Evie Summers
Establishing a sleep schedule for a newborn baby can be challenging, and parents often have questions about how to get their babies to sleep better. At five weeks old, a baby's sleep schedule is typically unpredictable, with short and long naps, and they are expected to wake up multiple times overnight for feeds and comfort. Newborns up to three or four months old need 14 to 17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, usually waking every two to four hours to eat. It is recommended to always place your baby on their back to sleep and to use a firm, flat sleep surface.
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What You'll Learn
Babies should sleep on their backs, on a firm, flat surface
At five weeks old, a baby's sleep schedule is likely to be unpredictable, with sleep times and durations varying. They will usually need to sleep again after around 30 to 90 minutes of awake time.
It is recommended that babies are placed on their backs to sleep on a firm, flat surface. This is true whether they are swaddled or not, and it applies to naps and night-time sleep. This is because sleeping on their back reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths. Indeed, since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) began recommending this in 1992, the rate of SIDS has decreased significantly.
Babies should sleep on a firm, flat, and level surface to avoid the risk of choking or aspiration. Contrary to what some may believe, a firm, flat surface does not increase the risk of choking or aspiration. There should be no other objects on the flat surface to reduce the risk of suffocation or entrapment.
Babies should sleep on their backs until they can comfortably roll both ways (from back to front and front to back). Once they can do this, you can let them sleep in the position they choose. However, if they can only roll one way, you should continue to place them on their back and can reposition them to their back if they roll onto their stomach during sleep.
Some babies may develop flat spots on the back of their heads from spending long periods lying on their backs. This is usually not dangerous and typically goes away once the baby starts sitting up. To prevent flat spots, you can change your baby's position in the crib each day and encourage "tummy time" when they are awake, for 10 to 15 minutes, at least three times a day.
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Keep the room temperature comfortable and avoid bundling
At five weeks old, a baby's sleep schedule is still unpredictable. They will likely need to sleep after 30 to 90 minutes of awake time, but they won't have a set sleep schedule yet.
To keep your baby comfortable and safe, it's important to maintain a stable temperature in their room that isn't too hot or cold. Overheating is linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), so bundling your baby too tightly, especially in warm weather, should be avoided. The recommended room temperature for a baby is 16–20°C.
- Use a room thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- In warm weather, use lighter bedding and clothing, and consider opening a window or using a fan to cool the room. Just be sure not to aim the fan directly at the baby.
- In cooler months, you can add an extra layer of clothing or bedding, but it's rarely necessary to keep the heating on all night.
- Ensure your baby's cot or Moses basket isn't placed near a heat source, such as a radiator, heater, or in direct sunlight.
- Avoid putting a hat on your baby when they're indoors, as they release heat through their head.
- Keep your baby's head uncovered while they sleep.
- Dress your baby according to the room temperature. When it's warm, they won't need to wear as much clothing.
- If your baby is breastfeeding, they may want to feed more often in warm weather. If you're bottle-feeding, you can offer a little cooled boiled water in addition to their usual milk feeds.
Remember, every baby is different, so it's important to also check for signs of overheating or being too cold and adjust their clothing and bedding accordingly.
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Avoid bed-sharing, but room-sharing is safe
At five weeks old, babies typically do not have a set sleep schedule, and it is normal for them to wake up frequently during the day and night. Newborns should be woken up every 3 to 4 hours to feed until they are back to their birth weight, have established a pattern of weight gain, and have been cleared by a pediatrician or lactation consultant.
When putting your baby to sleep, it is important to prioritize their safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep, on a firm, flat surface, without any plush toys, pillows, blankets, or other items in the crib or bassinet. It is also important to dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature and avoid covering their head while they sleep to prevent overheating.
While room-sharing is considered safe and may even help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), bed-sharing is not recommended as it increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. The AAP advises that infants may be brought into the bed for feeding or comforting, but they should be returned to their own crib or bassinet when the parent is ready to sleep.
To establish a healthy sleep routine, try putting your baby into their crib or bassinet while they are drowsy but still awake. This will help them learn to fall asleep on their own. Keep in mind that it is normal for babies to squirm, whine, or even cry a little before falling back to sleep. If your baby wakes up during their sleep period, keep the lights low and avoid playing or talking with them. Simply change or feed your baby and then return them to their crib or bassinet.
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Establish a bedtime routine and keep things calm at night
At five weeks old, your baby is still too young to establish a fixed sleep schedule. However, you can start working on a bedtime routine to help your baby recognize when it's time to sleep and develop healthy sleep habits. Here are some tips to establish a calming bedtime routine:
Create a Soothing Environment
Keep the lights low and maintain a calm, quiet atmosphere in the room. Use soft lighting or a nightlight instead of bright overhead lights, which can signal to your baby that it's time to wake up. Some babies may also benefit from white noise or soft music in the background to block out any sudden noises that might startle them.
Develop a Consistent Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to bedtime routines. Follow a predictable pattern of activities that signal bedtime is approaching. For example, you might give your baby a warm bath, followed by a gentle massage with lotion, and then put on their pajamas. Reading a story or singing a lullaby can also be a beautiful way to calm your baby and signal that it's time to sleep.
Encourage Self-Soothing
Putting your baby to bed when they're drowsy but still awake can help them learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. This skill is essential for your baby's long-term sleep health. If your baby is fed, changed, and comfortable, but still fussy, try offering a pacifier or a swaddle to help them calm down and drift off to sleep.
Wind-Down Time
In the hour before bedtime, avoid any stimulating activities or screen time. Instead, opt for gentle play and interaction. You can talk softly to your baby, sing lullabies, or read bedtime stories with soft pictures and rhyming words. This wind-down period helps signal to your baby that it's almost time for sleep.
Consistency and Patience
Consistency is vital, but it's also important to remember that every night might not go according to plan. Some nights, your baby might be fussier than others, and that's okay. Keep following your routine, and your baby will eventually adjust. Remember, this is a process, and establishing healthy sleep habits takes time and patience.
Remember,
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Newborns need 14-17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period
At five weeks old, your baby's sleep schedule will likely still be unpredictable. Sleep times and durations will vary, and this is normal. At this age, newborns need 14 to 17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, usually waking every two to four hours to eat. They may sleep for short bursts of 2 to 4 hours at a time and will likely need to sleep again after 30 to 90 minutes of awake time.
It's important to always place your baby on their back to sleep, in line with AAP safety guidelines. Use a firm, flat sleep surface and avoid sharing a bed with your baby, as this increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. Instead, room-sharing is recommended. To help your baby fall asleep independently, put them in their crib while they're drowsy but still awake.
As your baby grows, you can expect their sleep patterns to change. By three months old, they might start having longer stretches of sleep at night, sleeping for around 4 to 6 hours. However, it's normal for babies to continue waking at least once each night at this age.
Remember, these recommendations are averages and should be used as guidelines. Each baby has a unique sleep pattern, and it's important to pay attention to their individual sleepy cues and wake windows. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your baby's sleep or overall development.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal sleep duration for a 5-week-old baby is around 14 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period, including daytime naps. However, it is normal for sleep times and durations to vary at this age.
To establish a healthy sleep routine, it is important to create a calm and quiet environment before bedtime. Avoid overstimulation and instead opt for calmer activities like reading. Additionally, ensure that your baby falls asleep in their crib or bassinet to associate it with sleep. Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and keep the lights low during nighttime feedings and diaper changes.
Safe sleep practices are crucial for your baby's well-being. Always place your baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface, following the AAP's guidelines. Use a snug-fitting sheet and avoid placing any toys, pillows, blankets, or loose items in the crib or bassinet. Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to prevent overheating. Room-sharing is recommended, but bed-sharing is not, as it increases the risk of SIDS.
At 5 weeks, your baby's sleep schedule may still be unpredictable. Pay attention to sleepy cues and watch for signs of tiredness after 30 to 90 minutes of awake time. It is common for babies to have shorter stretches of awake time in the morning.
