What can help a newborn sleep?

Newborns typically sleep a lot. You can expect your newborn to sleep up to 17 hours a day in total, but waking up every two to four hours during the first few weeks.

When do newborns start taking longer naps?

As soon as 6 weeks old, many babies start sleeping less during the day and longer at night. Even though they usually still wake up several times to feed during the night. 

Between 4 and 6 months old, many babies can sleep from 8 to 12 hours through the night even though that is not always the case. If you want to be prepared to create a good sleep routine from the start or if your baby is having trouble sleeping, here are some tips to help you establish good sleep habits. 

How can I establish good sleep habits for my baby?

Familiar sleeping environment and a chance to nap frequently. During the first few weeks, most babies aren’t able to stay awake for more than two hours at a time. Staying up longer can make the baby overtired and have a harder time falling asleep. So don’t wait too long, and give your baby a chance to nap when tired. The SleepCarrier is a smarter baby nest, that provides your baby with a familiar sleeping environment wherever you are. The SleepCarrier helps you keep a mobile lifestyle as a portable baby nest for your baby to sleep in when you move. 

Look out for your baby’s cues when they’re tired

This is related to the point above. If you learn and watch out for signs that your baby is tired, try putting him/her down to sleep. Provide a familiar sleeping environment and put the baby down before getting overtired. Provide a different sleeping environment between day and night.  During the first few weeks, many babies don’t realise the difference between night and day and are often wide awake during the night, when they just want to sleep. But as soon as 2 weeks old, you can start teaching the difference between day and night. This can be done in several ways:

• Have open curtains and let the daylight in, during the day and complete darkness during the night.

• Using the SleepCarrier as a primary sleeping environment, you provide your baby with a familiar place to sleep in, around the house, in the pram, or in the park. In bed at night and on the sofa during the day. Or wherever fits you, your baby, and your environment. 

• Don’t minimize regular daytime noises, like radio, TV or the dishwasher. 

• Try to have the naps shorter during the day. 

• Play, talk, and interact during the day, but avoid all interaction during the night. If you have to change a diaper at night, keep the light to a minimum. 

Create a bedtime routine

Most infants, children, and even adults, like routine. It’s never too early to start. Do something simple every night before going to sleep. Have the same routine, changing diapers, putting on a sleeping bag, pyjamas, sing a lullaby or walk around with a wrap or a baby carrier.

Work with what first for you and your lifestyle. There is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution to sleep Not everything fits for all babies, but these simple steps can help you develop a healthy sleep routine. Try and learn and find your own way and your own routines.

For further tips and information on babies sleep, read our 10 tips to help your baby sleep better.