Herbie Murray
Getting a newborn to sleep can be a struggle for new parents. Newborns sleep around the clock, waking up every few hours to feed. They sleep for a total of 14 to 19 hours a day, including daytime naps. Newborns don't have a sense of day and night, so they need help establishing a sleep pattern. This can be done by creating a bedtime routine, paying attention to their sleep cycles, and making sure their basic needs are met. It's also important to provide a safe sleep environment, such as putting them to sleep on their back and avoiding weighted blankets.
What to do when your newborn is in deep sleep
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep position | Place the baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side |
| Sleep surface | Ensure all sleep surfaces are approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meet federal safety standards |
| Swaddling | Wrap the baby in a light blanket to soothe them to sleep |
| Room-sharing | Keep the baby in the same room as the parents during sleep |
| Noise level | Avoid keeping the house silent; get the baby used to sleeping through a certain amount of noise |
| Feeding | Feed the baby until they doze off or are fully asleep |
| Diaper | Put on a fresh diaper before sleep |
| Burping | Ensure the baby has been properly burped since their last feeding |
| Temperature | Maintain a comfortable temperature; being too hot or too cold can disturb the baby's sleep |
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What You'll Learn
Understand their sleep cycles
Understanding your newborn's sleep cycles is key to helping them sleep more deeply. All babies under 4 months old have two distinct sleep cycles: REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and Non-REM sleep. During the first 15-20 minutes, your baby will be in Non-REM sleep, which is associated with cognitive development, knowledge retention, and learning. This type of sleep is deeper and calmer, and your baby will be more peaceful and easier to transfer to their crib. After this, they will cycle into another REM phase or wake up completely.
It's important to note that newborns don't have a sense of day and night. They sleep around the clock, waking often to feed, regardless of the time. Newborns should get around 14-19 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, waking every 2-4 hours to eat. As your baby grows, they will need fewer night feeds and may be able to sleep for longer.
Each baby will have their own unique sleep pattern, and it's unlikely to fit perfectly with your own sleep schedule. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps, and don't worry about keeping the house silent. It's good to get your baby used to sleeping through a certain amount of noise, as this will help them understand that night-time is different from daytime.
You can help your baby sleep by recognising signs of sleep readiness, teaching them to fall asleep on their own, and providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment. For example, always place your baby on their back to sleep, and avoid using weighted blankets, sleepers, or swaddles. Room-sharing, where your baby's crib or bassinet is in your bedroom, can also help with feeding, comforting, and monitoring during the night, although bed-sharing is not recommended due to the increased risk of SIDS.
Remember, growth spurts, teething, and illnesses can all affect your baby's sleep patterns, so be prepared to adapt your routines as they grow and enter different stages.
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Create a bedtime routine
Establishing a bedtime routine is a good idea to help your newborn sleep more deeply. Here are some tips to create and maintain a bedtime routine:
Firstly, it is important to understand your newborn's sleep cycles and patterns. Newborns typically sleep around the clock, waking up every couple of hours to feed. Their sleep patterns vary, with some sleeping in short bursts and others for longer periods. Understanding your baby's sleep cycles and patterns will help you make informed decisions about getting and keeping them asleep. For instance, babies under four months old have two distinct sleep cycles: REM and Non-REM. During the REM phase, babies can be easily startled and awakened, while the Non-REM phase is associated with deeper and calmer sleep.
Secondly, pay attention to your baby's basic physical needs. Ensure they are well-fed, have a fresh diaper, and have been properly burped since their last feeding. Meeting these needs can help your baby fall into a deep sleep faster and more consistently.
Thirdly, create a calm and comfortable sleep environment. Keep the lights low and minimize noise during nighttime feedings and diaper changes. This will help signal to your baby that nighttime is for sleeping. Avoid overstimulation before bedtime, as this can make it harder for your baby to fall and stay asleep. Instead, opt for calmer activities, such as reading, to help your baby wind down.
Additionally, it is recommended to place your baby on their back to sleep. This position is the safest and reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Ensure that all sleep surfaces and products meet federal safety standards and are approved by the relevant authorities.
Lastly, be consistent with your bedtime routine. Newborns take a few weeks or months to settle into a routine, so consistency is key. Try to keep bedtime and nap schedules consistent, and if possible, let your baby fall asleep in their crib at night to establish a positive sleep association with their sleeping space.
Remember, every baby is unique, and it is normal for their sleep patterns to vary. As your baby grows, be prepared to adjust your bedtime routine to accommodate their changing needs and sleep patterns.
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Make sure they're comfortable
Making sure your newborn is comfortable is essential in helping them sleep deeply. Here are some tips to ensure your baby's comfort:
Firstly, it is crucial to understand your newborn's sleep cycles and patterns. All babies under four months old have two distinct sleep cycles: REM and Non-REM. During the Non-REM phase, your baby will experience deeper and calmer sleep, lasting for approximately 15-20 minutes before transitioning into another REM phase or waking up. Understanding these sleep cycles can help you make informed decisions about getting and keeping your baby asleep.
Secondly, pay attention to your baby's basic physical needs. Ensure they are well-fed, have a fresh diaper, and have been properly burped since their last feeding. Meeting these needs can help your baby fall into a deep sleep faster and more consistently. Newborns have tiny stomachs and need to feed frequently, so be prepared for them to wake up every few hours for a feed.
Thirdly, create a comfortable and safe sleep environment. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. Keep your baby's crib, portable crib, or bassinet in your bedroom, which facilitates feeding, comforting, and monitoring during the night. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, as side-sleeping and sleeping on the stomach are associated with a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Soft surfaces, loose bedding, and overheating with too many blankets can also increase the risk of SIDS.
Additionally, try to establish a bedtime routine. While newborns don't initially have a sense of day and night, you can help them distinguish between the two by keeping things quiet and calm during nighttime feedings and diaper changes. Keep the lights low, and avoid playing or talking with your baby to reinforce that nighttime is for sleeping.
Lastly, remember that every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns may vary. Some newborns sleep for long periods, while others sleep in short bursts. Some quickly sleep through the night, while others take a more extended period to do so. Understand your baby's individual sleep patterns and adjust your expectations accordingly.
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Put them to sleep on their back
Putting your newborn baby to sleep on their back is the recommended position by experts. This is because side-sleeping has a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) than back sleeping. Since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) made the "back-to-sleep" recommendation in 1992, the SIDS rate has dropped by more than 50%.
Back sleeping is also safer for other reasons. There is no evidence that babies are more likely to vomit or spit up while sleeping on their back, and choking may be more likely if they are sleeping in the prone position. Soft surfaces, loose bedding, and overheating with too many blankets also increase the risk of SIDS, as does sleeping on the stomach on soft bedding.
To help your newborn fall asleep on their back, you can rock, cuddle, and sing to them as they settle down. Swaddling (wrapping the baby in a light blanket) can also help to soothe a crying baby. Just be sure that they don't fall asleep while feeding or in your arms, as this may become a pattern and they may begin to expect to be in your arms to fall asleep.
It's good to get your baby used to sleeping through a certain amount of noise, so don't worry about keeping the house silent while they sleep. However, keeping things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes can help send the message that night-time is for sleeping.
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Be mindful of the room temperature
One of the most important things to be mindful of when your newborn is in a deep sleep is the room temperature. Newborns have a hard time regulating their body temperature, and being too hot or too cold can disturb their sleep. Overheating with too many blankets can also increase the risk of SIDS. It is recommended to keep the room at a comfortable temperature, not too hot or too cold, and to use light bedding or a light blanket to swaddle the baby.
It is important to dress your newborn appropriately for the room temperature. In general, it is recommended to dress your newborn in one more layer than you would wear yourself. For example, if you are comfortable in a t-shirt and pants, dress your baby in a one-piece bodysuit with feet, and a long-sleeved shirt or a light jacket. If you are too warm in that outfit, your baby will likely be too warm as well.
Additionally, it is important to avoid overbundling or overdressing your newborn, as this can lead to overheating. It is recommended to use light, breathable fabrics such as cotton or muslin for your newborn's clothing and bedding. Avoid using heavy blankets or comforters, and instead, opt for a light blanket or sleep sack. If you are concerned about your newborn's temperature, you can purchase a room thermometer that will help you monitor the temperature and ensure your baby's comfort.
Another way to ensure your newborn is comfortable and safe while sleeping is to follow safe sleep practices. It is recommended to always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. Side-sleeping and stomach-sleeping have a higher risk of SIDS than back sleeping. It is also important to avoid bed-sharing, as this can increase the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. Room-sharing, where the baby sleeps in a crib or bassinet in your bedroom, is a safer option and can help with feeding, comforting, and monitoring during the night.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns sleep around the clock, and because their tiny stomachs don't hold enough breast milk or formula, they wake often to eat. Newborns should get 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with some sleeping up to 18 to 19 hours a day. Newborns wake up every two to four hours to eat.
Putting a baby to sleep on their back is the safest position. Side-sleeping and sleeping on the stomach have a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Swaddling (wrapping the baby in a light blanket) can also help to soothe a crying baby.
To get your baby to sleep more deeply, pay attention to their needs. Make sure they are well-fed, have a fresh diaper, and have been burped since their last feeding. It is also important to establish a bedtime routine and teach your baby that night-time is different from daytime.
