Gina Johnson
Getting a newborn to sleep in a cot can be challenging for parents. Newborns often wake up when placed in a cot due to the significant change in environment, and they may prefer sleeping on their parents. However, it is safe and common for newborns to sleep in a cot from day one, and there are several strategies to help them adjust. These include establishing a bedtime routine, using white noise or heartbeat sounds, swaddling, and placing them in the cot awake but drowsy. It is also important to ensure the cot mattress is firm, with snug-fitting sheets, and free of any blankets, pillows, or toys.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crib mattress | Firm |
| Crib sheets | Snug-fitting |
| Crib mattress | Free of blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or bumpers |
| Crib use | From day one or after a few weeks in a bassinet |
| Baby sleep position | On their back |
| Crib mobile | Out of baby's reach |
| Crib location | Dark, quiet room |
| White noise | Use if baby is sensitive to other sounds |
| Baby sleep suit | Ensure TOG rating is appropriate for room temperature |
| Baby sleep duration | 14 to 17 hours a day in one to four-hour increments |
| Baby sleep cycle | Short periods every few hours throughout the day and night |
| Baby sleep environment | Well-warmed before placing the baby down |
| Baby sleep intervention | Ensure the baby is truly awake before intervening |
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What You'll Learn
Establish a bedtime routine to cue your baby that sleep is coming
Establishing a bedtime routine is a great way to cue your baby that sleep is coming. This can be really helpful in showing your baby that it's time to wind down and get ready for bed.
Firstly, it's important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all bedtime routine. Every baby is different, so try to be flexible and find what suits you and your baby. That being said, there are some general tips and tricks that can help you establish a bedtime routine for your newborn.
One key aspect is to reduce stimulation and increase relaxation before bedtime. Avoid bright lights, TVs, and phones, as these can stimulate your baby. Instead, try to create a calm and soothing environment. You can do this by using low lighting, playing relaxing music, or reading a calm story to your baby.
Another way to signal to your baby that bedtime is approaching is to incorporate a warm bath into your routine. Warm water has sleep-inducing powers and can help your baby relax. Just be mindful that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doesn't recommend bathing newborns and babies every night, as it can dry out their delicate skin.
You can also introduce sleep associations that will help your baby recognize when it's time for bed. For example, you can pat them in a slow heartbeat rhythm or hum the same line of a song over and over again. These techniques can be especially helpful when your baby is transitioning to sleeping in a cot, as they will start to associate these sensations with sleep.
Finally, be mindful of your baby's daytime routine and sleep cues. Newborns often have their days and nights confused, so it's important to establish a consistent routine to help them differentiate between daytime and bedtime. Try to ensure your baby is getting sufficient stimulation during their wake windows so that they are tired come naptime and bedtime.
Remember, establishing a bedtime routine takes time and patience. Don't be discouraged if your baby struggles at first. Consistency is key, and over time, your baby will start to recognize the cues that signal bedtime is approaching.
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Use white noise or womb/heartbeat sounds to help newborns sleep
White noise is a popular option to help newborns sleep. It can be used to block out other sounds that may be disruptive to your baby's sleep, such as traffic, older siblings, or pets. White noise can be particularly effective if your baby falls asleep at noisy times outside of their regular nap time or bedtime. It is also an excellent imitation of the noises babies hear in the womb, such as a beating heart, rushing blood, and breathing.
White noise machines are available with a heartbeat setting, which can be comforting for newborns as it mimics the mother's heartbeat. You can also try using womb sound settings, which can help lull your baby back into the security of the womb.
If you are using a white noise machine, it is important to place it at least 7 feet (200 cm) away from your baby's cot and keep the volume below 50 decibels to protect their hearing. It is also worth noting that dependency on white noise may pose challenges when your baby is sleeping away from home or if their routine changes.
If you do not have access to a white noise machine, you can try patting your baby's chest in a slow heart-beat rhythm, which can have a similar soothing effect.
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Swaddle your baby or use a sleep bag
Swaddling is a traditional practice that has been used for thousands of years. It involves wrapping your baby snugly in a lightweight blanket, usually made of soft, breathable fabric like muslin, cotton, or merino wool. Swaddling mimics the snugness and security of the womb, making it comforting for newborns and helping them sleep for longer stretches. It also prevents the startle reflex, which is a frequent cause of waking up in newborns.
Swaddling is generally safe for newborns as long as safe practices are followed. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute recognizes the HALO® SleepSack® swaddle as "hip-healthy," meaning it allows for free movement of the legs to aid in hip development. It's important to avoid swaddling the hips too tightly. Swaddling can be done from the first day of a baby's life until they start to roll over, which usually happens around four months.
Sleep bags, also known as sleep sacks, are wearable blankets that provide warmth and security without compromising mobility. They are designed to keep babies comfortably warm throughout the night and ensure they remain on their back, reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Sleep sacks are typically used once a baby has transitioned from swaddling, usually around four months when they start to roll over. They offer better mobility, allowing infants to kick their legs and develop their hips properly. Sleep sacks are available in various sizes and TOG ratings, which determine their thickness based on the temperature of the room.
Both swaddling and sleep sacks have their advantages. Swaddling provides the comfort and security of the womb, prevents the startle reflex, and is versatile as the same blanket can be used for multiple purposes. Sleep sacks offer improved mobility, convenience during diaper changes, and longer usability compared to swaddles. They can be worn until the toddler stage, depending on the child's comfort and preference.
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Place your baby on their back in the cot
It is important to place your baby on their back in the cot. This is because newborns who are placed on their stomachs or sides are at a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It is recommended to place your baby on their back to sleep until they are at least one year old.
If your baby falls asleep while you are holding them, lower them into the cot without letting their head tip backward. You should aim to place their lower half on the mattress first, while gently cradling their head to prevent the feeling of falling. This sensation can cause many babies to wake up while being moved.
If your baby is swaddled, ensure that their arms are out of the swaddle before placing them in the cot. This will reduce the risk of them rolling over onto their stomach during sleep.
If your baby wakes up when placed in the cot, try patting their chest in a slow heart-beat rhythm for two minutes. If they are still upset after two minutes, pick them up for a cuddle, then place them back down and pat them again. Repeat this process until your baby falls asleep.
It is important to note that newborns should be placed in a safe sleeping environment. The crib mattress should be firm, the fitted sheets should be snug, and the mattress should be free of any blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or bumpers.
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Pat your baby in a slow heartbeat rhythm
It is normal for a newborn baby to fall asleep on you. However, it becomes a problem if they will never fall asleep anywhere else. Sleeping on a chair or sofa with your baby in your arms is extremely risky. It can be dangerous for both the parent and the baby.
To help your baby fall asleep in a cot, you can pat them in a slow heartbeat rhythm. This can be done in conjunction with humming. First, you should continue feeding or holding your baby to sleep, but you will introduce patting and humming. Pat your baby's chest in a slow heartbeat rhythm, "bah-boom…bah-boom…". Do this for two minutes. If your baby is upset after two minutes of patting, then pick them up and cuddle them for a minute. Then, place your baby back down and pat again for another two minutes. If they seem to be calming down, then persist with patting until they sleep. Repeat this process for 10 minutes at the start of each nap and at bedtime. Once your baby has adjusted to falling asleep in their cot, you can start to phase out patting and then humming.
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Frequently asked questions
It can be challenging to get a newborn to sleep in a cot, and it may take some time for them to adjust. Here are some tips to help your newborn sleep in a cot:
- Establish a bedtime routine to cue your baby's brain that sleep is coming.
- Introduce sleep associations that can transfer to the cot, such as patting them in a slow heartbeat rhythm and humming the same line of a song over and over again.
- Put your baby down on their back in the cot.
- Use white noise if your baby is sensitive to other sounds.
- Offer some daily playtime in the cot to help your baby view it as a happy place.
- Consult a pediatrician or healthcare provider if you have concerns about your baby's sleep.
For newborns and young babies, you can allow them 15 to 20 minutes to practice sleeping in the cot before helping them fall asleep in your arms. If your baby is six months or older, you can allow them 30 to 45 minutes to work on falling asleep independently.
Newborns often wake up when placed in a cot due to the major shift in environment. They may also be confused about their days and nights, preferring to be awake at night. Additionally, newborns naturally sleep in short periods every few hours, so it is normal for them to wake up frequently.
Here are some additional tips to help your newborn sleep in a cot:
- Swaddle your baby or use a sleep bag to keep them warm.
- Offer a pacifier or dummy at naptime and bedtime, which can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Use a mobile above the cot to give your baby something to look at and help settle them down.
- Make sure your baby is truly awake before intervening, as newborns are active sleepers and may be sleeping even if they appear awake.
