Newborn sleep can be one of the most challenging aspects of early parenthood. New babies don’t come with a sleep schedule, and their sleep needs and patterns can differ widely. However, understanding a few basics and following some gentle tips can help create a more restful environment for both your baby and yourself.
Understanding Newborn Sleep
Newborns typically sleep 14 to 17 hours a day, but this sleep is broken into short periods that are spread across the day and night. Their tiny stomachs mean they need to wake frequently to eat, especially in the first few months. It’s completely normal for babies to wake every 2 to 3 hours for feeding. Understanding this can help parents set realistic expectations about sleep.
Create a Consistent Sleep Environment
Although you can’t establish a strict routine right away, you can begin to create a consistent and calming sleep environment. This includes keeping the room dim at night and letting in natural light during the day to help your baby start distinguishing between night and day. Use a white noise machine or fan to create a soothing sound that can block out household noise.
Make sure the sleep space is safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep on a firm, flat mattress without pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals. Keep the crib or bassinet in the same room as you for at least the first six months to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Learn Baby’s Sleep Cues
Pay attention to signs that your baby is tired, such as rubbing their eyes, yawning, or becoming fussy. Trying to put your baby to sleep before they become overtired can make it easier for them to fall asleep. As you get to know your baby better, you’ll become more familiar with their patterns and signals.
Practice Safe and Soothing Sleep Strategies
You can begin a simple bedtime routine even with a newborn. A warm bath, gentle massage, feeding, and rocking can become cues that it’s time to sleep. Consistency is key. Repeating the same sequence each evening can help your baby start to recognize when bedtime is coming.
Avoid overstimulation before sleep. Keep nighttime feedings and diaper changes as calm and quiet as possible. Use dim lighting, soft voices, and gentle movements to help your baby stay in a sleepy state.
Be Flexible and Patient
Every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. During the newborn stage, your main goals are to keep your baby safe, well-fed, and comfortable. Don’t worry too much about strict schedules—those will come in time. Some babies sleep in longer stretches sooner, while others take several months.
Also, take care of yourself. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps and ask for help when needed. Lack of sleep can be one of the hardest parts of parenting a newborn, so don’t hesitate to lean on your support system.
Final Thoughts
Newborn sleep is unpredictable, but with a safe sleep environment, gentle routines, and close attention to your baby’s needs, you can support healthy sleep habits from the start. Patience and flexibility go a long way during this early stage—and remember, it’s just that: a stage. It will get easier with time.
