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Blackout Curtains: Your Nap-Time Secret Weapon
TL;DR: Blackout curtains can improve naps, reduce early morning waking, and support healthy sleep habits by minimizing light exposure that can interfere with melatonin production. For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, creating a dark sleep environment is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve sleep quality and consistency.
Why Sleep-Out Curtains Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Child’s Sleep Puzzle
Let’s have a real talk about something small that can make a giant difference in your child’s sleep: light.
If your little one is waking at the crack of dawn like they’ve got a standing meeting with the birds… or if naps are suddenly non-existent despite your best efforts… it’s time to shine a light on — or rather, block the light from — what’s going on.
Enter: Sleep-Out Curtains (aka blackout curtains, but better)
Now, I’m not talking about the sheer ones you picked up at Target that say blackout but still let in morning rays like a nightclub strobe. I mean REAL sleep-out curtains — the kind that make the room feel like a cozy, womb-like cave no matter what time of day it is.
Why does this matter?
Because light is a major player in your child’s circadian rhythm.
Sleep Science Moment: Why Darkness Matters
Let’s geek out for just a second (you know I’m all about the why behind the what).
When your child’s environment is too bright — especially early in the morning or during nap time — it signals their brain to stop producing melatonin, the sleep hormone that helps them wind down, stay asleep, and feel rested.
Translation?
Light = “Let’s wake up!”
Darkness = “Mmm, let’s stay cozy and snooze some more.”
So if you're trying to get longer stretches at night… more reliable naps… or even just a child who wakes up after 6am — sleep-out curtains are your new best friend.
Real Life Moment: The “Summer Solstice Meltdown”
Let me tell you about a sweet family I worked with — let’s call them the Parkers.
Everything was going pretty well… until June hit. Suddenly, bedtime became a full-on battle, naps were skipped, and their 4-year-old started popping up at 4:45am ready to party.
The culprit?
Their room was flooded with that glorious summer light — at bedtime, during naps, and first thing in the morning.
Once we installed real sleep-out curtains, it was like flipping a switch. Bedtime resistance dropped. Naps came back. And that 4:45am party animal? Now sleeping ‘til 6:30.
Joanna’s Go-To Curtain Tips
If you’re ready to join the dark side (literally), here’s what I recommend:
✔ Look for 100% blackout – Not “room darkening” or “light filtering.” You want total darkness.
✔ Seal the edges – Light sneaking in from the sides or top? Use Velcro strips or blackout curtain liners that go BEHIND your regular curtains.
✔ Get creative – In a pinch? Tape black trash bags to the windows. I’m not above a temporary hack when it buys the whole family more sleep.
✔ Double-duty – Consider using travel blackout options like Sleepout™ panels when visiting family or traveling (they suction to windows and WORK).
Gentle Sleep Coaching Bonus Tip
A darker room doesn’t just help your child sleep longer — it also helps them fall asleep easier.
So if bedtime battles feel endless, or if your toddler is suddenly scared of “monsters” or “shadows,” don’t assume they need more light — they may actually need less stimulation.
Pro tip: Add a soft red or amber nightlight if needed — those tones don’t disrupt melatonin like blue/white light does.
Bottom Line
Sleep-out curtains aren’t just some Pinterest parenting trend.
They’re a strategic, science-backed tool that helps align your child’s internal sleep rhythms with their environment — especially when naps, early mornings, or bedtime meltdowns are stealing your sanity.
They’re one of those things that make you go,
“Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes—very often, they do.
One of the most common reasons babies take short naps is because light signals the brain that it’s time to wake up. Even subtle daylight creeping into the room can interfere with your child’s ability to transition through sleep cycles.
When a room is truly dark, the brain produces melatonin more effectively, which helps your baby stay asleep longer and connect sleep cycles more easily.
That said, blackout curtains aren’t a magic fix on their own. If your child is overtired, undertired, or relying on sleep props, you may still see short naps. But when paired with the right sleep timing and routines, a dark sleep environment can make a noticeable difference—sometimes immediately.here
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Yes—and this is one of the biggest wins.
Early morning waking (think 4:30–5:30am) is often driven by light exposure. As soon as the sun starts to rise, even a small amount of light can signal your child’s body that it’s time to start the day—even if they’re still tired.
By blocking that early morning light, blackout curtains help “protect” the sleep environment and support your child in sleeping later.
However, if your child is consistently waking early, it’s usually not just about the curtains. Sleep timing, total daytime sleep, and bedtime all play a role. Blackout curtains are a powerful tool—but they work best as part of a bigger, thoughtful sleep plan.
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In most cases, yes—especially for sleep.
A dark room minimizes stimulation and supports deeper, more restorative sleep. For many toddlers, a completely dark environment helps reduce distractions and makes it easier to settle at bedtime and stay asleep through early morning hours.
If your child is fearful of the dark, you don’t have to force total darkness overnight. A very dim, warm-toned nightlight can be a gentle bridge. But the goal is still to keep the room as dark as comfortably possible.
Think of it this way: we’re creating a clear, consistent signal to the brain—this is a place for sleep.
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They’re not technically required—but they make everything easier.
When I work with families, I look at the sleep environment as one of the foundational pieces. If a room is too bright, you’re essentially working against your child’s biology.
Blackout curtains help reduce external stimulation, support melatonin production, and create consistency—especially during naps and seasonal light changes.
So while you can improve sleep without them, you’re likely going to see faster, smoother progress when the environment is working with you instead of against you.
It’s one of the simplest changes with one of the biggest returns.
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You don’t have to give up good sleep just because you’re on the go.
There are excellent portable blackout options designed specifically for travel—things like suction blackout shades or temporary window covers that you can pack in your suitcase.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency.
Even recreating some level of darkness can help your child feel more grounded and make it easier for them to fall asleep in a new environment.
If your child is used to sleeping in a dark room at home, bringing that element with you while traveling can be the difference between a smooth trip and a very long few nights.
Ready to troubleshoot your child’s sleep challenges with real strategies that WORK?
Can Blackout Curtains Help?
Often Yes
Often Yes
Sometimes
Sometimes
Helpful but not sufficient
Often Yes
Sleep Challenge
Short Naps
Early morning waking
Bedtime resistance
Night Waking
Sleep Regression
Travel Sleep Disruption
Ready to troubleshoot your child’s sleep challenges with real strategies that WORK?
That’s exactly what I do, every day, with families just like yours.
Let’s build a customized, heart-centered, attachment-respecting plan that makes sleep feel easy again.
At Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, I believe that sleep is a learned skill, and every child is capable of learning it—with the right guidance and support.
Whether you’re a working parent juggling deadlines or simply a family in need of rest, know this: there is always help and hope available.
If you’ve been hesitating, wondering if sleep coaching is right for you, let me reassure you: the hardest part is deciding to start. From there, with expert guidance and your dedication, the progress will come quickly. This is your chance to transform your life in a way few other things can.
Ready to take the leap? Let’s talk about how sleep coaching can create your family’s transformation. You deserve this. Your baby deserves this. And your future self will thank you.
Let’s start with an easy first step, schedule a Sleep Strategy Session so me, you and your partner can have an 1 hr long zoom session so I can properly assess the sleep situation and determine if you need one-on-one sleep coaching support.
Let’s get your baby sleeping and get YOU your sanity back.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
It’s travel season! Be prepared with a What to Pack List!
TL;DR- Traveling doesn't have to ruin your child's sleep. By recreating your child's sleep environment, maintaining key parts of your routine, and packing a few strategic sleep essentials, you can help your baby or toddler sleep well while traveling and return home with sleep habits intact.
It's travel season! For families that FINALLY have their kids taking predictable naps and are enjoying BEAUTIFUL, BLISSFUL SLEEP the thoughts of “messing it up” by stepping out of their routine can be stressful. For families that are already sleep-deprived and struggling with getting the child to sleep at home, the idea of having to handle this while traveling can be overwhelming. Managing your child’s sleep while on vacation is possible and I am going to give you some tips to make everything easier!
Think ahead while packing what you need to maintain your optimal sleep environment!
Download my free Summer Travel: What to Pack checklist!
Bring a white noise machine or small fan! This will help maintain your child’s routine at home and help them be more comfortable in their new environment. It is also a great way to drown out background noise if you are room sharing.
Does your child have a favorite lovie, stuffed animal or blanket? Make sure to pack these!
If your child is used to sleeping in a crib, call ahead to see if there is one available or bring a pack and play. You can also consider using a baby equipment rental company at your destination. If your child is sleeping in a bed, there are some great options for child air mattresses! **
Getting a child to sleep in bright rooms can be tricky while away! There are some great products available that ensure a quick and easy fix. Check out the Snooze shade or Slumberpod! These are also a must-have if you are room sharing while away! Check out my interview with the Creator of Snoozeshade
If your child is used to a sleep sack or swaddle make sure to pack them (plus some back ups).
What is your sleep routine with your little one? Do you read the same book every night or sing songs? Pack whatever you will need to maintain this routine as much as possible. Consistency helps children feel comfortable and know what to expect.
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Usually not.
Many parents worry that one vacation will undo months of hard work, but that's rarely what happens. Children are incredibly adaptable. You may experience a few off nights while traveling, but most children return to their normal sleep routines once they're back home.
I often tell families: don't let the fear of sleep challenges stop you from making memories. Travel is temporary. Good sleep habits are long-term.
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If I had to choose just one thing, I'd choose whatever makes your child's sleep environment feel familiar.
For some children that's a sound machine. For others it's their sleep sack, lovey, or portable blackout curtains.
Children sleep best when their environment sends the same message it sends at home:
"It's time for sleep."
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If I had to choose just one thing, I'd choose whatever makes your child's sleep environment feel familiar.
For some children that's a sound machine. For others it's their sleep sack, lovey, or portable blackout curtains.
Children sleep best when their environment sends the same message it sends at home:
"It's time for sleep."
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The closer you can recreate home, the better.
I recommend:
Making the room as dark as possible
Using white noise
Following your normal bedtime routine
Bringing familiar sleep items
Allowing a little extra wind-down time
Most children adjust surprisingly quickly when those familiar cues are in place.
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Don't panic.
Travel days are often messy sleep days. Focus on preventing overtiredness rather than achieving perfect naps.
Some naps may happen in a stroller, carrier, car seat, or travel crib—and that's okay.
One imperfect day won't create a long-term sleep problem.
Remember being consistent does not mean never changing the schedule or routine. It's important to be flexible and most importantly ENJOY YOUR TRIP! Don’t feel guilty if you need to offer your child a little more support while traveling to make them feel comfortable! When you get home, you can return back to your normal schedule and routines!
Download my free Summer Travel: What to Pack checklist to help make sure you are prepared!
You can also check out my video on Holiday Travel Tips and blog post 7 Family Travel Tips for Summer 2021 for more travel tips!
If you are sleep deprived and struggling with getting the child to sleep at home and the overwhelm is taking the joy out of travel planning, hope and help are available.
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM Sleep Strategy Session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.