Getting your baby to sleep isn’t always a serene, Pinterest-worthy moment. Sometimes it’s a contact nap, a pram walk, a boob snooze, a back-and-forth bounce while whispering "shhhh" like your life depends on it.

Whatever your method—if it works, it works. But let’s be honest: holding a growing baby for long periods can take a serious toll on your body. So we asked Samantha Toy, Melbourne-based certified sleep consultant and founder of Sound Sleep Baby, for her best tips to help your baby sleep—while saving your arms, back and sanity.

Samantha has helped almost 100 families (and counting) and is ranked as one of the Top Sleep Consultants in the world. She’s also a mum to 3-year-old Fynn and little 3 month old baby Nova, so yes, she gets it.

Sam’s Top 6 Sleep Tips for Tired Parents

🌀 Set the stage for sleep
A calm, dimly lit space helps wind everything down. Babies are extra sensitive to stimulation, so keeping things low-key can really help.

🌀 Add pink noise
Pink or white noise mimics the sounds babies are used to from the womb. It helps block out the dog barking, the garbage truck, or that one squeaky floorboard that betrays you every time.

🌀 Use rhythm and repetition
Whether it’s gentle rocking, patting, or walking back and forth—consistency is comforting for babies. Find a motion that works and stick with it.

🌀 Support the up-down game
If your baby wants “up” one minute and “down” the next, don’t fight it. Find ways to support that rhythm without putting your body in the bin.

🌀 Comfort is not a bad habit
You can feed to sleep. You can rock. You can contact nap. These are all valid and loving ways to support your baby’s sleep.

🌀 Ignore the noise
From books to relatives to social media—everyone has an opinion. But if it works for your family and feels right, it’s enough.

So… how do you keep doing all of that without hurting yourself?

The HipSurfer: The Back-Saving Hack You Didn’t Know You Needed

The HipSurfer is a hip seat baby carrier that gives you all the cuddles and connection without the dead arms and aching back. It straps on in seconds, supports your baby’s weight through your hips (instead of your spine), and makes soothing, rocking and settling so much easier.

Sam’s clients love it—and so does she.

“I have a lot of parents say they want to make changes to their baby’s sleep because they’re just getting too heavy to hold and rock. The HipSurfer gives them the support to keep going, without the strain.”

Why Sam recommends it:

✅ Easier sleep transfers—no unbuckling
✅ Perfect for contact naps and catnap resettles
✅ Ideal for babies with reflux or colic
✅ Great for mums with core or back issues
✅ Still works for toddlers—Sam still uses it with Fynn (age 3)

“Carrying, rocking, cuddling—these aren’t bad habits. They’re the good stuff. The HipSurfer just helps you do them for longer, more comfortably.”

Sam’s Sleep Essentials

🛏️ Co-sleeper bassinet
🖤 Drop-side cot
🎵 Aroma Snooze pink noise machine
🧸 Comforters from Schnorg Baby
🍼 Sleepwear from Baby Loves Sleep, Love to Dream, Ergo Pouch
🌚 Mahalo Eco Blinds for proper blackout

Want Support From Sam?

Visit Sound Sleep Baby and use code HACKERLILY for 10% off consults, guides and masterclasses.Follow @soundsleepbaby for tips, real talk, and reassurance on the daily.