Newborn Napping: Where Should They Sleep During The Day?

Newborns need to sleep a lot—up to 18 hours a day—and figuring out where they should nap during the day is a common challenge for new parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants always sleep on their backs on a separate, flat, and firm surface, without any loose bedding. Bassinets, cribs, carrycots, Moses baskets, and strollers with a bassinet attachment are all popular options for daytime naps. Consistency is key, and it's important to establish a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your baby, whether they're napping at home or on the go.

The Crib

To ensure your baby's safety, make sure the crib adheres to safety standards and is free from loose bedding and toys. You can also enhance the sleep environment by keeping the room dimly lit, using a white noise machine, and maintaining a comfortable temperature.

If your crib is located in your baby's nursery or bedroom, you can use a video or audio monitor to keep an eye on them while they nap. This allows you to stay connected and ensure their safety without having to be physically present in the room.

Some parents choose to have multiple cribs or bassinets, placing one in the living room or other frequently used areas of the house. This can be convenient if you don't want to go up and down the stairs frequently or want to keep a closer eye on your baby while doing chores or relaxing on the couch.

The Carrycot

However, safety is paramount. Always ensure your carrycot is placed on a safe, stable, and flat surface. Keep your baby under supervision while they are nestled in their little nest, ensuring they are not in a draft or in direct sunlight. It is also important to not use the carry handle while your baby is inside the carrycot.

Moses Baskets

A Moses basket is a great option for a newborn's daytime sleep. These baskets are lightweight, portable, and provide a cosy space for your baby to nap. They are usually made from natural materials such as bamboo, reed, or palm leaf, and often feature a rocking stand that can help soothe your baby to sleep.

One of the main benefits of a Moses basket is its compact size, which can make newborns feel secure and snug, especially after spending nine months in the womb. They are also a good choice if you are short on space, as they can easily be moved from room to room. The baskets typically come with handles, allowing you to carry your baby with ease, and most include a fixed or rocking stand to elevate the basket next to your bed.

When choosing a Moses basket, look for one with a soft, comfortable lining and ensure it has a sturdy base. Safety is paramount, so only place the basket on a flat, stable surface, away from pets or small children. It is also important to note that Moses baskets are generally suitable for infants up to 9kg or until they can sit up unaided, which is usually around six months old.

Some popular Moses basket options include the Little Green Sheep organic knitted Moses basket, which features a natural, chemical-free palm leaf design and a breathable, machine-washable liner. The Clair de Lune Moses basket is another great choice, offering a traditional white wicker design with a hypoallergenic mattress and a detachable hood to block out light during daytime naps. For a more contemporary aesthetic, the SnuzBaskit light grey Moses basket provides a minimalist design with a lightweight, breathable mesh mattress.

Lighting and Sound

Lighting

It is not necessary to create a pitch-black environment for your newborn's daytime naps. In fact, a dimly lit room with soft lighting can be ideal. Avoid harsh or glaring light in the room, but don't worry about blocking out all daylight. You can use curtains or blinds to control the amount of natural light entering the room. Remember that as your baby gets older, they may become more sensitive to light, so you may need to adjust the lighting accordingly.

Sound

A little ambient noise can be beneficial for your newborn's daytime naps. It can help them learn to sleep through some background noise and adjust to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Consider using a white noise machine or playing gentle lullabies to create a soothing and consistent sound environment. The constant noise from a sound machine can also mimic the sounds your baby heard in the womb, providing comfort and familiarity. Additionally, white noise can help drown out any sudden or jarring sounds that might startle your baby and interrupt their sleep.

Every baby is unique, and you may need to experiment to find what works best for your little one. Some newborns may sleep better with more ambient noise, while others may prefer relative quiet. You can also try using a sound machine or playing lullabies during the night to help your baby associate those sounds with sleep.

Remember to keep the volume of any noise at a comfortable level and avoid placing your baby too close to the sound source. You can also try different types of sounds, such as nature sounds or instrumental music, to see what your baby responds to best.

Swaddling

How to Swaddle

• Spread a thin baby blanket with one corner folded over slightly.
• Lay your baby face-up on the blanket, ensuring their head is above the folded corner. You can place their arms by their sides, cross them, or leave them out of the swaddle, depending on what they prefer.
• Wrap the left corner over your baby's body and tuck it behind their back, going under the right arm.
• Bring the bottom corner up over your baby's feet and fold it down at their chest. Keep the blanket away from their face and ensure their hips and knees are slightly bent and turned out.
• Wrap the right corner around your baby and tuck it under their back on the left side, leaving only their neck and head exposed. If you are not wrapping their arms, tuck the blanket under their left arm.
• Ensure the swaddle is not too tight by checking that you can slip your hand between the blanket and your baby's chest. This ensures comfortable breathing. At the same time, make sure it is not too loose, as the blanket could come undone.

When to Stop Swaddling

It is important to stop swaddling once your baby starts trying to roll over, which can happen as early as 2 months of age. Continuing to swaddle after this point can be dangerous and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Frequently asked questions