The Dos and Don’ts of Newborn Sleep

As a new mom, you’re probably wondering how to get your newborn to sleep through the night. And let’s be real – you’re probably also wondering how to get some sleep yourself! While every baby is different, there are a few dos and don’ts when it comes to newborn sleep that can help you and your little one get a good night’s rest.

While establishing a bedtime routine can be helpful for some newborns, it’s important to remember that every baby is different and some may not respond well to a strict sleep routine. Other important considerations for newborn sleep include creating a dark and quiet sleep environment, swaddling your baby, and putting them to sleep on their back. On the other hand, it’s important to avoid overstimulating your baby before bedtime, letting them get overtired, using a bottle or pacifier as a sleep prop, and letting them sleep on their stomach. By following these guidelines and being attuned to your baby’s individual needs, you and your newborn can get the good night’s rest you both deserve. If you’’ve decided that a sleep routine might be best for you, here are some Do’s and Don’ts that might help save you some time and sanity.

Do:

1. Establish a bedtime routine: Babies thrive on routine, so establishing a bedtime routine can help your newborn wind down and get ready for sleep. This might include a warm bath, a lullaby, or a bedtime story. However, it’s important to note that some little ones may not respond well to a strict sleep routine, and it may be best to let them set their own sleep patterns.
2. Make the bedroom dark and quiet: Newborns are more sensitive to light and noise, so it’s important to create a dark and quiet environment for sleep. Consider using blackout curtains or a sleep shade to block out light, and use a white noise machine to drown out any outside noise.
3. Swaddle your baby: Swaddling can help your newborn feel secure and comfortable, which can lead to better sleep. Just be sure to follow safe swaddling guidelines to avoid any accidental suffocation.
4. Put your baby to sleep on their back: To reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), it’s important to put your newborn to sleep on their back.

Don’t:

1. Overstimulate your baby before bedtime: While it’s important to interact with your newborn throughout the day, it’s best to avoid overstimulating them before bedtime. This can include things like playing loud games or exposing them to bright lights.
2. Let your baby get overtired: It’s important to put your newborn to sleep before they get too tired, as overtired babies can have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.
3. Give your baby a bottle or pacifier as a sleep prop: While it’s okay to give your newborn a bottle or pacifier for feeding or comfort, it’s important not to rely on these as sleep props. Doing so can lead to dependency and disrupt your baby’s natural sleep patterns.
4. Let your baby sleep on their stomach: While it might seem like putting your newborn to sleep on their stomach would help them sleep better, it’s actually the most dangerous position for sleep. To reduce the risk of SIDS, it’s important to put your newborn to sleep on their back.