Gina Johnson
Sleep is essential for a newborn's physical and mental health. Newborns sleep for about 16 to 18 hours a day, but in very short segments of 30 minutes to three hours at a time. They wake up frequently to feed, regardless of the time of day or night, as their tiny tummies get hungry soon after feeding. Newborns also do not have a sense of day and night. Parents can help newborns sleep by creating a bedtime routine, swaddling, cuddling, and singing. After three months, parents can begin teaching their babies to self-soothe, which will help them calm down with little or no assistance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How much newborns sleep | Newborns sleep much of the time, around 18 hours a day. They sleep in very short segments of 30 minutes to three hours at a time. |
| Newborns' sleep cycle | Newborns don't have a sense of day and night. They wake often to eat, no matter the time. |
| Newborns sleeping on their own | Newborns may not be able to create their own sleeping and waking patterns. They may not be able to go back to sleep on their own if they are awakened in the night. |
| Sleep training | Sleep training methods vary for each baby. It involves teaching your baby to fall asleep on their own. |
| Self-soothing | After three months, babies can be taught to self-soothe. They can calm down with little or no help from their parents. |
| Bedtime routine | A 20- to 30-minute bedtime routine can help the baby calm down and recognise it's time for sleep. |
| Room-sharing | The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing for at least six months. However, some studies suggest that babies sleep better, go to bed earlier, and sleep longer when they sleep independently in their rooms after four months. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep training methods
Sleep training is not recommended for newborns. Newborns cannot establish independent sleep habits and have underdeveloped circadian rhythms, meaning they do not have a well-established day-night sleep cycle. Instead, the focus should be on creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment to optimise sleep.
From three months onwards, babies may be able to start implementing the "pick-up/put-down" method, which involves placing the baby in their crib while drowsy but still awake. If they start to fuss, wait a while, then pick them up to console them. After a few minutes, place the baby back in their crib. This process is repeated until they are asleep, gradually increasing the pause time and reducing the pick-up console time.
Other methods that may be suitable from three months include the gradual method and the chair approach.
The Cry It Out (CIO) method is another well-known approach. With this method, parents take their baby through a bedtime routine, cuddle them, and then leave the room. If the baby cries, the parent does not respond. The baby will either tire themselves out or self-soothe back to sleep. However, this method may cause discomfort for parents as it involves leaving the baby to cry without comforting them.
There is no single best way to sleep train; it is about finding what works for your child. It can be a challenging process, and there will be some rough nights. It is important to stay calm and consistent, and remember that it will ultimately be successful. Keeping a sleep training diary can help to track progress and stay positive.
Sleep training can be beneficial for both babies and caregivers, improving overall quality of life. It is important to ensure that babies get enough good-quality sleep, as this supports their physical and mental health and leads to fewer developmental and behavioural issues.
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Self-soothing
Babies who are self-soothers can fall back asleep on their own if they wake up during a nap or at night. They can also sit or play calmly by themselves. Self-soothing isn't just a skill for babies, it is something that can benefit people throughout their lives, helping them to manage stress and anxiety.
To help your baby develop self-soothing skills, it is important to establish a consistent sleep routine and a calming environment. This can include putting your baby to bed at the same time every day, maintaining a schedule to prevent overtiredness, and creating a peaceful atmosphere through bathing, cuddling, singing, or playing quiet music.
Additionally, you can offer your baby a security object, such as a blanket, soft toy, or pacifier, to help them self-soothe. However, it is important to ensure that these objects are safe for your baby and do not pose a risk of suffocation or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
It is worth noting that newborns and younger babies need more assistance with soothing and should not be expected to self-soothe. Their sleep patterns are irregular, and they need frequent feedings to gain weight. Trying to encourage self-soothing in very young babies can be harmful to their development. Instead, caregivers can soothe newborns using various techniques, such as gently cradling, wrapping, rocking, or rhythmic patting.
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Safe sleep environment
Newborns invariably wake up repeatedly in the night during their first few months, and this can be very challenging for parents. It is recommended that newborns sleep in their parents' room for at least the first six months to a year, as this reduces the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.
Creating a safe sleep environment can help reduce the risk of SIDS and fatal sleep accidents. A safe sleep environment involves the following:
- A firm, flat, and level surface: The sleep surface should be firm, meaning it returns to its original shape quickly when pressed on, flat (like a table, not a hammock), and level (not at an angle or inclined). A fitted sheet over a waterproof mattress protector is the safest option for bedding.
- Crib, bassinet, or play yard: Newborns should sleep in a crib, bassinet, or play yard. This is safer than a car seat, couch, sofa, armchair, carrier, or sling, where they could roll off or get stuck.
- Room temperature: The room should be kept cool and comfortable, and the baby should be dressed in appropriate clothing.
- No pillows, blankets, or toys: The baby's sleep environment should be clear of items that could cause suffocation or strangulation.
- No smoking or vaping: Smoking and vaping are strongly linked to SUDI, even when done away from the baby.
- On their back: The safest sleep position for a baby is on their back. This helps to keep their airways open and reduces the risk of rebreathing exhaled air. Once the baby can roll over both ways (usually around 5-6 months), they can find their own sleeping position.
- Bedtime routine: A simple, soothing bedtime routine can help the baby settle and provide an opportunity for one-on-one time. Reading, singing lullabies, or using a wind-up musical mobile are good options.
- Wind-down time: Too much excitement before bedtime can wake the baby up again. It is helpful to do some calmer activities before sleep, such as reading.
- No bed-sharing: Bed-sharing is not recommended due to the risk of suffocation and strangulation. If you fall asleep while feeding or comforting your baby in bed, move them to their own sleep area as soon as you wake up.
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Sleep patterns
Newborns don't have a sense of day and night, so they will wake up at any time to feed. However, by the time they are one to three months old, they will have their days and nights straightened out, and may even "sleep through the night", which means 5 or 6 hours at a time.
After three months, you can begin to teach your baby to self-soothe. This will help them calm down with little or no help from you, but it's still important to check on your baby if they wake up and start crying to make sure their basic needs are met.
You can help your baby sleep by creating a bedtime routine. This could include giving your baby a bath, singing a lullaby, or reading them a book. You can also offer a pacifier at sleep time, but don't force it. If your baby is breastfeeding, wait until this is firmly established before offering a pacifier.
Some parents choose to room-share when their baby is very young, which means the baby sleeps in the same room as them, either in a crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing, as bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths. However, some experts say that scientific evidence does not back up the AAP's guidelines. Some studies have found that babies who sleep in their own rooms after four months sleep better, go to bed earlier, and sleep for longer.
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Sleep training tips
Newborns will sleep for around 18 hours a day, but this will be in short bursts of 30 minutes to three hours at a time. This is because their tummies are tiny, and they need to be fed frequently. They also won't have developed an internal body clock yet, so they won't know the difference between day and night.
- It's important to remember that every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. It's okay to experiment and combine methods.
- Holding your baby often, especially in the first few months, can help them feel calm and safe, which can lead to better sleep.
- If your baby is waking during the period that you want them to sleep, keep activity to a minimum. Try to keep the lights low and avoid playing with or talking to your baby.
- You can offer a pacifier to your baby at sleep time, but don’t force it. If the pacifier falls out during sleep, you don’t have to replace it.
- Watch out for hazards such as items with cords, ties, or ribbons that can wrap around a baby's neck, and objects with sharp edges or corners.
- Make sure there are no hanging mobiles, wall hangings, pictures, draperies, or window blind cords within a baby's reach.
- Babies should sleep in a bassinet or crib in your room or a separate room.
- Establish a bedtime routine. Follow a consistent 20- to 45-minute baby sleep routine to help transition your baby from awake time to sleepy time. This might include giving your baby a bath, singing a lullaby, or reading them a book.
- Be consistent with the sleep training method you choose for at least two weeks to give it a chance to work.
- If your baby is having problems sleeping or you need more advice about getting into a routine, speak to your health visitor or your baby's doctor.
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Frequently asked questions
You can start teaching your baby to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own when they are around 3 months old.
It is important to establish a bedtime routine for your baby. This can include giving them a bath, singing a lullaby, or reading them a book. You can also try to keep them active during the day and make sure they get enough naps.
Yes, it is important to be aware of potential hazards such as items with cords, ties, or ribbons that can pose a risk of strangulation. Additionally, avoid products that are not specifically designed for sleeping babies, such as car seats or feeding pillows.
