Miya Pearson
Sleep is a common concern for new parents. Newborns need about 14 to 17 hours of sleep each day, but they need to eat around the clock, so frequent wake-ups are normal. Newborns also need help settling and getting back to sleep, and they can get confused about the difference between day and night. Hunger, illness, and overstimulation are common reasons for newborns to struggle with sleep.
Why a newborn won't sleep
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hunger | Newborns need to be fed around the clock, so frequent wake-ups are to be expected. |
| Illness | Newborns may not be sleeping due to an undiagnosed illness or allergy. |
| Confusion between day and night | Newborns can get confused between day and night. |
| Overstimulation | Newborns can struggle to sleep due to overstimulation from their surroundings. |
| Discomfort | Discomfort from the sleeping position, environment, or other factors can make it harder for newborns to settle down and sleep. |
| Lack of routine | Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help newborns sleep through the night. |
| Internal clock | Newborns' internal clocks may be off, causing them to mix up their days and nights. |
| Sleep regression | During sleep regressions, maintaining existing sleep routines can help get back on track. |
| Individual temperament | Each newborn has a unique temperament, and some may be more difficult to settle and sleep. |
| Need for comfort | Newborns may prefer to be held or co-sleep, which can impact their independent sleep patterns. |
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What You'll Learn
Hunger and thirst
Breast milk is digested quickly, so babies may wake up hungry and ready to fill their bellies again. Even if it has only been a couple of hours since their last feed, offer breast milk or formula to see if food is what they need. Thirst is another reason babies wake up, and a drink of breast milk or formula may do the trick.
Babies from 0 to 3 months might start showing signs of tiredness after 30 minutes of being awake. From 3 to 6 months, they might be tired after 1.5 to 3 hours of being awake. An overtired baby usually struggles to fall asleep, so it is important to be proactive and look out for signs of tiredness. Putting your baby to sleep when you first notice these signs will help them settle.
Babies can also struggle to sleep if they are uncomfortable. Discomfort can be caused by a wet diaper, being too hot or cold, or a swaddle that is too tight or loose.
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Illness or discomfort
Babies can be easily overstimulated, and this can make it challenging for them to fall asleep. They may struggle to settle if they are uncomfortable in their sleeping position or environment. For example, if they are too hot or cold, or their swaddle is too tight or loose, or they have a wet nappy.
It is important to distinguish between daytime and nighttime for newborns. Creating a dark environment can help signal sleeptime, and keeping the lights on during the day can help your baby learn the difference. White noise machines can also be beneficial to help drown out any outside noises that might keep your baby awake.
If your baby is displaying signs of overtiredness, such as frantic crying or extreme fussiness, they may be struggling to self-regulate and need help to settle. Responsive settling can assist your baby in learning to self-settle, and this can include techniques such as gently touching or patting your baby, using shushing noises, or playing settling music or white noise.
If you are concerned that your baby is not sleeping due to an undiagnosed illness or allergy, it is important to speak to your doctor and push for your concerns to be taken seriously.
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Overstimulation
Newborns can only handle a certain amount of sensory input. With new noises, unfamiliar smells, and developing eyesight, there's a lot for them to take in. Overstimulation can make it challenging to put your newborn to sleep. Discomfort in their sleeping position or environment can also make it more challenging for your baby to settle down for sleep. For example, if they are too hot or cold, their swaddle is too tight or loose, or they have a wet diaper.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), newborns typically require 16-17 hours of sleep per day. However, newborns aged 0 to 3 months have not yet learned to settle by themselves and will need your help to settle and go back to sleep. They wake often overnight between sleep cycles and when they need to be fed or changed.
Babies need a cue to tell them it is time to go to sleep. This is usually something in their external environment. It could be a dark room, being swaddled or wrapped (if they cannot yet roll over). Darkness also helps prevent distractions that might keep your baby awake. Many babies benefit from a white noise machine to help them fall asleep. White noise machines play soothing sounds to make it easier for babies to fall asleep. This can be particularly helpful if you have a noisy pet or older siblings, since the white noise helps to drown out those outside sounds that might be keeping your baby awake.
It is recommended that newborns sleep in their own cot next to your bed for the first 6 to 12 months of life. Waking and settling issues are very normal for newborns and babies less than 6 months of age. Your newborn may wake frequently during the night to feed and they may need assistance to settle back to sleep. It is not uncommon for newborns and babies to not sleep through the night until around 1 year of age.
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Lack of routine
A newborn baby's sleep pattern can be unpredictable and inconsistent, which can be challenging for new parents. One common reason for a newborn's erratic sleep pattern is a lack of routine. Establishing a consistent sleep routine is crucial for helping your baby develop healthy sleep habits and differentiate between day and night. Here are some paragraphs discussing the importance of routine and providing tips to create a healthy sleep routine for your newborn:
The Importance of Routine
Routines are essential for newborn sleep because they provide structure and predictability, helping your baby adjust to the outside world and develop a sense of security. A consistent routine teaches your baby the difference between daytime and nighttime, which is something they might struggle with initially. By creating a routine, you can gradually help your baby understand when it's time to be awake and active and when it's time to wind down and sleep.
Creating a Sleep Schedule
Every baby is unique, and it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all sleep schedule for newborns. However, you can start by paying attention to your baby's tired signs, such as yawning, rubbing eyes, or becoming fussy. Once you recognize these signs, you can begin to establish a sleep schedule that aligns with your baby's natural sleep-wake cycle. Gradually, your baby will learn to settle into a routine that works for them.
Maintaining Consistency
Consistency is key when it comes to establishing a healthy sleep routine. Try to maintain regular nap and bedtime schedules, creating a calm and relaxing environment for sleep. This might include keeping the room dark, using white noise, or implementing soothing bedtime rituals such as reading a story or singing a lullaby. Remember, consistency doesn't mean rigidity. Be prepared to adapt your routine as your baby grows and their needs change.
Involving Your Partner and Support System
Parenting is a team effort, and involving your partner or support system can be crucial in maintaining a healthy sleep routine for your newborn. Take turns with your partner to ensure you both get adequate rest. If you're formula feeding, share the feeding responsibilities. If you're breastfeeding, your partner can help by taking over early morning duties or occasionally giving a bottle of expressed breast milk during the night. Don't hesitate to ask family or friends for help so you can catch up on your sleep.
Adjusting to Your Baby's Needs
Remember that your baby's sleep needs will change as they grow. Be prepared to adjust your routine accordingly. For example, as your baby reaches the 2-3 month mark, they may start sleeping for longer stretches as they drop some night feedings. Stay in tune with your baby's cues and be flexible in adapting your routine to meet their changing needs.
Establishing a healthy sleep routine for your newborn may take time and patience. Remember that every baby is unique, and it's important to remain responsive to your baby's individual needs. By creating a consistent and nurturing sleep environment, you'll be well on your way to helping your newborn develop healthy sleep habits that will benefit them throughout their childhood.
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Day/night reversal
Newborns aged 0 to 3 months have not yet learned to settle by themselves and will often wake up frequently overnight between sleep cycles, when they need to be fed or changed. They typically need help to settle and go back to sleep, which is known as responsive settling. Each baby is different, and their ability to settle depends on their individual temperament. Some babies are very difficult to settle, which can be stressful and upsetting for parents.
To help your baby distinguish between day and night, you can create a dark environment at night to signal sleeptime. Keep daytime or awake times bright with natural light or by keeping the lights on. If you're struggling to maintain a dark room at night, consider investing in blackout shades to ensure the room stays dark when it's time for your baby to sleep. Darkness also helps prevent distractions that might keep your baby awake.
You can also try to keep your baby awake a little longer during each waking period during the day to increase their need for sleep later. However, it's important not to let your baby get overtired, as this can make it harder for them to fall asleep. Look out for signs of tiredness, such as yawning, rubbing their eyes, or pulling at their ears, and put your baby to sleep when you first notice these signs.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns need about 14 to 17 hours of sleep each day, but they need to eat around the clock, so frequent wake-ups are to be expected. They also haven't learned to settle by themselves yet and need your help to do so.
You can help your baby by establishing a routine and creating a dark environment to signal sleep time. You can also try swaddling them to keep their arms and legs still so they don't wake themselves up.
You can try gently touching your baby, using gentle shushing noises, settling music or white noise, and checking they don't need a nappy change.
