If you walk into your baby’s nursery during the day and you can see your own hand in front of your face, it is too bright.
That might sound extreme. It is also the biological truth.
Light = “Wake Up” Juice
Your baby’s brain is extremely sensitive to light. When light hits their optic nerve, it signals the brain to stop producing Melatonin (the sleep hormone) and start producing Cortisol and Serotonin (the awake hormones).
Even a tiny crack of light coming through the blinds acts like a laser beam to a sleeping baby. It stimulates their brain right when they are transitioning between sleep cycles (usually at the 40-minute mark).
The “Hand Test”
Close the nursery door and turn off the lights. Hold your hand up at arm’s length.
• Can you see your fingers wiggling? It’s too bright.
• Is it pitch black? Perfect.
How to Fix It (Cheap vs. Pro)
• The $5 Fix: Taped-up black trash bags or aluminum foil on the windows. It looks like a hostage situation, but it works instantly.
• The Pro Fix: High-quality blackout shades that mount inside the window frame to prevent “light halos.”
Conclusion
Don’t let a sunny day ruin your schedule. Darken the room, turn on the white noise, and use our SleepyFormula Calculator to nail the timing. Darkness + Timing = Sleep.
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