Sleeping well is so important, not just for your little one's health and development, but also for your own physical and emotional wellbeing. The emotional responses of sleep-deprived parents are bound to be affected – so If baby isn't sleeping well, everyone struggles! If you've been having a stressful time getting your baby or toddler to drift off to sleep or stay asleep, a "sleep expert in the palm of your hand" – as Glow Dreaming describes their line-up of baby sleep aid products, might be just the thing.
Their Glow Sleep Easy is a smart device that combines light therapy, sound therapy, and aromatherapy to help promote better sleep habits and quality of sleep for the whole family. It works alongside an app called the Glow Sleep Genie, available to download from the Apple Store or Google Play, which you connect the device to via bluetooth. Glow dreaming also offer a range of supporting products, and we've been sent a few of these to try out!
Who tested these Glow Dreaming products?
I'm a Mother & Baby Digital Writer and 'the fun aunt'. As a writer I write parenting content, including product reviews and round-ups, as well as the shopping newsletter. I'm interested to get hands-on with the products and review them from the adult's perspective, looking at things like how easy they are to set up and use, as well as giving an overview with my thoughts on the features. I also take into account reviews from verified customers who have tried these products out and have had something to say about them.
What were these Glow Dreaming products tested for?
Coming from the adult shopper's perspective I am interested to see how straightforward it is to get started using these products. I will be looking at how easy they are to set up and how intuitive the app and products are to use. I'll also be commenting on the design, both aesthetically and practically-speaking. I'll share my thoughts on how well I think the features function and if I would recommend the products to parents with babies.
We'll be taking a closer look the following products:
-
Glow Sleep Easy £119.95 – the smart device that puts a sleep expert in the palm of your hand
-
Glow Designer Sleeve £9.95 – a cute sleeve for the main device, available in different designs
-
Glow Lullaby £29.95 – one of the essential oils for the aromatherapy feature of the device
-
Glow Perfect Sleep Sensor £89.95 – to help create the perfect sleep conditions for your tot
-
Glow Travel Sleep Easy £99.95 - a travel companion to help support sleep on-the-go
All of the above are available to purchase from the Glow Dreaming website.
Best baby sleep aid for creating a relaxing sleep environment
Zara M.The Glow Sleep Easy is a smart sleep device with all the features you can think of to help baby and you get the sleep you need. It is designed to induce deep-sleep, reduce night waking and prevent early waking.
There's red light (LED) therapy to boost natural levels of the sleep hormone melatonin, and authentic pink noise therapy that blocks out background sounds and helps your tot achieve deep, slow-wave sleep. You can run this on a timer or let it run throughout the night. For deeper breathing, unblocked noses and help easing congestion, it has an ultrasonic humidifier that can run 10-12 hours. Use it with plain water, or add Glow Dreaming's essential oils for their aromatherapy sleep and relaxation benefits. And if that's all not enough, the green-to-rise feature eases babies out of slumber, or assists in training older kids to learn when it's time to get up.
The Glow Sleep Genie app is free to download and connect to your device via bluetooth, and you can use it as a remote to control the device from any room. One reviewer said "I bought the new machine because I was excited to use the app to turn the machine on and off. That works well however you cannot control the machine if you’re out of range." It's useful to think of it like bluetooth speakers, says the Glow Dreaming team. The app also gives you access to Sleep Memberships for 1-2-1 support and advice from sleep experts, plus hundreds of sleep tips, schedules and articles.
Overall there seem to be mixed opinions on the functionality and quality of the product, with some buyers saying they preferred the previous model. The Glow Dreaming team do seem to respond with helpful comments to reviewers though.
Pros
- You can control directly from the unit or use the app as a remote
- Get weekly insights and analytics on sleep patterns and behaviours
- Learn via the app with sleep tips, schedules and articles
- Older kids will know it's time to get up with the green glow
- Helps baby sleep deeply by blocking out background noise
- The timer gives you more control to run it at bedtime or overnight
- Helps with breathing and congestion
- Change the look with designer sleeves
Cons
- The app doesn't work on more than one device
- One buyer said it makes a very small electrical humming sound when the unit is off and plugged in
- Free Glow Sleep Genie app (works as optional remote control)
- Green-to-Rise feature
- Authentic true Pink Noise
- Red Light Therapy
- Timer
- 500ml capacity Cool Mist Humidifier runs for 10-12 hrs
- Sleep Support Membership offers one-on-one access to Glow Sleep Experts
- Child safe lid lock
- Non-slip base
- Customise with Designer Sleeves (sold separately)
Best for personalising the NEW Glow Sleep Easy
Zara M.The cute Glow Designer Sleeves fit on the new version of the Glow Sleep Easy, and they're a simple way to personalise the device, adding character to go with your nursery theme or home decor. One reviewer said, "My daughter loves the animals on it".
There are six designs with girly, boyish, unisex and more neutral ones to choose from – An Australian animal and bontanics design, under the sea scene, a storybook-style bear theme, adorable rainbows, butterflies, building trucks and cranes, a weater themes sleeve with sun, moon and rainy clouds, unicorns, a neutral pattern, and the night scene with moons, clouds and stars.
The sleeves are made from a soft, flexible silicone-like material that has a slight stretch to it – just enough to fit it over the lid. It is quite tight though, and you'll have to stretch and manouver it into position so that it's straight. Once on it won't slip off or slip down. They are removable too, so you can swap when you want a new design, or take it off to wipe-clean.
Pros
- The red and green light shows through the sleeve designs well
- The designs cater for boys girls, and even parents
- Easy to clean, just wipe with a dry or damp cloth to remove dust
- Easy to swap the sleeve for a brand new look
- The designs are discrete and transparent when the device is lit up
Cons
- Tricky to stretch onto the lid of the Glow Sleep Easy
- Stretchy frosted silicone sleeve
- Range of designs to suit, boys, girls and parents
- Wipe-clean
Best for relaxation as an aromatherapy sleep aid
Zara M.Glow Lullaby is the most popular blend out of the three that Glow Dreaming offers, consistently receiving five star reviews. One reviewer comments: "Puts the whole family in a relaxed and sleepy mood", and another said they've been using it for 6 years and still love the smell! The other options for essential oil by Glow Dreaming are Glow Breathe Easy and Glow Defense.
The essential oils benefit both parent and child, creating a calming and relaxed environment for sleep. They are made from high quality pure and natural organic ingredients that are safe for babies from birth. You'll also be pleased to know that they are safe to use while pregnant and breast feeding.
All you have to do is check the correct dosage for the age of your child, and then add the required number of drops straight from the bottle, which has a build in dropper so you don't accidentally pour too much out. If you're using the Glow Sleep Easy humidifier you'll add the drops into the water, and if you're using the Glow Travel Sleep Easy you'll add the drops to the scent nebuliser pad that fits into the travel device.
Pros
- Calmihng herbs chosen for relaxation and sleep
- Three scents to choose from that promote different healing qualities
- Made from high quality, pure and natural organic ingredients
- Safe for newborn babies, pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding
- The bottle has a safety cap so little ones can't open it
- The bottle has a built in dropper to prevent spillage and waste
Cons
- Might be a bit pricey, especially if you want all three
- 15ml of essential oils
- Organic ingredients
- Three blended scents to choose from
- Bottle has a safety cap and built in dropper
Best for managing your child's sleep environment
Zara M.With the Glow Perfect Sleep Sensor you have the control to create the perfect sleeping environment for your child every night. One reviewer said, "This really helped with my anxiety about room conditions and gives me the reassurance I need while he sleeps." You get a good-sized dIgital screen displaying useful information like the temperature and humidity levels in the room. It also uses information about the room conditions and the weather outside to offer you advice on how to dress your child for bed so they can enjoy the most peaceful night's sleep.
One customer who left a review was confused about the fact that the temperature seems to change when she places it in different parts of their room. The Glow Dreaming team responded with helpful advice saying, "It's not uncommon for there to be different pockets of temperature in a single room. The number can fluctuate based on sunlight spot, draft spots, etc. We recommend placing the room sensor close to where your child is sleeping and at the general height they sleep at."
We love that the monitor is portable and that it comes with a remote room sensor device as well, so you can check on your child's sleeping conditions from anywhere in the house without disturbing them. However, both devices will need batteries to be operated like this, and unfortunately batteries are not included. They do take AAA batteries though, which are common and easy to get hold of, so this is good to know prior to purchasing so you can stock up. If not using the screen anywhere else in the house, it does plug into the mains using the power adapter included.
Pros
- Know the temperature and humidity of your child's room
- Advises how to best dress your child (TOG) based on room conditions and weather
- Portable screen takes batteries and can go with you anywhere in the house
- Use power adapter with the main device
- Receive live, real time information
- Includes a remote room sensor so no need to disturb your little one
Cons
- No batteries included - needed for remote room sensor and to make screen portable
- Portable monitor
- Power cord
- Remote sensor
- Temperature and humidity monitor
- Uses room conditions and weather to give advice on clothing
Best for supporting sleep on the move
Zara M.If you want to take the benefits of your Glow Sleep Easy away with you this summer or you just want a small portable sleep aid for overnight stays with the grandparents, The Glow Travel Sleep Easy is a good option. One reviewer says, "Have used this a few times while out of town and it's amazing! Helps keep our routine so baby still sleeps well. It's a must have." Another buyer said it worked well for them in the pram, with a further buyer also saying they liked to use it in the pram but wished it came with a strap to secure it.
The travel version does most of the things the main device does, like pink noise and red light therapy. It doesn't have the green-to-rise feature and it isn't a humidifier though, as it doesn't take water – however, it still works for aromatherapy because you can drop essential oil onto the scent nebuliser pads instead.
One customer said they'd have preferred it to have a brighter light – obviously it won't give off as much light as the main Glow Sleep Easy device. A different customer agreed, saying, "The light doesn’t 'throw' as much so we take off the lid." Another reviewer had one gripe, saying "The only thing is there is a little green light that stays on while in use so I have to turn the light away from the cot", but despite that they said it was fine for them. And another buyer noticed that the pink noise wasn't as loud as the original version.
The travel device is no bigger than a small water bottle so it's lightweight and compact enough to pop in an overnight bag. There are no awkward power adapters either, just a USB Type-C charging cable, so you can use your phone charger or connect it to your laptop if the rechargeable battery runs out. Buyers have said that the battery lasts a long time too, with one reviewer saying the charge lasts for two nights.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight for easy travel
- Charges via USB-C for convenience
- The Red LED encourages brain to produce more sleep hormone
- Pink noise helps prevent wake ups for deeper sleep
- The rechargeable battery has a long life for a full nights sleep
- No water needed
- Scent nebuliser runs all night long
- Encourages deep breathing and eases congestion and illness
- Aromatherapy calms the mind and nervous system
Cons
- No Humidifier
- No Green-to-Rise
- Glow Travel Sleep Easy
- USBC Charger Cable
- 5 x Oil Pads
- Red Light Therapy
- Organic Pink Noise
- Long-life, rechargeable battery
- Scent Nebuliser
- Aromatherapy
Testing the Glow Dreaming Collection
Glow Sleep Easy
Initially I thought the Glow Sleep Easy came with a remote control in the box, from the pictures on the website, but I soon realised that the picture was actually of a mobile phone showing the Glow Sleep Genie app, so that's something to know, just in case you can't find your 'remote' in the box. The box is compact and sturdy with a lid that slides off the top, so the device fits in safe and snug and doesn't move about.
The device itself is a nice weight, not too light that it won't stay put and not too heavy that it's impractical to carry when filling with water. The lid is white plastic but doesn't feel cheap. It twists to unlatch and comes off easily, you just have to line up the circle and the lock symbols to twist and secure it back on, which took me a moment or two to work out.
The power cord is wrapped up and placed inside the device with a card insert to stop any movement and scraping, and there is a welcome booklet and small user manual placed at the bottom of the box. I recommend reading the welcome booklet as it provides a good summary of everything the device does, whereas I found browsing the website to be a bit overwhelming at first. On top of the lid of the device is a sticker with a QR code to scan and download the Glow Sleep Genie app, and thankfully the sticker is easy to remove leaving no residue on the lid.
Glow Designer Sleeve
I love the idea of the sleeves for the Glow Sleep Easy device, it's fun to be able to personalise it to your decor and there are some really cute designs. I was given the nighttime scene with clouds and stars, which I think gave a calming vibe when it was lit up. There are some lovely child-friendly and unisex designs to choose from as well as a neutral pattern if that's more your taste.
The sleeve is made from a soft flexible silicone material with some stretch to it so that you can fit it over the lid – but there isn't much stretch. This makes it a bit fiddly to slip it on and line it up straight, but once in place it won't slip around at all. It also provides some grip when removing and replacing the lid to refill the water, and elevates the design making in look a bit more expensive and attractive, in my opinion.
Glow Lullaby
The essential oil comes in a dark glass bottle with a safety lid, and it is well-labelled so that you know which one you have if you decide to collect them all. In my opinion they are a bit on the pricey side at £20 per bottle, but you do get 15ml of essential oil made with pure and natural ingredients that are safe for your baby. The recommended doses aren't very much for babies and toddlers either so a little will go a long way. I really like the scent of the Glow Lullaby essential oil. It smells sweet and floral and contains lavender, sweet orange, sandalwood, rose, mandarin, vanilla and other organic ingredients.
Glow Travel Sleep Easy
The Travel version of the device is super cute. Again, it is well packaged in a similar box with a card insert to support the device and stop it from moving about in transit. There is a user manual, a USB Type-C cable for charging, and five scent nebuliser pods.
When twisting off the lid and seeing where the pods go it occurred to me that this device doesn't take water (it does say that on the box, I just hadn't seen it). This makes sense now, as other reviewers have said they've used the travel version in the pram, which you wouldn't be able to do if it was filled with water. This is definitely something to consider if you're trying to decide which to buy – go for the travel version if you want to use it in the pram or car! Also, it is designed to fit into cup holders on your pram which I thought would be useful.
It was easy to set the device up ready for use – just twist the top off and press in a scent neluliser pod, then drop some essential oil on the pad and twist the lid back in place. You'll have to make sure it's fully charged, which is easy to see as the light goes green under the battery icon. You can change the red LED light intensity by tapping on the button to move through the three brightnesses. Beneath is the volume button, just tap three times and it'll get louder with each tap. And finally the bottom button is for the timer, you can choose to let it run for 2 hours, 4 hours or 12 hours. Once you're happy with all settings just press the power button again to lock them.
I found that the red light, while it is bright on the third setting, doesn't throw out a lot of light, which means it's not the kind of light that will let you see what you're doing in the room, and you may need to put on a bedside lamp to see the tap-buttons on the device as they don't light up. The pink noise is quite loud, and sounds a bit mechanical. I had to have it on the lowest setting, and honestly it kept me up, but I'm not used to sleeping with a noise machine. In my opinion it would be annoying to have this on in the car or in the pram while out and about. But, I guess if it works to keep baby asleep you might think differently. I can't comment on that though. The timer worked great. I used the 12 hour setting and it was still going in the morning. I was expecting the scent to be stronger, but it was quite subtle.
Glow Perfect Sleep Sensor
This came well packaged in the box with no movement possible. A ribbon helps you to easily remove the main unit with the screen, which is protected with plastic, and underneath is the user manual and slots for the power adapter and the sensor unit. There's no ribbon to help remove this though, so I had to tip it out. Both units take AAA batteries, but it appears that only the main unit can be used with the power adapter and no batteries are included in the box, which is a bit disappointing, as you do need at least two in order to use the sensor.
Personally I found the set up to be a bit confusing. The little white instruction book is very basic and has very small text. It could have done with a more user-friendly and visual design. If you're not very tech-savvy using this manual might be a bit stressful as set-up didn't feel very intuitive to me. When the screen lit up with the unfamiliar display and so much information it felt a bit much and was off-putting. I would recommend watching a video alongside setting up the device for the first time, if you can find one.
Final verdict
While I can't say that the product will help your baby to sleep, because I don't have a baby, I can say that these products are beautifully designed and I think they would look lovely in a nursery or by your bedside if you sleep with a next-to-me crib. They are so minimalist and the cute sleeve adds a bit of child-charm. The lights aren't bright enough to be able to function in the dark, but they do provide a lovely calming glow, so it won't keep you or baby up. The essential oil smells lovely too, and the more drops you use the stronger the scent!
I think the app is a great addition, with plenty of extra features to explore and learn from, but I did really prefer the simplicity of just using the devices manually, so it was nice to have that option. I thought it was nice to have the option of the travel version of the device too, although I'm not convinced I'd use it if I were a mum out and about in the pram. I think it would be good for portability around the home though, on trips, or maybe to use in the car. Unfortunately I didn't get along with the sleep sensor, but that might just be because I'm not very good with technology. I do like the idea of being able to know more about your baby's sleep environment however, and it seems like this device would be good for providing that insight.
Overall, I think parents who are on the lookout for a collection of sleep aids for restless babies will find value in these products. I've had a look at other reviews and the feedback is mixed with some saying they noticed no difference in their baby's sleep and others saying they swear by it! I guess at the end of the day the results are going to depend on your baby, because every baby is different. I thought the products were a little pricey, but they do seem to be well made, and it's a trustworthy brand.
Proud aunt to her teen niece, Zara Mohammed is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby. She has 10 years freelance writing experience creating lifestyle content for various platforms, including pregnancy, women’s health, parenting, child development and child mental health, plus lots of fun seasonal family articles and celebrity news.