Newborn Sleep 101

This post was written by Melody Patton, a Registered Nurse, and certified Sleep Sense Consultant. Melody founded Melody Patton Sleep Consulting in 2018, and since then she has delighted in supporting hundreds of families as they navigate sleep difficulties.

In this post, learn some of her favourite tips for parents of newborns. You can learn more from Melody in our Postpartum Group Program, where she facilitates a session on newborn sleep. She’s happy to answer questions - feel free to reach out!

Have a newborn at home and are unsure of how to help them get sleep? 

They're not old enough to 'sleep train' but maybe sleep isn't going well, so what can you do?

Here are a few newborn sleep facts that may be helpful for you to know right away! 

1) Newborns can only be awake for 45-60 minutes

When I tell new parents this, they all seem to have a lightbulb moment! 

Yes, it’s true that many newborns will be awake long past this point, but that’s often due to parents missing sleep cues and the baby has no control over this. 

That hour also goes by really quickly. 

By the time you’ve finished a feed, changed a diaper, and cuddled or done some tummy time, it’s time for a nap already. 

That’s how newborn life is! 

So watch the clock and watch for the sleep cues: 

• Baby looks disinterested

• Baby is cueing, this can often look like feed cues!

• Fussiness

2) 12 hr day and 12 hr night

Initially your baby will be feeding around the clock, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have a ‘night time’ and a ‘daytime’. 

It’s common for newborns to have a late start to their day, anywhere from 9-11 am, and then bedtime is about 12 hours later. 

This does change as they get older but it’s common for the ‘night sleep’ to not start until late in the evening. 

Knowing this, you can start a bedtime routine accordingly. 

3) Swaddle for sleep, not for feeds

Developing patterns and routines helps to communicate with your baby. By doing a simple pre-nap and bedtime routine, it can help signal that it's time to sleep!

Swaddling considerations:

• Minimize swaddling If your baby is having difficulty feeding due to a tight neck or is struggling with latching, or if a lactation consultant has suggested not to for these reasons.

• Unswaddle your baby before a feed (during the day and before bed), so they are more alert during the feed and won't fall asleep as fast.

• During the night you can keep them swaddled if it's working for the both of you.

4) Aim for full feeds, 2-3 hours between each feed

Do you know what's annoying?

Hunger and sleep cues can look THE SAME.

That's totally not fair...

So if you're looking at a fussy baby, consider the following:

Did you just feed them within the last hour? Then they more likely need something else (sleep, over/under stimulated, needing comfort, diaper, gas pain, etc).

When you work on keeping enough time between feeds, it allows your baby to have a tummy that's full, but also helps you figure out what they actually need. (at least most of the time!)

5) Practice makes progress

If you want your baby to sleep on another surface other than you, you'll have to help them practice!

First nap of the day & bedtime!

First nap tends to be the easiest nap to get your baby to fall asleep for. Bedtime is also a good time try to get your baby to fall asleep on their own as the sleep pressure has built up throughout the day.

The rest of the day?

Do your best! Contact, swing, stroller, carrier, wrap, friend or family member, etc.

6) Go to bed early

So what I mean by this is that if you have a partner, or help in the home, you should go to bed earlier in the night, and let your partner take care of the baby for 2-3 hours so you can get some additional sleep. 

Offer your baby a feed around 7 pm (based on 2-3 hours between feeds), and then go lay down. Even getting an additional 2 hours of sleep can help you cope with the challenges of taking care of a newborn. 

This is also a good time to reach out to friends and family, ask for them to come over and help make you a meal, hold the baby while you sleep/shower/eat etc.

Hope this helps, and feel free to reach out if you have questions!

Here for you,

Melody Patton

P.S. Is your baby not sleeping well, even past the newborn stage? It doesn't have to be this way! Slowly implementing sleep hygiene and learning baby routines can drastically improve sleep for everyone. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help!