Welcome to Newborn Sleep
Newborn sleep is beautifully chaotic and completely different from older baby sleep. During the first 3 months, your baby is transitioning from the womb to the world, learning to regulate their tiny systems. Understanding what's normal helps you support healthy development while building foundations for good sleep habits.
Newborn Sleep Expectations by Age
The Sleepy Phase
- • Sleep most of the day and night
- • Wake mainly for feeding
- • No real day/night distinction
- • Sleep anywhere, anytime
The Alert Phase
- • More alert periods during day
- • Start to show sleep cues
- • May have fussy periods
- • Beginning of routine possible
The Developing Phase
- • Longer night sleep stretches
- • Day/night distinction emerges
- • More predictable patterns
- • Social smiles appear
The Transitional Phase
- • Preparing for 4-month regression
- • More organized sleep patterns
- • Can stay awake 1-2 hours
- • Ready for gentle routines
Essential Newborn Sleep Strategies
Create Day/Night Distinction
Help your newborn learn the difference between day and night with light, noise, and activity cues.
- Bright light and normal noise during day feeds
- Dim lights and quiet voices for night feeds
- Social interaction during day wakings
- Minimal interaction during night feeds
- Open curtains in morning
Watch for Sleep Cues
Newborns show subtle signs when they're getting tired. Acting quickly prevents overtiredness.
- Yawning and rubbing eyes
- Staring off into space or glazed look
- Pulling at ears or hair
- Becoming less active or floppy
- Fussiness and crying (late cue)
Master Swaddling
Proper swaddling recreates womb-like security and prevents startle reflex from disrupting sleep.
- Arms secured, hips loose for development
- Snug but not tight around chest
- Stop when baby shows signs of rolling
- Use breathable muslin or cotton
- Consider swaddle alternatives if resisted
Use White Noise
Consistent sound mimics the womb environment and helps newborns sleep longer and deeper.
- Constant, monotonous sound (not music)
- Volume level of a shower (50-60 decibels)
- Position away from baby's head
- Continue throughout entire sleep period
- Fan, machine, or app with timer
Follow Eat-Wake-Sleep Pattern
This natural cycle helps prevent feeding-to-sleep associations while ensuring adequate nutrition.
- Feed baby when they wake up
- Short play/alert time after feeding
- Put down for sleep when showing cues
- Adjust timing based on baby's needs
- Night feeds can skip wake time
Create Calm Environment
A peaceful sleep space helps newborns feel secure and fall asleep more easily.
- Dark or dimly lit room
- Comfortable temperature (68-70°F)
- Minimal stimulation in sleep area
- Consistent sleep location when possible
- Remove mobiles and toys from crib
Safe Sleep Guidelines (AAP Recommendations)
Back to Sleep
Always place baby on their back for every sleep - naps and nighttime.
This single practice reduces SIDS risk by 50%. Once baby can roll independently (usually 4-6 months), they can stay in position they roll to.
Bare Crib
Keep crib completely empty except for fitted sheet.
No blankets, pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals, or positioning devices. These items increase suffocation and SIDS risk.
Avoid Overheating
Dress baby in light sleep clothing and keep room comfortably cool.
Use sleep sacks instead of blankets. Baby should feel warm but not hot to touch on chest or back of neck.
Smoke-Free Environment
No smoking during pregnancy or after birth in home, car, or around baby.
Secondhand smoke significantly increases SIDS risk. This includes e-cigarettes and vaping.
Room Sharing
Keep baby's sleep area in your room for at least first 6 months.
Use bassinet, crib, or bedside sleeper. Baby should have their own sleep surface, never in adult bed.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeed if possible for as long as you can.
Breastfeeding reduces SIDS risk, provides immune benefits, and supports healthy sleep patterns.
Sample Newborn Schedule
Flexible routine for 6-12 week old babies (adjust timing based on your baby's natural patterns)
Early Morning
Morning
Midday
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Common Newborn Sleep Challenges
Day/Night Confusion
Problem: Baby sleeps all day and is awake all night.
- Bright light during day feeds and activities
- Dim lights and quiet voices for night feeds
- Limit daytime sleep stretches to 2-3 hours
- Be patient - can take 6-8 weeks to resolve
Short Naps
Problem: Baby only sleeps 20-30 minutes at a time.
- Ensure baby isn't overtired when put down
- Check room temperature and comfort
- Use white noise throughout nap
- Some short naps are normal for newborns
Fighting Sleep
Problem: Baby cries and resists going to sleep.
- Watch for earlier sleep cues
- Try swaddling or gentle motion
- Check if baby is too hot or cold
- Ensure baby is well-fed but not overfed
Frequent Night Feeds
Problem: Baby wants to eat every hour at night.
- Ensure full feeds during the day
- Check latch and milk transfer
- Consider cluster feeding in evening
- Growth spurts increase feeding frequency
Startle Reflex
Problem: Baby wakes up from sudden movements.
- Swaddle with arms secured
- Use consistent white noise
- Place baby down very gently
- Reflex disappears around 3-4 months
Witching Hour
Problem: Extreme fussiness every evening from 5-11 PM.
- Try cluster feeding during this time
- Use movement, white noise, dim lights
- Take turns with partner for breaks
- Usually peaks at 6 weeks, resolves by 12 weeks
When to Consult Your Pediatrician
While newborn sleep is variable, some signs warrant professional attention:
- Fever (rectal temp over 100.4°F in babies under 3 months)
- Extreme difficulty feeding or poor weight gain
- Complete inability to sleep for extended periods
- Breathing difficulties, pauses, or rapid breathing
- Significant color changes (blue, gray, or pale)
- Excessive crying that cannot be soothed (possible colic)
- Extreme lethargy or difficulty waking for feeds
- Parental instinct that something isn't right