Figuring out how to get your baby to sleep can feel like a puzzle. One minute your newborn is snoozing peacefully, and the next they’re wide awake. Understanding newborn sleep schedules and how to make nights a little less stressful can help you and your baby get the rest they need.
Sleep isn’t just important for your baby’s growth and brain development. It can make a huge difference in their mood, too. A well-rested baby is usually happier during the day, and a smoother nighttime routine can give parents a bit of breathing room, too.
A cozy, safe sleep space makes a big difference in helping your little one settle. In this post, we’ll walk through how baby sleep works and share tips for setting up a space that supports every stage of your newborn’s sleep schedule.
Baby Sleep 101: What’s Normal
Newborn sleep can feel unpredictable, but there’s actually a pattern if you know what to look for. Babies go through different phases of how often they wake up and how much sleep they need.
Most newborns sleep anywhere from 14 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period, but it’s usually broken into short stretches. That’s why you might hear about newborn sleep schedules or wonder how long newborns sleep at a time. As your baby grows, these stretches start to get longer, and they gradually shift into more predictable sleep patterns.
Creating a Cozy, Safe Sleep Space
Where your baby sleeps matters just as much as how long they sleep. A safe sleep environment for babies starts with placing your newborn on their back in a crib or bassinet. It needs to have a firm, flat mattress. This is the simplest way to help prevent any risks (like SIDS) while letting your little one rest comfortably. If you’ve ever wondered where should newborns sleep, the crib or bassinet in your room for the first few months is usually the safest choice.
The right bedding can make a big difference in helping your baby settle. Soft crib sheets and swaddles help babies feel cozy without overheating. Wearable blankets are another great option. They give babies the comfort of a swaddle while letting them move safely as they grow.
Little Extras That Make a Big Difference
Once you’ve got the basics down, a few thoughtful touches can make your baby’s sleep environment even more restful. A small, quiet humidifier can help ease breathing, especially during dry months, which can make naps and nighttime sleep more comfortable.
Other simple extras, like gentle night lights or white noise machines, can also help signal that it’s time to rest, supporting your newborn’s sleep schedule. These little touches create a calm, soothing environment that helps your baby settle more easily.
Finding a Routine That Works
Once you understand your baby’s sleep cycles, you can start building a routine that fits their needs. Newborns often sleep in short stretches, so it helps to watch for sleep cues like rubbing eyes, fussiness or staring off into space. Following these cues can make it easier to stick to a baby-sleep schedule that works for both you and your baby.
Having a predictable bedtime routine, like a diaper change, a swaddle, a short feed and then putting your baby down in a cozy crib, can signal that it’s time to sleep. Over time, these small steps help your newborn feel secure and ready for rest.
Many parents wonder when their baby will sleep through the night. While every baby is different, establishing a routine early can encourage longer stretches of sleep as your little one grows. By paying attention to cues and keeping their sleep environment comfortable, you’re giving your baby the best chance at healthy, restful sleep from day one.
Troubleshooting Sleep Challenges
Helping your baby sleep well doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are the main ways to support healthy newborn sleep schedules and infant sleep cycles:
- Set up a safe sleep space: Use a firm crib mattress, place your baby on their back and keep the crib clear of everything like pillows, toys, loose blankets, etc. This creates a safe sleep environment for babies.
- Choose cozy, breathable bedding: Soft crib sheets, swaddles and wearable blankets help your newborn feel comfortable and secure while resting.
- Add gentle extras: Humidifiers, night lights and white noise can make a big difference in helping your baby settle and stay asleep.
- Watch for sleep cues: Rubbing eyes, fussiness or yawning can signal it’s time for a nap. Following these cues helps support your infant’s sleep cycles naturally.
- Stick to a routine: Consistent bedtime steps, like a diaper change, swaddle and feeding, help your newborn understand when it’s time to rest.
By keeping these small tips in mind, you can create a calm, safe and cozy environment that supports your baby’s growth and helps them (and you) get more restful nights. Explore Crane Baby’s swaddles, crib sheets and wearable blankets to make setting up the perfect sleep space easy and comforting for your little one.
