Gina Johnson
Newborns invariably wake up repeatedly at night during the first few months of their lives, which can be challenging for parents. While it is important to remember that each baby has a different sleep pattern, there are ways to create a safe sleep environment for your newborn. This includes placing your baby on their back to sleep, using a firm and flat sleep surface, and keeping soft items, like pillows, blankets, and toys, away from the baby's sleep area. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid co-sleeping and to move your baby to a safe sleep space if they fall asleep in a sitting or carrying device.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long newborns sleep | Newborns wake up repeatedly at night for the first few months. Some start to sleep "through the night" (for 5–6 hours at a time) by 2–3 months of age, but some don't. |
| Safe sleep environment | The baby's sleep surface should be firm, flat, and level. The crib should only contain a fitted sheet covering the mattress. |
| Safe sleep position | Always place the baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. |
| Safe sleep space | Avoid co-sleeping. Room-sharing without bed-sharing is the safest option. |
| Safe sleep products | Avoid products that claim to lower the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners or monitors that can detect a baby's heart rate and breathing pattern. No known products can do this. |
| Safe sleep practices | Avoid letting the baby fall asleep on products that are not designed for sleeping, such as car seats, feeding pillows, or infant loungers. |
| Safe sleep hazards | Avoid soft surfaces, such as couches, sofas, waterbeds, memory foam, quilts, blankets, and sheepskins, as they increase the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. |
| Safe sleep recommendations | Keep the baby's sleep space clear of hazards, such as pillows, sheets, blankets, toys, and sleep positioners. |
| Safe sleep temperature | Dress the baby appropriately for the room temperature and avoid overbundling. Keep the baby away from smokers as second-hand smoke increases the risk of SIDS. |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleep surfaces for newborns
It is natural for new parents to feel exhausted during the first few months of their newborn's life. Newborns wake up every few hours to feed, irrespective of the time of day. This sleep pattern can be very challenging for parents to cope with. However, it is important to remember that keeping your baby safe is your first priority.
Sleep Surface
A firm sleep surface, such as a crib, approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meeting federal safety standards, is recommended for newborns. Soft surfaces, such as sitting devices (car seats), feeding pillows, and infant loungers, are not suitable for infant sleep as they increase the risk of sleep-related death.
Sleep Position
Always place your baby on their back to sleep, both for naps and at night. Sleeping on their back reduces the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation.
Room Sharing
Sharing a room with your baby is recommended as it can decrease the risk of SIDS by up to 50% and is much safer than bed-sharing.
Swaddling
Swaddling, or wrapping your baby in a light blanket, can help soothe a crying baby. However, once your baby starts trying to roll over, it's a sign to stop swaddling.
Weighted Products
Avoid using weighted products, such as sleepers, swaddles, sleep sacks, and blankets, as they are not safe for infants.
Routine
Although newborns follow their own schedule, they will eventually settle into a routine. It may take a few weeks for your baby to learn the difference between night and day. Establishing a consistent sleep routine, such as letting your baby fall asleep in the crib at night, will help your baby understand that it is the place for sleep.
Remember, there is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS, but creating a safe sleep environment can significantly reduce the risk.
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How to create a safe sleep environment
While it is understandable that new parents would want to sleep when their newborn sleeps, it is not always possible to do so safely. Newborns wake up frequently in the night to eat and can be unpredictable. It is important to prioritize the baby's safety over your sleep. That being said, here are some ways to create a safe sleep environment for your newborn:
Firstly, for the first year of your baby's life, the safest place for them to sleep is in their own crib, on their back. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that babies under one year of age sleep on their backs in cribs that meet government safety standards. Cribs should be placed in a room that is quiet, dark, and at a slightly cool temperature. The crib should be kept free of any items, with only a fitted sheet covering the mattress. This is because soft surfaces, such as blankets, quilts, pillows, and other similar items, can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths, including entrapment, suffocation, and strangulation.
Additionally, babies should never sleep on their stomachs or sides. Sleep surfaces with one end higher than the other, or those that elevate both the baby's head and feet, can be dangerous. This is because the baby's body can slide down, causing their head to slump forward and blocking their airway, which can lead to positional asphyxia. Similarly, sitting with the head down and the chin near the chest can also block the baby's airway. Therefore, the sleep surface should be firm, flat, and level.
It is also important to establish a calming and consistent bedtime routine. Keep nap times and bedtime the same every day, even on weekends. This will help your baby learn that nighttime is for sleeping. During middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, keep the lights low and avoid playing or talking with your baby. If your baby is fussy, it is okay to rock, cuddle, and sing to them as they settle down. Swaddling your baby in a light blanket can also be soothing, but once they start trying to roll over, you can stop swaddling.
Remember, there is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS, but creating a safe sleep environment can help reduce the risk. Always follow guidance from reputable sources, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission, to ensure your baby's sleep environment is as safe as possible.
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The risks of co-sleeping
While it is understandable that new parents would want to maximize their sleep by sleeping at the same time as their newborn, it is important to be aware of the risks of co-sleeping.
Firstly, co-sleeping is associated with an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS, creating a safe sleep environment can help reduce the risk. This includes ensuring the baby sleeps on their back, on a firm, flat, and level surface, in a clear, smoke-free, and not-too-hot space.
Secondly, parents who drink alcohol or use drugs should not sleep with their babies as they could accidentally roll over onto their child. Additionally, babies born prematurely or with low birth weight should not sleep in the parental bed due to potential respiratory problems. Suffocation can also occur when babies sleep on sofas or recliners, as they can become trapped between cushions or the arms/back of the furniture.
Thirdly, it is important to keep the baby's sleep space clear of any items that could create a strangulation risk, such as jewellery, teething necklaces, or long hair. Pillows, sheets, blankets, and other adult bedding should also be removed from the baby's sleep area.
Finally, co-sleeping can disrupt the baby's sleep schedule. Newborns wake up frequently throughout the night to eat and will only start sleeping for longer stretches once they have gained enough weight, usually within the first few weeks. Therefore, it is important to prioritize the baby's sleep schedule over the parents' need for sleep.
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How to establish a sleep routine
Establishing a sleep routine for a newborn can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to set good sleep patterns and give yourself more stability and predictability. Here are some tips to help you establish a sleep routine:
Understand Newborn Sleep Patterns
Newborns wake up multiple times during the night in the first few months, and this can be difficult for parents to manage. Newborns don't have a sense of day and night, so it's important to teach them the difference. During the day, keep the lights on, open windows, and engage in energetic activities. At night, keep the lights low, and perform slower and quieter tasks.
Recognise Sleep Cues
Keep an eye out for signs that your baby is tired, such as eye-rubbing, yawning, or crankiness. Recognising these cues will help you put your baby to sleep before they become overtired.
Keep a Sleep Log
Maintain a sleep diary to understand your baby's sleep patterns and "wake windows," or the amount of time they can stay awake, which varies by age. For example, newborns are typically only alert for about three minutes every hour, while 3-month-olds can handle up to two hours of wakefulness at a stretch. This information will help you schedule naps and bedtime accordingly.
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Create a calming bedtime routine with activities such as turning down the lights, playing soft music or white noise, reading a story, giving your baby a soothing bath, or singing a lullaby. Once your baby recognises this pattern, they will start to feel sleepy before bedtime.
Safe Sleep Practices
It is crucial to prioritise safety when putting your baby to sleep. Always place your baby on their back to sleep and use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a crib or bassinet, that meets safety standards. Avoid using pillows, blankets, or other soft items in the sleep area to prevent the risk of suffocation.
Feed Regularly
Newborns need to be fed frequently, approximately every 3-4 hours, until they show good weight gain, usually within the first few weeks. After that, it's okay to let them sleep for longer stretches at night.
Remember that every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns will vary. Be flexible and adjust your routines as your baby grows and goes through different stages.
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How to soothe a crying baby
While it's important to get rest as a new parent, it's also crucial to prioritise your newborn's safety. It is not recommended to sleep when your baby sleeps, especially if you are their sole caregiver. Newborns wake up frequently to eat and can be unpredictable sleepers, so it's important to be awake and alert to tend to their needs.
Respond to your baby's cries
During the first three to four months, always respond to your baby's cries. Holding them will make them feel safe and loved, allowing them to become more independent later on.
Create a soothing environment
Keep things calm, quiet, and dark during nighttime feedings and diaper changes. This will help your baby understand that nighttime is for sleeping. If possible, let your baby fall asleep in their crib at night to establish a positive sleep association with the crib.
Swaddle your baby
Swaddling your baby in a light blanket can help them feel secure and snug, mimicking the comfort of the womb. Make sure to stop swaddling once they start trying to roll over.
Offer a pacifier
Babies soothe themselves through sucking. Introduce a pacifier after establishing breastfeeding, and wean them off it around the age of one to prevent potential dental issues.
Check for discomfort
Excessive crying could be due to colic, boredom, overstimulation, or illness. Try holding your baby close in a quiet space, going for a walk, or checking their outfit to see if they're too hot or cold.
Encourage self-soothing
After ruling out obvious reasons for crying, such as hunger or a wet diaper, encourage your baby to self-soothe by sucking on their thumb or fist. You can also offer one of your clean fingers or introduce a pacifier if breastfeeding is well-established.
Remember, it's normal to feel overwhelmed as a new parent. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out to your partner, family, or friends for support.
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Frequently asked questions
It is natural for new parents to be sleep-deprived, but it is safe to sleep when your newborn sleeps. Newborns follow their own schedule and will invariably wake up repeatedly at night for the first few months. If you have a partner, ask them to help with feedings and diaper changes. If you're on your own, you could ask a friend or relative to stay for a few days so you can get some sleep.
To create a safe sleep environment for your newborn, follow these recommendations:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side.
- Use a firm, flat, level, and approved sleep surface.
- Keep the baby's sleep area clear of any items that could cause suffocation or strangulation, such as pillows, sheets, blankets, toys, and other sleep positioners.
- Avoid co-sleeping on a couch or chair, as it can obstruct the baby's airways and lead to suffocation.
- Keep the baby's environment smoke-free.
Here are some tips to help your newborn sleep:
- Establish a bedtime routine that is familiar and relaxing for your baby, such as bathing, reading, and singing.
- Keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Keep the lights low and avoid playing or talking with your baby.
- If possible, let your baby fall asleep in their crib at night so they associate it with sleep.
- Don't keep your baby up during the day in the hopes that they will sleep better at night. Instead, ensure they get enough sleep during the day.
- Swaddling (wrapping the baby in a light blanket) can help soothe a crying baby. However, stop swaddling if they start trying to roll over.
For the first few weeks, wake your newborn every 3-4 hours to eat until they show good weight gain. After that, it's okay to let them sleep for longer periods at night.
