Herbie Murray
Newborns have different sleep patterns from adults and children, and even among themselves. While some sleep for long periods, others sleep in short bursts. Newborns also need to be fed every few hours, which can disrupt their sleep. As a result, parents often wonder how to help their newborns sleep better. Some ways to induce sleep in newborns include swaddling, rocking, and singing lullabies. It is also important to establish a sleep schedule and create a calming environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of sleep | Newborns should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with some sleeping up to 18-19 hours a day. |
| Feeding | Newborns wake up every couple of hours to eat. Breastfed babies feed more frequently (every 2-3 hours) than bottle-fed babies (every 3-4 hours). |
| Sleep patterns | Each baby has a unique sleep pattern. Some newborns sleep in long stretches, while others sleep in short bursts. Some quickly sleep through the night, while others take longer to establish this pattern. |
| Establishing a routine | It is important to establish a consistent wake-sleep schedule and bedtime routine. This helps newborns distinguish between night and day. |
| Soothing techniques | Rocking, cuddling, singing, and swaddling are effective ways to soothe a crying baby. Sensory soothing techniques, such as dimming the lights, playing soft music, or using white noise apps, can also be beneficial. |
| Safe sleep environment | The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months to reduce the risk of SIDS. Always place the baby on their back to sleep, use a firm, flat sleep surface, and keep the sleeping area free from loose items and hazards. |
| Overheating | Dress the baby appropriately for the room temperature and avoid overbundling. Keep the baby's head uncovered during sleep, and watch for signs of overheating. |
| Pacifiers | Offering a pacifier at sleep time is acceptable, but it should not be forced. |
| Smoking | Keep the baby away from secondhand smoke, as it increases the risk of SIDS. |
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What You'll Learn
Establish a sleep schedule and stick to it
Establishing a sleep schedule for your newborn is important for their overall sleep quality. However, it's important to remember that newborns don't follow a set sleep schedule linked to the time of day. Instead, they take naps throughout a 24-hour period, with each nap lasting between one and four hours.
During the first few weeks of life, newborns don't understand the difference between daytime and nighttime, as they spent the last nine months in the dark womb. Therefore, it's normal for them to sleep more during the day and wake up frequently at night for feeds. Newborns should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day in their first few months.
As your baby grows, you'll become more familiar with their hunger and sleep cues, allowing you to develop a feeding and sleep schedule that works for your family. Around the two-month mark, your baby's internal clock will become more predictable, and you can start implementing a basic sleep schedule. You'll learn to anticipate their natural sleepy times and put them down when they're drowsy but still awake, teaching them how to fall asleep independently.
To establish a sleep schedule, create a relaxing and consistent bedtime routine with activities like cuddling, rocking, walking, and feeding. This sets the foundation for healthy sleep habits later in life. Additionally, keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feeds and diaper changes to reinforce the difference between night and day. While every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns vary, establishing a consistent sleep schedule will help regulate their naptime and bedtime habits.
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Create a bedtime routine
It can be challenging to establish a bedtime routine for your newborn, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Understand your newborn's sleep needs
Newborns sleep a lot—around 14 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. They wake up frequently to feed, regardless of the time of day. As your baby grows, they will need fewer night feeds and may sleep for longer stretches at night.
Establish a flexible routine
While newborns don't initially have a sense of day and night, you can start teaching them the difference. Create a bedtime routine that includes calming activities such as a warm bath, reading a story, or cuddling. The "feed-play-sleep" pattern is a good one to follow. Put your baby down to sleep as soon as you notice signs of tiredness, such as yawning or jerky movements.
Create a soothing environment
Rocking your baby, singing lullabies, or playing soft music can help calm them. You can also try swaddling (lightly wrapping your baby in a blanket) or using a white noise machine. Keep the lights dimmed, and make sure the room temperature is comfortable—not too hot or cold.
Be consistent but adaptable
Try to stick to a schedule, but remember that your newborn's sleep patterns may vary, and that's normal. Be prepared to adjust your routine as your baby grows and enters different developmental stages.
Prioritize safe sleeping practices
Always place your baby on their back to sleep, and ensure the sleep surface is firm and flat, with a snugly fitting sheet. Keep soft objects, such as toys, pillows, and blankets, away from the sleep area to prevent the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended for at least the first 6 months to facilitate feeding and comforting while reducing the risk of SIDS.
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Make your baby drowsy
Making your baby drowsy is the first step in establishing a good sleep schedule. Newborns sleep around the clock, waking up every couple of hours to eat. They need 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with some newborns sleeping up to 18-19 hours a day.
Swaddling
Swaddling is a technique where you wrap the baby in a light blanket. This can help to soothe a crying baby and make them feel secure and comfortable. However, if your baby starts trying to roll over while swaddled, it's a sign to stop using this technique.
Rocking and Singing
Rocking your baby and singing lullabies are classic methods to calm your baby and make them drowsy. Any light, repetitive movement, like swaying or swinging, can have a soothing effect.
Feeding
Feeding your baby can help them relax and become drowsy. However, avoid feeding until they fall asleep, as this can cause problems later on. Instead, feed them until they are calm and drowsy, and then put them down to sleep.
Dim Lights and Soft Music
Creating a calm and soothing environment can help signal to your baby that it's time to rest. Dim the lights, play soft music or tranquil sounds, and turn off any screens or televisions.
Car Ride
In desperate times, a ride in the car can be a sure-fire way to get your baby to sleep. The gentle motion of the car can be soothing, and the white noise from the engine can block out other stimulating sounds.
Remember, every baby is unique, and you might need to try out different techniques to find what works best for your little one. Consistency and a regular sleep schedule are key to helping your baby settle into a healthy sleep routine.
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Ensure a safe sleep environment
Ensuring a safe sleep environment is crucial to reducing the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, including Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Here are some detailed guidelines to create a safe sleep environment for your newborn:
Safe Sleep Space and Surface
Provide a separate and safe sleep space for your newborn. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies always sleep on their back, on a firm mattress, in an empty crib, bassinet, or play yard. The crib spindles should be no wider than 2-3/8 inches apart, and the sides should not be drop-down. Keep soft items like loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, bumpers, sheepskins, and other soft bedding away from the crib or sleep area. These items pose a risk of suffocation and strangulation.
Room Temperature and Clothing
Maintain a comfortable room temperature for your baby's sleep. Use a sleep sack or wearable blanket to keep your newborn warm instead of loose blankets, which could cover their face and increase the risk of suffocation.
Avoid Smoke Exposure
SUID occurs more frequently in babies exposed to smoke. Ensure your baby is not exposed to any second-hand smoke, and avoid bed-sharing if you are a smoker.
Breastfeed if Possible
Breastfeeding has been shown to decrease the risk of SUIDS. If you choose to breastfeed, always put your baby back in their separate safe sleep space when you are finished nursing, even if they have dozed off.
Pacifier Use
Offering a clean, dry pacifier at sleep times can help prevent SUIDS. However, do not force your baby to use one, and do not attach it to their clothing or a stuffed animal. If the pacifier falls out while your baby is sleeping, there is no need to put it back in their mouth.
Avoid Sleep Positioners and Monitors
Do not use sleep positioners, such as wedges or incliners, as they have not been proven effective or safe. Similarly, avoid non-prescribed home monitors, as they do not reduce the risk of SUIDS. If your baby has a medical need for a monitor, a doctor will prescribe a medical-grade one.
Remember, every baby has a unique sleep pattern, and it may take a few weeks for them to distinguish between night and day. During this time, it's essential to prioritize your newborn's safety by creating a secure sleep environment.
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Teach your baby to self-soothe
It is important to remember that every baby is different and no one solution will work for everyone. In the early days, newborns are still adapting to life in the outside world and cannot control their movements to self-soothe. They need you for everything, including falling asleep. At this stage, it is common to rock, pat, sing and carry your baby to help them fall asleep.
As your baby approaches the 12-week mark, you can start to teach them to sleep on their own. Some babies learn to self-settle quickly, while others need more support and encouragement. It is important to be patient and understand that this is a new skill that will take time and consistency for your baby to learn.
- Establish a soothing nap time and bedtime routine: Having a consistent sleep routine can help prepare your baby's brain and body for sleep. It is most effective to start the routine before your baby is too tired, as overtiredness can cause fussiness and make it harder for them to fall asleep.
- Avoid overstimulation: Constant attempts at soothing can sometimes be overstimulating for your baby, especially if they are an over-sensitive sleeper. Try to soothe your baby without picking them up by rubbing their head, replacing their pacifier, repositioning them, or singing to them.
- Understand your baby's temperament: Newborns have different temperaments and personalities, so some may be calmer while others may be fussier. Understanding your baby's temperament can help you better respond to their needs and teach them to self-soothe.
- Be patient and persistent: Teaching your baby to self-soothe takes time and consistency. Allow your baby to learn at their own pace and don't rush the process. Remember that it is a new skill that they are learning and it will get easier over time.
Remember, it is important to always keep your baby's safety as the top priority. Make sure that all sleep surfaces and products you use are approved and meet federal safety standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep up to 18–19 hours a day.
It can take time to get into a routine, but 'feed-play-sleep' is a good pattern to follow. Put your baby down to sleep as soon as you notice their tired signs, such as frowning, yawning or jerky movements.
Rocking your baby and singing a lullaby are well-known calming techniques. Other methods include swaddling, dimming the lights, playing soft music or tranquil sounds, and removing stimulation such as turning off the TV.
Don't try to keep your baby awake during the day in the hopes that they will sleep better at night. Overly tired infants often have more trouble sleeping at night. Also, avoid putting cereal in their bedtime bottle, as this can cause restlessness due to gas pain.
Always place your baby on their back to sleep, with their head and face uncovered. Keep the room smoke-free and at a comfortable temperature to avoid overheating. Ensure that the sleep surface is firm, flat, and free from any loose items such as blankets, pillows, or toys that could pose a risk of suffocation.
