Evie Summers
Newborns sleep a lot — up to 18 or 19 hours a day. But they wake up frequently, and often. So where's the best place for them to sleep? In your bed? In a crib? In a bassinet? In a different room? There are many options, and it's a decision that will affect your sleep, your baby's sleep, and your baby's safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hours of sleep | 14-17 hours over a 24-hour period; some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day |
| Frequency of waking up | Every couple of hours to eat |
| Feeding frequency for breastfed babies | About every 2-3 hours |
| Feeding frequency for bottle-fed babies | About every 3-4 hours |
| Sleeping arrangement | Crib, bassinet, co-sleeper, bed-sharing, or separate room |
| Crib arrangement | Flat surface without vibration |
| Crib mattress | Firm with a snug fit and sides at least 15 inches high |
| Crib safety | Properly assembled and approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) |
| Swaddling | Wrapping the baby in a light blanket until they start trying to roll over |
| White noise | Used to help newborns sleep |
| Room-sharing | Recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for the first 6 months to reduce SIDS risk |
| Bed-sharing | Not recommended by the AAP due to the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths |
| Car seat sleeping | Not recommended for overnight or extended periods due to the risk of positional asphyxiation |
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What You'll Learn
Cribs, bassinets, co-sleepers, and beds
For the first few weeks of a baby's life, some parents choose to room-share, which involves placing the baby's crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in the parents' bedroom instead of in a separate nursery. This practice is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which advises room-sharing without bed-sharing.
Cribs
Cribs are a standard option for newborns and are typically larger than bassinets, measuring around 52 inches long by 28 inches wide. They provide a flat, firm sleeping surface, which is recommended for safety. Cribs can be placed in the parents' room for the first few months to facilitate easier access for feeding, comforting, and monitoring during the night.
Bassinets
Bassinets are smaller in scale than cribs, typically measuring around 30 inches long by 18 inches wide. They are designed to be compact, portable, and easy to fit beside an adult bed, making them ideal for middle-of-the-night feedings, diaper changes, and check-ins. Bassinets also provide a shallow sleep area, making it convenient to lift out a just-awakened baby. Some bassinets, known as co-sleepers, have a drop-down side that allows them to be positioned directly next to the adult bed.
Co-sleepers
Co-sleepers are a type of bassinet with added features for convenience. For example, the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue co-sleeper has a side that drops down to a lower height, allowing it to be positioned right next to the adult bed. Additionally, the Halo BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0 can swing out over the mattress for even easier access to the baby.
Beds
While room-sharing is considered safe, bed-sharing is not recommended by the AAP as it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths. Newborns should always be placed on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat surface, and in a safety-certified crib, bassinet, or play yard.
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Safe co-sleeping
Co-sleeping is a popular choice for many parents, and it can be done safely. However, it is important to be aware that adult beds were not designed with infant safety in mind, and the physical and social conditions under which co-sleeping occurs will determine the risks or benefits of this behaviour.
Firstly, it is important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. While room-sharing is safe, putting your infant to sleep in bed with you is not. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths.
If you are going to co-sleep, there are ways to reduce risks and make co-sleeping safer. A safe sleep environment helps to keep your baby's airways open and reduces the risk of SUDI. In a safe sleep environment, your baby sleeps on their back, on a firm, flat, and level surface, in a space that is clear, not too hot, and completely smoke-free. It is recommended that you do not co-sleep if you or your partner smokes, uses alcohol or other drugs, or takes any medicine that causes heavy sleep or makes you less aware and able to respond to your baby. You should also avoid co-sleeping if your baby was born pre-term or small for their gestational age, or if your baby is unwell.
To make co-sleeping safer, place your baby on their back, on the side of the bed, away from the edge, and next to one parent. Avoid placing your baby between parents or next to other children or pets. This reduces the chance of people, pets, or bedding items covering your baby's head and face. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat, and level, and consider whether the sleep space is big enough. It needs to fit everyone who sleeps there, with room for a clear space around your baby. If the sleep space isn't big enough, consider alternatives.
Breastfeeding is also an important factor in safe co-sleeping. Breastfeeding significantly helps to protect infants from death, including SIDS/SUDI and from secondary diseases and/or congenital conditions. A newborn will automatically seek their mother's breast, and a mother who has never breastfed loses some of the protections offered by co-sleeping. A baby who doesn't breastfeed is more likely to wander up towards the pillows, increasing the risk of suffocation.
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Swaddling
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that when done correctly, swaddling can calm infants and promote sleep. It is recommended that you stop swaddling when your baby starts trying to roll over, as this can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The standard recommendation is to stop swaddling at two months of age, but this may vary depending on your baby's development. If your baby shows signs of rolling earlier, you should stop swaddling at that point.
To swaddle your baby, lay a blanket, preferably one designed for swaddling, in a diamond shape. Then, fold the top corner down to the center of the blanket and place your baby on top, ensuring their neck is above the top fold. Make sure the swaddle is not too tight and allows your baby to bend their hips and move their legs.
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White noise
The use of white noise for newborns has both pros and cons. On the one hand, it can be an effective tool to help newborns sleep, especially in noisy environments. A study found that 80% of newborns exposed to white noise fell asleep within five minutes, compared to only 25% who did not have the background noise. Additionally, newborns are accustomed to background sounds from the womb, such as the beating of the mother's heart and the air moving through her lungs, so a completely quiet environment may make it harder for them to fall asleep.
However, there are potential concerns associated with the use of white noise. One concern is the volume of the noise, as exposure to loud noise over an extended period can lead to hearing loss. Medical researchers are calling for regulation to protect against potential harm to hearing and brain development. It is recommended to keep white noise at a low, unobtrusive level and not as a constant crutch, to allow babies to learn to self-soothe and sleep independently.
It is important for parents to use their judgment and follow safety guidelines when using white noise for their newborns. While it can be a helpful tool, it should not be relied upon exclusively, and other methods such as relaxing activities and bedtime routines should also be incorporated to promote healthy sleep habits for newborns.
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Establishing a routine
Understand Newborn Sleep Patterns
Newborns don't have a sense of day and night yet, so they sleep around the clock. They wake up frequently, about every 2-4 hours, to feed. Breastfed babies tend to feed more often than bottle-fed babies. Newborns should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, and some may even sleep up to 18-19 hours a day. Understanding these sleep patterns will help you manage your expectations and plan your own sleep accordingly.
Create a Safe Sleep Environment
The safety of your newborn should be the top priority when establishing a sleep routine. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. This means placing your baby's crib, bassinet, or co-sleeper in your bedroom, rather than having them sleep in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related dangers. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, and ensure that all sleep products meet federal safety standards. Additionally, avoid letting your baby sleep on living room furniture, in a car seat for extended periods, or in an inclined sleeper, as these can pose serious risks to your baby's safety.
Encourage Independent Sleep
While it's tempting to cuddle and rock your baby to sleep, it's important to also teach them to fall asleep independently. Put your baby down in their crib or bassinet when they are drowsy but still awake. This helps them learn to self-soothe and associate their sleep space with sleep. Room-sharing can make this process easier, as you can observe your baby's sleep cues and respond promptly without having to go to another room.
Be Consistent and Patient
Consistency is key when establishing a sleep routine. Try to maintain regular sleep and feeding schedules, as this will help your baby's body adjust to the difference between night and day. Be patient, as it may take a few weeks for your baby's brain to fully differentiate between night and day. Remember that every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns will vary, so find a routine that works best for your little one.
Involve Your Partner or Support System
Don't hesitate to ask your partner, family, or friends for help. If you're formula feeding, encourage your partner to share the feeding responsibilities. If you're breastfeeding, they can assist with early morning diaper changes and dressing, allowing you to get more rest. Having a supportive network can make a significant difference in managing your baby's sleep routine and your own well-being.
Remember, establishing a sleep routine for your newborn takes time and patience. Be flexible, responsive, and most importantly, trust your instincts as a parent.
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Frequently asked questions
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. This means placing your baby's crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in your bedroom instead of in a separate nursery. This arrangement allows you to keep your baby nearby, facilitating feeding, comforting, and monitoring during the night.
Room-sharing is convenient and helps you attend to your baby's needs more easily. It also reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths.
Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.
Keep the lights low and minimize noise during nighttime feedings and diaper changes. Avoid playing with or talking to your baby, as this may confuse them about the difference between night and day.
Ensure that all sleep surfaces and products meet federal safety standards. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. Avoid using crib bumpers, and limit your baby's time in a car seat, bouncer, or swing to 30 minutes to reduce the risk of positional plagiocephaly or "flat-head syndrome."
