Colin Snow
Sleep is a common concern for new parents. Newborns need a lot of sleep, but they also wake up frequently and are often unsettled. This can be stressful and exhausting for parents, who may feel like they are not doing enough to help their baby sleep. However, it's important to remember that every baby is different and will have their own sleep patterns. Responsive settling, or helping your baby settle and go back to sleep, is common for newborns and babies aged 0 to 6 months who have not yet learned to self-soothe.
There are several reasons why your newborn may not be sleeping enough, including hunger, illness, discomfort, overstimulation, or simply not understanding the time of day. Establishing a bedtime routine can help your baby learn that night-time is for sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | Newborns need a lot of sleep, but some sleep much more than others. Some sleep for long periods, while others sleep in short bursts. Sleep duration can be around 18 hours a day, but this varies. |
| Sleep patterns | Newborns have their own sleep patterns and it's unlikely to be the same as other babies. They may sleep during the day and be awake at night. |
| Sleep cycles | Newborns wake up repeatedly in the night between sleep cycles and when they need to be fed or changed. |
| Self-settling | Newborns have not yet learned to settle by themselves and need help to settle and go back to sleep. |
| Responsive settling | This involves helping your baby settle by gently touching, patting, or stroking them in their cot, using gentle shushing noises, settling music, or white noise. |
| Overtiredness | Newborns have a short awake time window, and if they miss it, they may become overtired and struggle to sleep. |
| Hunger | Hunger is a common reason for babies to wake during the night. Breastfed babies digest milk quickly and may wake up hungry. |
| Illness | Illness or pain can disrupt sleep. Gas, colic, or reflux can also be factors. |
| Stimulation | Too much stimulation can disrupt a baby's sleep. Keeping them stimulated during the day may improve nighttime sleep. |
| Environment | A calm environment with dim lighting can help babies sleep. Swaddling or wrapping, a bath, or a massage can also aid sleep. |
| Bedtime routine | A consistent bedtime routine can help prevent sleep problems. This could include activities such as playing music, bathing, reading books, and nursing. |
| Parent bonding | Bonding with your baby is important and can help you understand their cues. Co-sleeping or room-sharing can help the baby feel close to the parent. |
| Temperature | Being too hot or too cold can disturb a baby's sleep. |
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What You'll Learn
Hunger, illness, and not understanding the time of day
Hunger is a common reason for newborns to wake up during the night. Newborns need frequent feedings and can only eat a small amount at a time, so they wake up hungry and ready to eat again. Even if you fed your baby a couple of hours earlier, offer breast milk or formula to see if food is what they need. Thirst is another reason for babies to wake up, and a drink of breast milk or formula may do the trick.
As newborns are still adjusting to a regular sleeping pattern, their internal clock may be off, and they may confuse day and night. You can help your baby learn the difference by making daytime and nighttime distinct from each other (for example, by keeping your baby's room dark when they nap during the day and avoiding turning on the TV during nighttime feedings). You can also keep them awake a little longer during each waking period during the day.
Illness, teething, developmental milestones, or changes in routine can also cause baby sleep issues. If you suspect that pain or illness could be the reason your baby isn't sleeping, check with your pediatrician. If you think your child is experiencing an undiagnosed illness or allergy, push your doctor to take your concerns seriously.
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Overstimulation and over-tiredness
Newborns need a lot of sleep, but some babies prefer to sleep during the day and are wide awake at night. This is called a day/night reversal schedule. It can be frustrating and exhausting for parents, but it is just temporary.
Babies need help to settle and go back to sleep. They usually need a cue to tell them it is time to go to sleep. This could be something in their external environment, such as swaddling or wrapping them in a blanket, giving them a bath, or creating a bedtime routine. A bedtime routine is predictable and calming for your baby and can prevent sleep problems.
Babies from 0 to 3 months might start showing signs of tiredness after 30 minutes of being awake. From 3 to 6 months, they might be tired after 1.5 to 3 hours of being awake. If your baby has been awake for longer than 30 minutes (newborn) or longer than 90 minutes (3 to 6 months), they are likely to be tired.
Overstimulation can throw babies off their sleep game. However, some babies are happier when stimulated throughout the day and are easier to put down for naps because they are actually tired. This helps them sleep better at night.
If you are worried about overstimulation or over-tiredness, try spending a few days where you don't watch the clock for awake windows. Instead, get your baby outside or try some of the other suggestions above.
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Responsive settling
- Ensure your baby is well-fed, changed, and cuddled before starting to settle them.
- Create a calm and comfortable environment by keeping the room quiet and dimly lit.
- Use hands-on settling techniques such as gentle patting or rocking your baby.
- Reassure your baby verbally or with soft 'shh' sounds.
- If your baby is very upset, it's okay to stop and give them a cuddle.
- If nothing seems to work, put your baby in a safe place and take a moment to calm yourself.
- Be consistent and patient, allowing ample time for your baby to adjust to new strategies.
- Watch and respond to your baby's cues to make them feel safe and secure.
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Self-soothing
Newborns are not typically capable of self-soothing, and it's important to remember that self-soothing is a developmental skill. In the early days, your baby will depend on you to help them settle to sleep. You can do this by rocking, shushing, or patting them, or by wearing them in a wrap or a sling. Contrary to popular belief, you are not 'spoiling your baby' by helping them fall asleep.
From around 4 to 5 months old, babies will develop the capacity to self-soothe. Establishing a sleep routine and healthy sleep habits from birth may help the baby sleep well later on. For example, you could put the baby to bed at the same time each night in a quiet, dark room, give them a bath, or read them a bedtime story.
If your baby is crying in their sleep, they might be experiencing digestion issues like reflux or gas. Try keeping them upright after feedings to let the milk digest and to allow any burps to escape.
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Sleep environment
Sleep is a complex issue for newborns, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each baby has its own unique sleep pattern and needs, and it's essential to understand and respond to their cues. Here are some tips to create a soothing sleep environment for your newborn:
Keep the Room Dark and Quiet
It is important to keep the lights low or turned off near your baby's sleeping area. Darkness signals to your baby that it's time for sleep. Along with limiting light, it is also crucial to minimise sounds and movements. Aim for zero disruptions to create a peaceful atmosphere conducive to sleep.
Swaddling and Snug Spaces
Swaddling your baby can help them feel secure and prevent them from waking themselves up with startle reflexes. A small crib or bassinet can also enhance this feeling of snugness and security. Newborns often prefer cosy, enclosed spaces that mimic the comfort of the womb.
Temperature Control
Maintain a comfortable temperature in the room. Newborns can be sensitive to temperature changes, and being too hot or too cold can disrupt their sleep. Ensure they are dressed appropriately for the weather and that the room is well-ventilated.
White Noise and Lullabies
Gentle sounds, such as white noise, shushing noises, or lullabies, can be soothing for your baby. These familiar, repetitive noises can help block out other distracting sounds and create a sense of calm. Some babies also respond well to being rocked or bounced gently to sleep.
Bedtime Routine
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is essential for newborns. This could include activities such as a warm bath, reading books, playing soft music, or a massage. A predictable routine helps your baby recognise sleep cues and can prevent sleep problems. It also allows you to relax and bond with your baby.
Responsive Settling
Responsive settling is crucial for newborns. They often need your help to settle and go back to sleep. Look for signs of tiredness, such as yawning, rubbing eyes, or fussiness, and respond accordingly. Put your baby down when they are tired but still awake, as this helps them learn to settle independently.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns sleep a lot, but in very short segments of 1-2 hours. They may sleep between 11 and 19 hours each day, depending on their temperament. They will gradually sleep less and take fewer naps as they grow older.
You can help your baby sleep by creating a bedtime routine, such as a bath, reading books, and rocking. Play soft music while your baby is getting sleepy, and try to avoid any stimulation or activity close to bedtime. You can also offer a transitional object, such as a small blanket or soft toy, but only once your baby is old enough to roll and sit to prevent the risk of suffocation.
Every baby is different, but there are some general signs that your newborn may be getting too little sleep. These include persistent fussiness, trouble settling down to sleep at night, and taking short catnaps instead of full naps.
Here are some safe sleep practices for newborns:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side.
- Make sure all sleep surfaces and products meet federal safety standards and are approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
- Room-sharing is recommended over bed-sharing. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths.
- Keep your baby in the same room as you when they are asleep for the first 6 months, both day and night.
