As a two-time mom who exclusively breastfed both babies, trust me when I say that I have made many mistakes and learned many lessons along the way. One of my biggest mistakes was turning on the bright lights in our nursery for overnight feedings. You might be thinking to yourself: But, Yasmine… you’ll disrupt your baby’s melatonin production and keep him up longer than he needs to be. FTM mom that I once was, I had no clue.
The lessons we learn…!
Now, I know that having soft lighting available in the nursery is a must. I learned firsthand how crucial the right environment can be for those sleepy overnight nursing sessions. As soon as I switched to softer lighting in the nursery with my second baby, I noticed an improvement in his sleep.
AND, in my own mood the next day.
So, the biggest unexpected but game-changing addition to my nighttime nursing routine has been my Himalayan salt lamp. It’s such a simple thing to have in your home, but it was truly transformative for my breastfeeding journey.
For this reason, I would put this on your list as a breastfeeding must-have tool for overnight feeding sessions. Bonus: when you’re done nursing, it makes a great nightlight!
Gentle, Soft Lighting is Key for Overnight Wakeups
One of the biggest challenges of overnight wakeups, nursing sessions, and diaper changes is finding the perfect balance for your lighting. You need enough light to see what you’re doing and to be able to change a diaper or not fall asleep yourself, but not so much that it disrupts your baby’s sleep or gets you wired.
A quality Himalayan salt lamp emits a warm, gentle glow that’s ideal for this purpose. The lamp that I bought has a soft hue that helps create a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for keeping both you and your baby calm and relaxed. If you need more light, try using two lamps or combining a salt lamp with another dimmed lighting source. (Here’s a larger lamp that will provide more light if this is a concern.)
I do also love that this Himalayan salt lamp that I bought, in particular, has a dimmer, so you can decide if you want to keep the lamp on a low or brighter setting. It’s really such a calming thing to have in your home, thanks to the soft pinkish light it emits.
A Himalayan Salt Lamp Supports Better Sleep
The wonderful thing about the light from a Himalayan salt lamp is that it’s softer and less jarring than standard night lights or overhead fixtures. This is so important because harsh, bright lighting can signal to your brain that it’s time to wake up, making it harder for both you and your baby to fall back asleep after nursing. This is why we use blue-light-blocking glasses at nighttime (to avoid that harsh blue or bright light).
The subtle glow of the Himalayan salt lamp mimics natural light, helping maintain your body’s (and your baby’s) circadian rhythm and promoting better sleep. So, you can get your baby, change that diaper, nurse them back to sleep… all with the soft glow of your beautiful salt lamp.
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Salt Lamps Can Neutralize the Air
Authentic Himalayan salt lamps are also known for their potential air-purifying properties. They release negative ions, which can help to cleanse the air by trapping dust, pollen, and other allergens.
This is especially beneficial in your baby’s nursery, where keeping a clean, fresh non-toxic environment is essential for your baby’s health (and probably one of your top priorities if you are reading this article on this website). Yes, there isn’t much research to back this up, but many moms (myself included) swear by the improved air quality and the overall sense of wellbeing these lamps provide. I know that I usually sleep better after having had my Himalayan salt lamp on for as little as 10 minutes.
And They’re Beautiful in the Nursery
Let’s not forget the aesthetic appeal! The Himalayan Salt Lamp that I bought is a beautiful addition to any nursery décor. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be used in other parts of your home once your nursing days are over. Whether it’s in your bedroom, living room, or even your home office, this lamp adds a touch of natural beauty and serenity to any space.
I have two lamps — one from Amazon and one from Target. They’re both incredibly easy to use. Just plug the lamp in, turn it on, adjust to your desired dimness, and you’re good to go. It’s low maintenance and durable (I’ve had mine for YEARS!), making it a hassle-free addition to your nightly routine.
And there are many different Himalayan salt lamp styles that you can explore, but please be sure to buy one from a trusted brand and one where the salt is sourced from Pakistan. Fakes and copycats are out there, so beware.
Are Himalayan Salt Lamps Safe for Babies?
Himalayan salt lamps add a soothing glow to your nursery, but it’s also important to prioritize safety when using them around babies. While these lamps are generally safe when used properly, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Supervise Their Use: Never place the lamp within your baby’s reach, as the cord or lamp itself could become a hazard. Keep it on a high, stable surface where your baby cannot access it.
- Ensure Proper Placement: Avoid positioning the lamp too close to your baby’s crib or sleeping area to prevent any risk of tipping or accidental exposure to excessive heat.
- Monitor for Moisture: Salt lamps can absorb moisture from the air and occasionally “sweat.” This may lead to water pooling at the base, creating a slip or electrical hazard. Be sure to place the lamp on a protective mat or coaster to catch any condensation.
- Check for Heat: While salt lamps typically emit a gentle warmth, always ensure the bulb isn’t overheating the lamp, as excessive heat can pose a risk.
- Consider Alternatives: If you’re concerned about safety or don’t have a secure place for the lamp, you might opt for other soothing nursery lights designed specifically for babies.
As long as you’re using them responsibly, Himalayan salt lamps can contribute to a calm, ambient environment for your little one’s room, but safety should always come first.
Enjoy Your New Favorite Night Light!
Honestly, a Natural Himalayan Salt Lamp is more than just a night light—it’s a tool that can enhance your overall breastfeeding experience, your baby’s sleep routine, and your overnight diaper-changing sessions. And your life, if you don’t mind me being a little dramatic. I am well past my nursing days but I still love turning my salt lamp on before bedtime. And my kids love it too!
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