Weighted blankets work wonders for the sleep patterns of adults, so why not try a version with babies? When Tara Williams realized her six-month-old slept better with a heavy throw blanket, she birthed an idea that turned into Dreamland Baby… which she jokingly calls her fifth child.

Today, Dreamland Baby makes weighted swaddles, sleep sacks, and other various sleep essentials for your little one. We caught up with the CEO and mom to discuss business, motherhood, and of course, sleep.

How did you come up with the concept of Dreamland Baby?

At almost six months old, my son Luke still woke up every hour and a half. Like so many other new parents, we were desperate for sleep. One night I placed him under a heavy throw blanket while sitting on our couch. As soon as the weight was on his body, he instantly calmed down. That was my “aha” moment. I realized the gentle weight was soothing to him. I called my mother-in-law to sew my idea; a safe, lightly weighted wearable blanket. The first night wearing our prototype Luke slept 12 hours! We couldn’t believe how immediately his sleep improved. Word quickly spread, and I was flooded with requests from family and friends. The idea to bring Dreamland Baby to families everywhere was born.

How did your personal and professional background equip you to start the company?

I am the oldest of five children, and because of that, I naturally took on a lot of responsibilities at a young age, which gave me a lot of confidence. I started my first business when I was 16, cleaning houses for friends and family. My hard work and willingness to do what needs to be done (cleaning toilets!) are two attributes that make me well-poised to run a business. I majored in finance in college, and my first jobs were in medical devices and with start-up companies, so I understood what it takes to get a business off the ground. My leadership skills and financial understanding are the two things that have helped me run a profitable business today.  

To what do you attribute your massive (and rapid) success?

I attribute much of our success to building a fantastic team of talented people who share a work ethic and take a lot of pride in the products we create. I’m thrilled to have developed a product that is helping so many families, and the knowledge that it works so well keeps my team and me motivated and ready to take on the challenges of building the business!  

How do you balance building the brand with being a mother of four?

Balance is always challenging, and it takes work to try and achieve it. I have dedicated the last four years to building Dreamland Baby. I consider it my 5th child and the one that gets the most attention! I’m fortunate to have a lot of help, from child care to cleaning. It takes a village! I am very mindful and intentional about how I spend my weekends. You will never find me working. I dedicate this time solely to my kids and husband, so I’m energized and ready for the work week. 

Aside from Dreamland Baby products, what are your favorite products or practices to round out your little ones’ bedtime routine?

I love using a sound machine. My two girls share a room, and my two boys share a room, so they each have one, and I use something similar in my room with my husband. We read books before bed to wind down and do deep breathing exercises to get into a quiet head space. My four-year-old loves doing that the most with me!

What is the best advice you can give to parents of babies/infants who struggle with their sleep? 

Get a Dreamland Baby, of course! It was exactly what my son needed and what so many families could use to help improve their little one’s sleep. Sleep training can also be beneficial, but if that’s not for you, I recommend a good bedtime routine and the right products, from our sleep sacks to sound machines. Remember, with any new product, it takes a little patience, but soon enough, you’ll be set up for sleep success.