®.  The first olive green nursery chair in the collection – and the newest release – is the Chelsea Electric Recliner Glider Chair in Olive Bouclé. Chelsea is a classic iL Tutto design and a very popular chair, also available in a range of other fabrics. The olive bouclé is soft to the touch and offers a sophisticated aesthetic for your nursery.  The other two chairs – Louie Electric Recliner Glider Nursery Chair and Frankie Electric Recliner Glider Nursery Chair – are from the iL Tutto Trend collection. Both chairs are available in a stunning olive teddy-fleece that feels like you’re wrapped in the comfort of a cloud. Louie and Frankie also feature a wider seat width and a timeless wooden glider base, while Frankie comes with an added lumbar cushion.  Green nursery styling tips  Whether you’re leaning toward a more natural, earthy theme or a modern minimalist look, green blends effortlessly with other hues, from warm neutrals to bold accents. This flexibility makes it easy to adapt as your style and your baby’s needs evolve.  Olive is one of those green nursery colours that can act as both a neutral and a statement colour. Its understated elegance makes it a great foundation for a range of decor choices, from vintage-inspired nurseries to modern, minimalist spaces.   One approach with a green nursery is to introduce pops of colour to brighten up the space and add visual interest. Soft blush tones, dusty pinks, mustard yellow or burnt orange accents work beautifully with green, providing a subtle contrast that feels fresh and modern.   Alternatively, embrace a nature-inspired palette with natural materials like wood and rattan and earth-toned accents. Consider adding a wooden cot and chest of drawers to complement the green, and use woven baskets or rugs to introduce texture.   Textures are just as important as colours when styling a nursery. The bouclé and teddy-like textures of the iL Tutto olive chairs pair well with a variety of different textures. Combining plush fabrics, such as a wool throw or a velvety cushion, with more structured materials like wood and metal can add dimension to the space.   Beyond the nursery  As you look beyond the nursery years, choosing a green nursery chair becomes an investment in the longevity of your decor. Olive green has a timeless quality that won’t look out of place as your baby grows. From the nursery to a playroom or a living space, an olive armchair can follow you throughout the different stages of your family.   The subtle, natural tone of olive green blends effortlessly into a range of interior styles. From contemporary living rooms to cosy reading nooks, it’s a smart investment that lasts well beyond the early parenting stages.  At iL Tutto, we design our nursery chairs to stay in your home for years to come. We use quality fabrics and components to ensure you can enjoy your nursery chair long after the newborn stage.   Explore the il Tutto collection of olive green nursery chairs to find the perfect fit for your green nursery and your home. 

Did you know that it is common for children to have up to twelve viruses per year in the first few years of life? Illness is inevitable but fortunately these bouts of illnesses usually decrease as they grow older.   It can feel overwhelming when it seems like your little one is perpetually sick, especially when one virus follows another shortly after recovery.   In this blog post we are going to address the common questions about how to help a sick baby sleep including,, do humidifiers work, sleep environments, how to dress them and much more.   Does a sick baby sleep more?   When babies and young children are unwell with a virus, it’s normal for them to sleep more. Their immune system is working hard to fight off the virus, leading to increased fatigue. Sleep promotes rest, recovery and healing as well as conserving energy.  However, it’s worth noting that their sleep patterns may vary; some children may sleep more, while others may experience disrupted or restless sleep due to discomfort, congestion, coughing or fever. If you’re concerned about your baby’s sleep or overall health it is recommended to seek advice and assessment from a healthcare professional.  If your child is difficult to wake or has severe lethargy you should seek urgent medical attention.   How to help my sick baby sleep?  It’s common that your little one might be clinging to you like a koala, (hello contact naps), they will only sleep when they are being held. This is very common and normal for them to be more needy and clingy than usual. Make yourself comfortable and take advantage of these beautiful cuddles. I love settling my baby on my iL Tutto Frankie Electric Recliner Glider Chair as it gently glides and swivels in a super smooth motion that bubs loves. The Frankie chair is electric and you can seamlessly recline with a push of a button. It also has USB charging points so I can charge my phone and my kindle whilst we are super cozy with the tall backrest. The side pockets are a winner too, they are great for storing books and my kindle.  Just like us, when babies are unwell, they might be feeling a little more restless or unsettled.   Lots of cuddles and tender loving care can help support them to sleep. Decreasing noise and light, bouncing, rocking, calm lullaby, soft toy comforter, the shh-pat methods can all work well. Trying different positions and environments such as gently rocking in the Cozee Bassinet,  the pram or gently bouncing on a fit ball can be helpful too. Patience is key- it's normal for sick babies to take longer to settle. The CoZee Breeze Plus Co-Sleeping Bassinet is fantastic for settling bubs as it has transparent mesh sides and this makes it easy to keep an extra close eye on bubs and allows for excellent ventilation. It has six different heights so you can adjust the bassinet depending on your bed height. All very relevant features as when your baby is sick you want them close to you.  If your little one is displaying signs of pain or discomfort, try administering some simple over the counter, age-appropriate pain relief such as paracetamol and/or ibuprofen. This may alleviate a sore throat, headache or an ear ache etc. Your pharmacist or GP will be able to help guide you with the best medication to administer.   ‘Does using a humidifier help? ’ The effectiveness of humidifiers in improving your baby’s sleep environment when they're sick is still debated. If you’re interested, you can delve deeper into this topic in our blog on humidification here: Humidification for Sick Kids. While there’s no significant harm in trying a humidifier, it’s important to choose what works best for your specific situation.  How can I help my child's nighttime cough?  Avoid giving cough medicine to children under six years old. For children older than 12 months, there is some evidence that demonstrates that honey may help reduce the severity and duration of a cough. The Royal Children’s Hospital suggests one to two teaspoons of honey before bedtime as a short-term remedy. However, honey should not be given to infants under 12 months due to the risk of botulism.  How to clear a baby’s blocked nose?  The use of normal saline drops or nasal sprays into the nostrils can help loosen and clear out mucus in the nose. Helping your baby loosen and clear the mucus not only increases comfort levels and makes it easier for them to breathe, but it also increases the chance of a baby feeding more effectively from the breast or bottle If the nose is filled with mucous you might like to try a nasal aspirator such as the Dreambaby Nasal Aspirator or the Snotty Boss Nasal Aspirator for effective solutions.  How to dress my baby when they have a fever?   The aim when dressing your baby when they are unwell or have a fever, is for them to be as comfortable as possible.   Room temperature and clothing is the same for both day and night sleep.   Babies cannot regulate their temperature as well as we can, so the layers are important. Think singlet, zippee / onesie and sleeping bag.   The new Grow Kindly range fits the brief with their natural fabric, and they have beautiful patterns too.   When babies are unwell, dress them the same as when they are well.  Ensure that you are dressing your little one in breathable and natural fabrics such as Grow Kindly. Try to avoid synthetic materials as they aren’t as breathable.   Placing your hand on their chest or back is the best indicator of how warm your child is.   Remember to avoid touching their hands and feet as a warmth as this is not an accurate assessment of how warm they are.  Try your best to let go of all expectations and be led by your little one’s cues.   If possible, seek out additional support to help take the pressure off.   Remember this is just a phase and soak up those additional cuddles

Sleep deprivation is torturous. And there’s nothing that can deprive sleep quite like a newborn not sleeping at night. And often, sleep regressions are the cause.  While you can’t prevent sleep regressions, there are some things you can do to help you all get through the phase – and remember, it is only a phase.  We share our top sleep regression tips for when it feels like you’ll never have a good night’s sleep ever again.  What are sleep regressions?  Sleep regressions are normal – but challenging nonetheless – phases when a baby’s sleep patterns are temporarily disrupted. One day they’re sleeping through the night – or at least sleeping for longer stretches – and then they’re not.   Sleep regressions typically coincide with significant developmental milestones – like learning to walk, crawl or roll over. They usually happen at particular ages, often around 4 months, 8-10 months, 12 months, 18 months and 2 years. But every baby is different and they may have sleep regressions at other times also.   During a sleep regression, your baby’s sleep patterns are disrupted while their brain and body are working overtime. That can result in waking up more frequently, having trouble falling asleep or taking shorter naps.   As frustrating and exhausting as they are, sleep regressions are a sign of progress and can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.  Check their temperature  If your baby is too hot or too cold, this discomfort can exacerbate the sleep disturbances that come with a regression.   You can do a simple temperature check by placing your hand on the back of their neck. If they’re too warm, they might be sweating or have flushed skin. If they’re too cold, their skin might feel cool to the touch and they could be more restless.  To keep your baby comfortable – sleep regression or otherwise – ensure they’re dressed appropriately for the room temperature. This might mean adjusting their sleepwear or switching to a different tog-rating for your sleeping bag. The Grow Kindly Sleeping Bag range includes a range of different togs, including 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 3.5. As a guide, 0.5 tog is ideal for those balmy summer nights and, on the other end, 3.5 tog is best for the depths of winter.  This won’t solve the sleep regression, but it will ensure your baby is comfortable. And every little bit helps when your newborn is not sleeping enough.   Move to a cot  There are a couple of reasons why moving from a bassinet to a cot may help with sleep regressions. The first is that your baby has simply outgrown their bassinet. If they’re too big for the bassinet, they’re not going to sleep comfortably.  The other reason to move to a cot is if your baby has started rolling or moving around the bassinet. This will often coincide with a regression due to the nature of what sleep regressions are, that is, linked with developmental milestones.  If your baby’s sleep is already disrupted, making another change won’t hurt, will it? In reality, it can be a double-edged sword and exacerbate the problem – at least in the short term. It’s just something to be mindful of. You might start by doing some naps in the cot before transitioning all of their sleeps. It’s also good to keep things as familiar as you can. That might mean placing the cot in your bedroom, if you have the space, or keeping your sleeping bag and bedding as consistent as possible.   Sleep in their room  Sometimes as a parent, you have to do what you have to do to get some sleep. And if that means sleeping in your baby’s room to give them extra comfort while they sleep, we’re all for it. You may be able to slip out once they’ve fallen asleep or you may have to stay all night. Either way, at least you’re both getting some sleep.  When we suggest sleeping in your baby’s room, we’re not suggesting sleeping on the floor. Our iL Tutto recliner chairs are comfortable enough for sleeping on and we get feedback from many parents who do just that.  Our nursery chairs are designed by parents for parents so we’ve considered all those features that will make a difference. There’s ample room for you to recline the chair to sleep in comfort. Plus, the luxe fabrics are soft on your skin, like the stunning Teddy fabric of our Trend Collection.  This isn’t a long-term solution but the good thing about sleep regressions is that they’re generally short term anyway.  Create the optimal sleep environment   When you’re seeking infant sleep help, the first thing many people will tell you is to ensure you’ve got the optimal environment for your baby to sleep in. There's a good reason for that. By creating the optimal environment, you’re helping to control for many factors that can disrupt baby sleep – such as noise, light and temperature.  White noise can be particularly beneficial during sleep regressions by helping to mask background noises. The consistent sound of white noise mimics the environment of the womb, making your baby feel more secure and helping to induce sleep.  If there is too much light filtering into your baby’s room, consider blackout shades or curtains to keep the room consistently dark. You can also use a temporary light-blocking solution, such as covering windows with aluminium foil or cardboard.   Finally, while you don’t need to monitor the exact temperature of your baby’s room, keep in mind that 18-22°C is the ideal for a comfortable environment. If it’s too hot or cold in your baby’s room, it can lead to restlessness and wake-ups. Not ideal when you’re already dealing with sleep regression.  Look after yourself  While you’re worrying about how to get your newborn to sleep at night, don’t forget to look after yourself.   During sleep regressions, the whole household is thrown into chaos. They’re tough for the baby but for you as well. The exhaustion can quickly add up, making life much harder for that period of time.  Prioritising your own rest and self care is essential. If you can, nap when your baby naps. It might not be much but that little bit of sleep can help you get through the night. Drink plenty of water and eat as nutritious as possible to keep your energy levels up – you’ll need it! Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help or accept it when it’s offered.  Be kind to yourself. Sleep regressions are challenging and it’s okay to feel frustrated or overwhelmed. But as tough as they are, they’re also temporary.  Navigate sleep with the right essentials  When you have the right baby essentials, it can make navigating things like sleep regressions that much easier. At iL Tutto, we combine functionality with style to offer a range of practical and luxe baby essentials.  Our CoZee Co-sleeping Bassinets, cots, nursery chairs and Grow Kindly Sleepwear will help you to create a beautiful sleep environment for your baby. Explore the range of Australian-designed, award-winning products designed with your needs in mind. 

The countdown is on until my favourite time of the year. The nights become shorter, and the sun is setting later. While we technically lose an hour of sleep, we gain a later start if we have early rising babies.   When we move the clock forward by an hour, it can disrupt our circadian rhythm (the pattern your body follows based on a 24-hour day) and cause our little ones to fight sleep and stay up later than usual. Newborns and babies under 4 months old aren’t going to be affected by this as their circadian rhythm isn’t set just yet so you have a bit more time to enjoy the flexibility.  It's very common to be concerned about the time change however there is no need to panic as there are many things you can do to make the transition into spring as disruptive as possible… Why does a baby’s sleep get affected when we move into new seasons, and what is unique about spring? Babies' daily biological clocks or rhythms are regulated by when they eat, sleep, and are exposed to light and darkness. Therefore, with consistency, their nap times will become predictable. With daylight saving time, we lose an hour of the day, and as a result, a baby's sleep becomes disrupted due to shifts in sleep times and light exposure.  What are the biggest pitfalls parents make when finding a new sleeping rhythm for their little one moving into spring? In most cases, the concept of daylight-saving time scares parents, so they start to second-guess their routines and settling. It is important to approach it with a strong plan. By doing this, everyone is on the same page and can take over if you need a break. Avoid multiple changes and back and forth with different routines as this will only drag out the alignment of the new routine.  Can parents do any preparation work in the lead-up to spring? When is the perfect time to start making changes? Whether you're a planner or an adjuster there are steps you can take to help your little one adjust to daylight savings. In my training, I offer two preparations to choose from.  The proactive plan takes place a week before when you shift your child’s routine 15 mins earlier every 2 days. This will include naps, feeds and bedtime 15 minutes earlier than usual. By the end of the week, their routine will have shifted to daylight savings time.  The reactive plan is implemented on the first morning of daylight savings. Wake your baby at the new time of 7:00 am. Structure their naps, feeds and bedtime around the new time. This is likely to take a few days for them to adapt to the new times but remain as consistent as possible.   How does the room environment, such as having the right cot, bedding, furniture and general ambience make a difference to the quality of sleep for little ones as we change seasons?  A baby’s sleep environment is one of the most vital components when it comes to your baby sleeping. This is a place you and your baby will be spending a lot of time. Ideally, you want this space to be tranquil and relaxing. Avoid too much clutter and stimulation in the room.    I often explain to families when choosing cot sheets, using natural fibres for your baby’s bedding is the best choice. It's important to avoid synthetic materials as these do not breathe, increasing the risk of overheating for your baby.  Instead of using blankets, consider investing in high-quality sleeping bags with TOG ratings. This will not only better regulate your temperature but also improve your chances of sleeping well. For our babies who are not rolling yet, an arms in swaddle is ideal as this will reduce the startle reflex.  Investing in a high-quality cot is another necessity I suggest my families get as it will provide them with comfort, peace of mind and where their baby will spend most of the day. Ensure the materials are free from harmful chemicals and meet Australian standards. When it comes to a rocking chair aim for comfort. You want one that is going to support your back, neck and shoulders as this is where you are likely to be doing most of your feeding. This will not only help you to relax but will also ensure your baby has a good feed before they go to sleep.  What is the most common issue or concern parents usually come to you with ahead of spring? In many cases, the main concerns from families are that their little ones will become overtired. Their previously awesome little sleeper is now resisting naps and bedtime, so they have tried everything to get them to sleep without realising they have created an association for their little one to fall asleep. I often explain that babies’ sleep is like a puzzle in that you it is important to have all the right pieces for the full picture. These include routine, environment, consistency and contingency plan.   What is the biggest tip you could give to a parent as they move into spring with their baby’s sleep? Ensure you have a plan and stick to it whether that be to plan or adjust on the day. Avoid introducing new ways of falling asleep as this will cause more issues down the track. Have a contingency plan if your little one doesn’t fall asleep for their day sleeps on time and aim for a 6:00 pm bedtime if little sleep is had to reduce over tiredness.  Alongside this, there are a whole load of considerations. Here are the key ones to stay on top of:  Preparation is key It's important to prepare ahead of spring. Decide a few weeks beforehand whether you want to start the process a week prior for a smooth transition, or if you want to wait until daylight savings begins, which will only take a few days to align their circadian rhythm. Blackout blinds are essential During the first 12 months, it's optimal for babies to sleep in a pitch-dark room, and then slowly transition to an environment with reduced light to encourage the production of melatonin and minimize stimulation. Consistency is crucial Stick to your usual wind down and settling technique as your child adjusts to their new sleep time. Avoid changing the way they go to sleep during this adjustment period as this can lead to new associations of getting to sleep.  White noise Creating a layer of white noise can create a calming effect and reduce external noises like birds, TV sounds, and traffic. Aim to have the volume around 60-65 decibels. You can use an app on your phone to measure the decibel level of your white noise machine Routine is best Avoid fixating on awake times, especially if your little one is taking short naps. This can lead to overtiredness and more nighttime waking or early rising. Focus on an age-appropriate routine. Doing this will provide the correct amount of sleep for your little one to make it through the day without being over-tired.  Bianca is a trusted midwife and certified sleep consultant through her business Plan B Sleep Consulting (www.planbsleepconsulting.com.au) Bianca prides herself on supporting and empowering parents to achieve restorative night sleep. With well-researched science at the core of her sleep and sleep deprivation support, Bianca has helped over 3,000 little ones get a better sleep to date.