The soft curves and nest-like shape of the Stokke Sleepi helps your little one feel snug and secure. While the flexible design means it’s adjustable, allowing it to change and grow with your child.
Whats the Difference?
Introducing the Sleepi V3
Stokke has now introduced the Sleepi V3, simplifying the range to just two lengths:
The Sleepi Bed V3 (0-18 months) and then after removing the side (18 months-5 years)
The Sleepi Mini has stayed the same size as the previous version, whereas the Sleepi Bed has been lengthened to 141cm long (so there is no longer a Junior Extension).
The Sleepi V3 can be purchased in Mini or Bed size. You can also buy a Sleepi Bed Extension V3 to extend the Mini up to Bed size.
Note that even though the Mini V3 and V2 have the same dimensions, there is no compatibility between the extension kits. So a Mini V3 needs a V3 Extension Kit and a Mini V2 needs a V2 Extension Kit.
Please note that while you can buy an extension kit to turn the Sleepi Mini into a Bed, if you start by buying the Bed you can’t downsize it into a Mini.
Another difference with the V3 is that the mattress is now sold separately. The new V3 mattresses are high-quality and firm, made with multiple layers of breathable 3D mesh.
The Sleepi V2
The Stokke Sleepi V2 has three sizes:
The Sleepi Mini (approx 0-6 months)
The Sleepi Bed (0-18 months) and then after removing the side (18-36 months)
The Sleepi Junior (3-10 years)
The Sleepi V2 is purchased as a Mini or Bed and then you buy an Extension Kit and the appropriate mattress to extend the mini into the bed size and a Junior Extension Kit to extend the bed size into the junior.
The Power of a Bedtime Routine for Your BabySimple rhythms that lead to better sleep - for both of you
In the early weeks with a newborn, life tends to move to a rhythm all on its own. Feeds, naps, cuddles, and nappy changes often blur into one another, and any sense of routine can feel a little out of reach. That’s completely normal!
As your baby grows, you’ll notice more predictable patterns beginning to emerge. This is the perfect time to gently introduce a bedtime routine – a simple series of calming steps that helps your baby unwind and gives you both a peaceful finish to the day.
Why bedtime routines matter
Babies thrive on repetition. A consistent series of calming activities each evening helps regulate their body clock, encourages longer stretches of sleep, and creates a comforting rhythm to the day. Routines don’t just benefit sleep - they also nurture connection, ease overstimulation, and make bedtime feel less like a battle and more like a shared moment of calm.
These rituals will evolve as your baby grows, but the sense of structure and predictability will continue to support their development well into childhood.
When to begin
You can begin easing into a bedtime routine from around six to eight weeks old - once your baby begins to show more consistent sleep and feeding patterns. This is also when they start to recognise daily cues, making it the perfect time to introduce a gentle ritual that helps them wind down.
How to get started
There’s no “perfect” routine - what works for one family might not suit another. The key is consistency, calmness, and keeping things relatively short (20 to 30 minutes is ideal). Try to carry out most of the routine in your baby’s room so they start to associate the space with sleep.
Here’s a sample rhythm to get you started:
Bath - A warm bath helps wash away the day and begins the wind-down process. This can also be a fun and playful moment, especially if older siblings are involved.
Massage - After bath time, a quick massage with something like Scullys Baby Massage Oil can help your baby get ready for rest. This is a wonderful way to connect with your baby through touch, as well as being very relaxing for both of you.
Sleepwear - Soft, breathable pyjamas or a sleeping gown signal that bedtime is near. You might like to use Merino to help regulate temperature throughout the night. We have a gorgeous range of safe and cosy sleepwear available here.
Feeding - Try offering the final feed early in the routine rather than just before sleep. This can help reduce reliance on feeding to fall asleep.
Story or song - A simple board book, soft lullaby, or even humming a tune gives your baby a consistent cue that bedtime is here. It also builds language skills and creates special bonding moments.
Cuddles - A warm snuggle and quiet kiss goodnight helps your baby feel safe, even if you’ll likely see them again overnight.
Watch for sleepy cues
Rather than watching the clock, keep an eye on your baby. Rubbing eyes, zoning out, yawning, or fussing can all signal tiredness. Aim to start the bedtime routine before they become overtired. For most babies, somewhere between 6:30 and 7:30 pm works well, and this timing can continue into the early school years.
Keep the environment sleep-friendly
A dark, quiet space tells your baby’s brain that it’s time to sleep. Avoid bright lights, noisy toys, or too much stimulation. Night lights can be helpful for feeding and changes, but aren’t necessary for sleep - babies aren’t born afraid of the dark. You could add a soft and practical sleep sound machine, like a Yogasleep Nod to make night-time care easier with it's built in night light.
Put baby to bed drowsy, not asleep
As you get to know your baby’s cues, try placing them into bed when they’re sleepy but still awake. This helps them learn to settle themselves, which can make overnight waking easier to manage. It also reduces the shock of waking up in a different spot from where they fell asleep.
Be consistent - but stay flexible
Consistency is key, but so is flexibility. There’ll be times when travel, illness, or overtired evenings throw things off. The idea is to have a calming, repeatable routine you can come back to, wherever you are. If more than one caregiver can do bedtime, that helps too - it builds flexibility and avoids babies becoming dependent on one specific parent for settling.
Small rituals with lasting benefits
Your baby’s routine doesn’t need to be perfect, and it will change over time. But these small, daily rhythms bring more than just sleep - they offer connection, confidence, and a peaceful way to end the day together.
One day, your baby will be reading their own book at bedtime. But your cuddle and goodnight kiss? That will still matter, even if you have to sneak it in after lights out ❤️
Dressing Your Baby for Sleep – A Seasonal Guide
Knowing how to dress your baby at bedtime can feel like a bit of a guessing game – especially when the seasons start to change. Should you add another layer? Is the room too cool? Are their hands meant to be that cold?
To help take the guesswork out, we’ve put together a simple guide to dressing your little one for sleep using our Dimples sleeping bags and sleepwalkers, without any additional blankets.
A Gentle Reminder
Every baby is different, so this guide is just that – a guide. The best way to check if your baby is at a comfortable temperature is by feeling the back of their neck. It should feel warm, not hot or sweaty. Hands and feet can feel cooler and aren't always a reliable indicator.
Baby’s body temperature naturally dips during the early morning hours, so if your little one is waking more often than usual, it might be worth checking if they’re feeling a bit chilly.
And remember – when it comes to sleep, it’s safer for babies to be slightly cool rather than too warm.
Choosing the Right Layers
When dressing your baby, natural fibres like Merino wool or cotton are best. These breathable fabrics help regulate temperature and keep your baby comfortable through the night.
Merino in particular is a year-round superstar – its clever fibres trap warm air on cooler nights and allow heat to escape on warmer ones, making it ideal for all seasons. At Dimples, all of our garments are designed especially for keeping little ones cosy and safe.
We recommend having at least two sleeping bags or sleepwalkers on hand for each season, so you’re always prepared for the inevitable midnight messes.
Ideal Room Temperature
The ideal temperature for a baby’s room is between 16–20°C.
If you’re using a heater or heat pump, setting the thermostat to 18°C will help maintain a steady climate through the night without overheating.
Monitoring the Room
Many baby monitors display room temperature, which can be a helpful reference.Alternatively, something like the Shnuggle Moon Nightlight can be used to keep an eye on the room temperature. It uses a handy colour display to show whether the room is sitting within the ideal range.
Signs Your Baby May Be Too Warm
Waking more frequently than usual
Sweaty back or neck
Damp hair
Shallow or rapid breathing
If you notice these signs, try removing a layer or adjusting the room temperature. A cool, damp cloth on the back of their neck can help if they’re feeling very warm – and always check for fever if you’re concerned.
Signs Your Baby May Be Too Cold
Restless sleep or unusual movement around the cot
Rolling onto their stomach
Catnapping during the day
Waking around 5am
If any of these sound familiar, consider adding a layer, using a warmer sleeping bag, or gently warming the room.
Dressing your baby for sleep doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few key pieces and a little trial and error, you’ll find the sweet spot that keeps them cosy and safe – all night long 😴
Explore our full sleepwear range to find breathable, natural fibre options for every season.And if you’re ever unsure, we’re here to help.
Bringing a new baby home is one of life’s most beautiful - and exhausting - adventures. In this blog, Family Sleep & Wellness Coach, Lauren Moran from Little Dreamers, shares her expert advice on newborn sleep in the fourth trimester.
Which swaddle or wrap is best for your baby?
Choose well for better sleep
Swaddling your newborn helps calm, relax and settle your baby, ready to sleep. A swaddled newborn will generally fall asleep more easily and sleep for longer. This is because newborns are still used to the warm, tight feel of the womb. Newborns also have a startle reflex – really big twitches of the hands and arms that can wake your baby. Swaddling gently snuggles your baby’s arms in to keep them snoozing peacefully.
Choosing the right swaddle or wrap depends on your baby’s preferences and the time of year. Some swaddles may be one-size-fits-all, designed to use from newborn through to infant sleeping bag. Others fit a specific size, and you’ll need to change the size as your baby grows. For these wraps, it’s much safer to get one that fits your child now – not one that they’ll grow into. The extra fabric can get in the way of your child’s movement, and may also increase the risk of SIDS.
Follow our guide to understand what’s right for your newborn.
Which wrap is right for you?
There are two main types of wraps: fitted wraps, and traditional swaddles. The right one will depend on your preferences, and what works best for your baby.
Fitted wraps
Fitted wraps make swaddling a newborn easier. They’re also more secure – very important if your baby is a wriggler! Dimples has two types of fitted wraps:
Snuggle Wrap
: The Dimples Snugglewrap is perfect for a newborn who loves to be cocooned with arms down. Its unique design means it can be used safely in the crib, pushchair or car seat, for babies up to six months old. The Snuggle Wrap comes in one size and will adapt to your baby as it grows.
Sleep Pod
: The Sleep Pod is designed for babies who prefer to sleep with their arms up, or those who like self-soothing by sucking on a hand or fist while sleeping. It allows for natural movement of the hips and arms, while still making your baby feel snug and comforted. This Sleep Pod
comes in two sizes: newborn and small (3 – 6 months). It has a zip up the front that makes it super easy to put on. There’s also easy access via the double-ended zip for nighttime nappy changes.
Traditional wraps
Traditional wraps
are large pieces of stretchy fabric. They are more versatile than fitted wraps, as they can also be used as shade cloth, feeding cover or blanket. They also grow with your baby, so you don’t need to buy more than one.
However, they are more difficult to use – learning to swaddle takes time, and it can be difficult to get the perfect fit, especially on a wriggly baby at 2 am. Dimples have Extra-large wraps, in both
merino
and
organic cotton
.
Cotton or merino?
Both
cotton
and
merino
fabrics are suitable for sleeping swaddles. Both are breathable, helping babies to regulate their temperature. Synthetic fabrics can lead to your baby overheating and sweating.
Merino wool can help naturally regulate your baby’s temperature, providing even warmth and wicking moisture away. This makes an excellent option year-round. During the hottest months you may prefer a cotton wrap. This can also be used in cooler weather over close-fitting wool pajamas.
The perfect wrap, better sleep
Finding the perfect wrap can make all the difference in those tricky early months. This may take some trial and error, as you learn about what works for you and your baby. If you’re confident using a traditional wrap, this will give you the most versatility. If you’re a relatively newcomer to swaddling, a fitted wrap might suit you better.
If your baby will arrive in the heat of summer, make sure you have a few cotton options on hand. For other times of the year, merino will work well.
Whatever you choose, nailing that perfectly wrapped baby burrito will make for an especially wonderful parenting moment – especially if your baby is asleep!
Naps are more challenging than night sleep but can be done.
Napping is incredibly important, not just for your baby’s wellbeing, but for yours too. When naps are too short, erratic or unpredictable, it can be frustrating, worrying and exhausting.
If you’re struggling to get your baby or toddler to nap, these ten tips could help.
1. Look out for sleep cues
Ideally, your baby will be ready for sleep, but not overtired which can make napping harder. Keep an eye out for signals like frowning, jerky movements, scratching their ears or head, or making grunting noises. Toddlers may get sillier, louder, or easier to upset.
2. Skipping a nap won’t make for better sleep later
Don’t skip a nap with the hope that your baby will have a better sleep later. Missing a nap will lead to overtiredness, making napping even harder. If your child has skipped a nap, they might need to go to bed earlier to make up for it.
3. It’s ok to try later
If your baby is point-blank refusing to nap, it’s ok to take a break. Try pausing, and doing something else with them. If you’re following a sleep-training technique or trying to break a sleep habit, it’s ok to revert to what you know will work – you can try again when your baby is no longer overtired.
4. Avoid device screens
TV, computers and other devices with screens emit blue light, which can disrupt melatonin production – the hormone that makes people feel sleepy. Watching TV
up to 90 minutes
pre-nap can lead to less nap time, or missing sleep altogether. This can add up to a sleep deficit, which can make the problem worse. Keep screen time to a minimum and after nap time only.
5. Develop a schedule
You need to find a balance between naps and feeding, so your baby isn’t waking up because of hunger. To maximise sleep it’s also important that there is enough (but not too much!) time between sleeps. For many parents, a schedule makes this easier. Every child is different, but this sleep and feeding schedule will help give you an idea of what could work.
6. Have a pre-nap routine
Bedtime routines are important – and naps need them too. Create a short pre-nap process that is a pared-back version of what you do at night. It should be cosy and relaxing, preparing your child for her nap.
7. Keep the light low and encourage quietness
Your baby will find it easier to fall asleep and stay that way in a cool, dark, quiet room. To create this ideal sleep environment, check the room isn’t too hot – between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius is ideal. Hang blackout drapes, and use white noise to block out sudden noises.
8. Consistency is key
Aim for at least one nap at home during the day – ideally the first of the day. If you’re out and about, the naps aren’t as restful as ones at home, which will lead to your baby becoming overtired.
9. If your baby stops napping, don’t panic
Your baby can stop napping for many reasons – illness, teething, a sleep regression, a growth spurt, a developmental leap, or a change in napping schedule.
During sleep regressions, your baby or toddler will change their sleeping patterns for the worse. This is exhausting and stressful, but it’s normal. This regressions generally align with big developmental leaps, around 4 months, 8 months, 11 months, 18 months, and 2 years.
Nap transitions are when a child’s sleep needs change. Commonly newborns will nap 4-5 times a day, which drops to 4 at about four months old. Then, from 5-8 months, they’ll have around three naps and start resisting the fourth. From 9-18 months this will reduce to two naps a day, and you can expect your child to continue having one (ever shorter!) nap a day until they're about 3.
10. Be kind to yourself
Naps are notoriously tricky to manage – your baby won’t have the same sleep pressure during the day as they have at night, so even small things can throw you off course.
Like everything else involving babies, be patient with yourself and them. What’s ‘normal’ won’t work for everyone, so give yourself permission to have a bit of trial and error, and allow gentle deviations from the routine when required.
Persistence, flexibility and support
Naptime doesn’t have to be a struggle. Keep an eye out for sleep regression or nap transitions, and adjust schedules accordingly. Keep persisting, ask your friends and family for help and support, and pay attention to your baby’s natural tendencies. Before long, nap time will be something to look forward to!
How to help keep your baby safe
Entering the world of parenthood comes with its fair share of anxiety, from wondering how different your new life will be, to the worry of being responsible for a new little person. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), previously known as ‘cot death’, is the unexplained death (typically during sleep) of a seemingly healthy baby. While SIDS is a very real threat, with a little knowledge you can reduce many known contributing factors.
Back to sleep
You’ll no doubt hear this on repeat from midwives and Plunket nurses as soon as your little babe comes along and for very good reason. Babies who sleep on their stomachs are much more at risk of SIDS. While it’s not 100% understood exactly why experts believe it could be about re-inhaling stale air. Once your baby can happily roll over by themself, you don’t need to worry about sleeping positions any more.
Make it a strictly smoke-free zone
Smoking (and exposure to second-hand smoke) during pregnancy not only puts your baby at risk of health issues but increases the risk of SIDS too. It’s thought that nicotine can wreak havoc on a mechanism in their brain which senses a lack of oxygen and triggers breathing to start (called auto-resuscitation). So make sure it’s strictly a smoke-free zone when you’re pregnant and when your little one arrives, and that your family and friends are on board too.
Welcome your new (temporary) roommate
It’s widely recommended that your new babe bunks in with you (in their own safe sleeping space) for at least the first four to six months. This isn’t always practical for light sleepers, in which case a good
breathing movement monitor
set up in their nursery will give you peace of mind.
A safe spot for slumber
While room-sharing is recommended, bed-sharing isn’t. It can be so tempting to savour that extra time snuggled up in bed with your new babe, but bulky duvets, pillows and even an adult rolling can spell danger for little ones. Setting your baby up with their own safe space (like a portable
Moses basket
) within arm’s reach is your best option.
Be prepared to be suddenly jolted awake and find yourself sitting up in bed or a nursing chair with your baby in your arms – sleep deprivation can really grab hold of you in the early days. Sleeping with a baby on a chair or sofa is very dangerous, so to avoid this as much as possible, use the middle-of-the-night feeds as opportunities to clear out and edit that day’s photos on your phone (no doubt there will be plenty!) Your phone’s blue light will help keep you alert.
Baby, it’s cold outside
It’s important to make sure the room where your baby is sleeping is at a comfortable temperature. Bundling up babies at all times is an outdated theory – overheating is another substantial SIDS risk. Higher temperatures can put babies into a deeper slumber, making it difficult for them to wake if their breathing is obstructed. The recommended room temperature for a baby is 16 to 20 degrees, with around 18 degrees being ideal. To check your baby’s temperature, feel his back or tummy – it should feel warm. A great way to check the temperature of their nursery is with a combined nightlight/temperature sensor like the
Moon Nightlight
.
Blankets (and everything else) be gone
All those cute blankets, animal-shaped pillows and snuggly little toys that create a cosy-looking cot will need to stay in storage until your baby’s first birthday. Until then, all you need is a fitted sheet and wearable bedding like a Merino Sleep Pod to keep them warm. The key is to avoid anything that may cover their face and restrict breathing.
Breastfeed if possible
Experts aren’t sure why, but breastfeeding can significantly lower the risk of SIDS. The theory is that breastfeeding promotes the sucking and swallowing action, which develops muscles that keep the airway open while boosting brain development. Breastfed babies are generally lighter sleepers, too. This might not sound like a benefit at 2 am, but anything that helps reduce SIDS is a big plus.
A big tick for pacifiers
There tends to be negativity around using pacifiers, but they can not only be life-saving for unsettled babies during car trips, but also literally life-saving. Once again, it’s a bit of an unknown how pacifiers help, but there is a clear link – babies who use pacifiers are at lower risk of SIDS. As with breastfeeding, this could be due to more developed sucking and swallowing muscles that help keep airways open. If you’re breastfeeding, wait until this is well established (at least 4-6 weeks) before introducing a good quality
silicone pacifier
.
Do what you can to reduce the risk
While there are still a lot of unknowns with SIDS, being armed with what you can do to reduce as many risks as possible should put your mind at ease. Keep in mind that the risk of SIDS decreases after six months and is pretty rare after a baby’s first birthday.
The Stokke® Sleepi™ Dresser in Natural colour is the perfect addition to our nursery concept, pairing beautifully with the Stokke® Sleepi™ cribs.
Versatile and beautiful, the Stokke® Sleepi™ Dresser is equipped with three spacious, push-to-open drawers that open and close with a gentle push giving parents loads of storage and easy access to their children's clothes, toys & treasures.
With open space for parents´ feet underneath, the Stokke® Sleepi™ Dresser & Changer is the ideal height for changing your baby on the included softly cushioned changing pad. Depending on how you arrange your room, the Dresser with Changer allows for both sideways and parent-facing changing positions.
Made with clean Scandinavian design, solid wooden legs and a textured front surface in beech, it combines quality and durability. The result – a classic and long-lasting piece of furniture that works in a variety of interiors. The Dresser is a Red Dot Design Winner 2022!
The Stokke® Sleepi™ Changing Table in White colour is the perfect addition to the Stokke® Sleepi™ nursery concept, pairing beautifully with the Stokke® Sleepi™ cribs.
With open space for parents' feet underneath, the Stokke® Sleepi™ Changing Table is the ideal height for changing your baby on the included softly cushioned changing pad.
Versatile and beautiful, the Stokke® Sleepi™ Changing Table is equipped with a generous open shelf for convenient storage. Depending on how you arrange your room, the Changing Table allows for both sideways and parent-facing changing positions.
Made with clean Scandinavian design, it is a Red Dot Design Winner.
The Stokke® Sleepi™ Changing Table in Natural colour is the perfect addition to the Stokke® Sleepi™ nursery concept, pairing beautifully with the Stokke® Sleepi™ cribs.
With open space for parents' feet underneath, the Stokke® Sleepi™ Changing Table is the ideal height for changing your baby on the included softly cushioned changing pad.
Versatile and beautiful, the Stokke® Sleepi™ Changing Table is equipped with a generous open shelf for convenient storage. Depending on how you arrange your room, the Changing Table allows for both sideways and parent-facing changing positions.
Made with clean Scandinavian design, it is a Red Dot Design Winner.
The first magical months have passed and now it's time for you to transform your Stokke® Sleepi™ Mini into the Stokke® Sleepi™ Bed with the practical Bed Extension Kit Natural colour. Suitable for children up to 5 years.
Mattress is sold separately.
Please note this is only for the Sleepi V3, not earlier Sleepi versions. The V3 first arrived in New Zealand in June 2023.
The first magical months have passed and now it's time for you to transform your Stokke® Sleepi™ Mini into the Stokke® Sleepi™ Bed with the practical Bed Extension Kit White colour. Suitable for children up to 5 years.
Mattress is sold separately.
Please note this is only for the Sleepi V3, not earlier Sleepi versions. The V3 first arrived in New Zealand in June 2023.
The Stokke® Sleepi™ Drape Rod in Natural colour is designed to be used with the Stokke® Sleepi™ Mini and Bed. With the Drape Rod, you can use the Stokke® Sleepi™ Canopy to a provide warm and cozy feeling to your nursery. The canopy keeps light out and creates comfortable sleeping environment for your newborn baby.
Please note this is only for the Sleepi V3, not earlier Sleepi versions. The V3 first arrived in New Zealand in June 2023.
The Stokke® Sleepi™ Drape Rod in White colour is designed to be used with the Stokke® Sleepi™ Mini and Bed. With the Drape Rod, you can use the Stokke® Sleepi™ Canopy to a provide warm and cozy feeling to your nursery. The canopy keeps light out and creates comfortable sleeping environment for your newborn baby.
Please note this is only for the Sleepi V3, not earlier Sleepi versions. The V3 first arrived in New Zealand in June 2023.
