Newborn sleep: what’s normal, what helps
In the first weeks, sleep is biology, not a behaviour to “fix”. Newborns move through short cycles, wake often to feed, and their body clock is still forming. Aim for safe, responsive, and simple.
Back to sleep: clear, flat cot in the same room as you (UK safe-sleep)
Light cues (morning & evening)
Morning: Soon after the first wake, open curtains wide and spend time in a bright room; if possible, step outside in shade for a few minutes (courtyard/garden/doorway). We want daylight to the eyes, not sun on skin.
Evening: From late afternoon, gently dim the house; keep bedtime feeds/settling in softer light to signal “night”.
Sun safety: Under 6 months, avoid direct sun; use shade, a brimmed hat, and light clothing. This still allows plenty of daylight exposure.
Noise & naps (day vs night)
Daytime: Ordinary household sounds (kettle, chat, washing machine) are usually fine and help babies learn “day” from “night”. Some babies are more sound-sensitive — if naps crumble around noise, soften it a notch rather than chasing silence.
Peaks: Avoid sudden bangs or constant high volume. Think steady hum, not door slams.
White noise (safe use): Helpful for some babies to settle. Keep the unit across the room (never in or on the cot), at low volume (you should chat comfortably by the cot without raising your voice), and only during sleep; switch off when baby wakes.
Bottom line: mornings bright, evenings dim; normal daytime life is okay, nights are calmer and quieter.
Patterns, not schedules (a flexible E-A-S)
E-A-S = Eat → Awake → Sleep. Use it as a gentle order of care, not a timetable.
Offer on waking: After a wake, offer a feed. If baby isn’t interested, don’t push — feed at the next clear hunger cue.
Awake time by cues (not minutes): Invite a calm “A” window until the next sleepy cue (glazed look, slower movements, staring, early yawn). That might be very short at first — that’s fine.
Why it helps: It gently loosens a tight “feed-to-sleep” link without keeping a sleepy newborn awake or delaying hunger.
A note on falling asleep on the feed
Totally normal in the fourth trimester. If you’d like to encourage a tiny awake window (without forcing it):
Watch for the shift from nutritive sucking (rhythmic suck–swallow–breathe) to comfort sucking (fluttery, few swallows).
When sucking winds down, end the feed (break suction or pause the bottle), wind/position-change, and offer once more to check for more true feeding.
If they perk up, lovely — invite a short “A”, then settle at the first sleepy cue.
If they’re clearly “gone already”, let sleep happen and try the same approach next cycle.
Carry to calm, put down to sleep
Carrying works. Holding and walking often switches on a natural calming response — perfect before a put-down.
Then place down safely. For sleep (especially when you’re not actively watching), use a firm, flat, clear surface, on the back, in your room. Contact naps are fine when you’re awake and baby’s airway is visible.
Quick how-to (0–12 weeks)
By day: Bright room, normal home noise; trim sharp peaks if naps get jumpy.
Each cycle: Wake → offer feed → calm “A” until the next sleepy cue → settle.
Settling: Carry/rock to calm, then place down on the back; white noise optional (see safety above).
By night: Low lights, soft voices. If hungry, feed; if not sure, try a brief soothe first.
Safety corner
Back to sleep, clear cot, same room as you for 6 months; room about 16–20 °C; smoke-free; no soft/loose items. Safety always comes first.
Tiny FAQ
Should naps be silent?
No — ordinary daytime life is fine. If your baby is sensitive, ease the noise rather than going for total silence.
Do I have to stop them falling asleep on a feed?
No. It’s common early on. You can finish when sucking slows, gently rouse once to check for more nutritive feeding, then invite a short “A” if they’re still awake.
Is white noise safe?
Yes, when across the room, low volume, and only during sleep. Never in the cot or right beside baby’s head.
Is swaddling recommended?
It’s optional. Some newborns settle better swaddled. If you choose to use it, keep it lightweight and cool, hips free, back-sleep only, no face/neck coverage, no weighted swaddles, and stop at the first sign of rolling.
