Since newborns often sleep for significant portions of the day, engage your baby while she is awake as best you can. Pull her close and sing to her or look directly at her when you are talking to her. An excellent time to do this is when you are feeding, dressing, or changing your baby’s diaper.
Consider factors like naps, feedings, and you’re your baby’s age when setting his bedtime. [3] X Research source Establish a reasonable bedtime, knowing that your newborn will require feedings during the night (again, newborns feed every two to four hours). For example, you might want to have his bedtime close to yours so that you can both get an optimal amount of sleep. [4] X Research source Be flexible with the schedule as necessary. [5] X Research source
Keep your newborn away from bright lights and loud noises. [7] X Research source Dim the lights anywhere you and your newborn may be. This signals her that it’s time to sleep. [8] X Research source Your baby may fuss and cry as she finds a comfortable position in your arms. If this is the case, speak to her and rub her back, which can relax and reassure her. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Reading a book to your newborn with the lights dimmed engages without overstimulating her. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source A warm bath and light massage can make a baby drowsy. [14] X Research source You may want to feed her to keep her belly full throughout the night. [15] X Research source
The best temperature range in which to sleep is between 60 and 75 °F (15. 6 – 23. 9 °C). [17] X Research source Remove anything you’re your baby’s room that may stimulate him, such as electronics. [18] X Research source Use curtains or blinds to control the light in your baby’s room. Place a night light in a non-stimulating color like red to help assure him if this is necessary. [19] X Research source Keep the room quiet, though you may want to use a white noise machine. This may help dampen other noises and keep your baby asleep. [20] X Research source Your baby should have a comfortable but firm mattress, but remove any blankets or soft items so he doesn’t suffocate. [21] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Place your baby on her back to sleep. [24] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Avoid letting your child sleep with you. Studies have shown that this makes your child more prone to suffocation or strangulation. [25] X Research source
Put your baby’s crib or bassinet in your room if you want her to be near you.
Keep the lights dim and use a soft voice and minimal movements. This helps your baby understand it’s time to sleep and not play. [28] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Once babies reach 11 pounds, they generally do not need nighttime feedings. [30] X Research source Newborns generally will not sleep longer than three hours at a stretch because they need to eat more often. [31] X Research source Between two and three months, babies can sleep for five to six hours at a time, though may need an additional feeding at night. [32] X Research source By four months, your baby may be able to sleep for seven to eight hours at a stretch and may also not require feeding.
Wait a few minutes after your baby stirs to see if he falls asleep. [34] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Attend to you baby only if you suspect he is hungry or uncomfortable. [35] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
You may want to gradually alter your baby’s schedule so that she sleeps at times more convenient for you. For example, simple shifts of ½ hour in nap or bedtime from week to week may help her get onto a more normal schedule.
Remember that a baby’s sleep patterns can change weekly, and she may have some days where she requires more sleep than others. This is especially true when babies grow or are teething.
