Newborns sleep a lot, typically 16-17 hours a day, but do not follow any set schedule. It is recommended in the early days to wake your baby to feed at least every 2-3 hours. As babies grow, they will wake naturally when hungry.
Safe sleep space
Babies should always be placed on their back to sleep in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress. Loose bedding, pillows or stuffed animals are not safe to have in the crib or bassinet. Keep the bedroom a comfortable temperature, typically 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit, and avoid overdressing.
Swaddling helps promote restful sleep by decreasing the startle reflex. It can be a wonderful tool to help babies sleep longer without waking themselves up, and to help soothe fussy overstimulated babies. You should stop swaddling your baby when they show signs of rolling.
Tips for getting your baby to sleep
Create a bedtime routine and keep it consistent. This can include a bath, reading a book, rocking, offering a feed or any combination of steps that works for your family. Try to end your bedtime routine by putting your baby down at least semi-awake in her usual sleep space. This will help your baby learn to fall asleep on her own.
When babies wake overnight to feed, keep stimulation low. Use dull lights and quiet voices to prevent waking babies more than necessary.
By 6 month of age, try not to rush in a soothe a crying baby. It is common for all of us, babies included, to wake in the middle of the night and go back to sleep after a short time. We want to help your baby learn to do that!
Sleep training
Sleep training is a personal decision. We do not recommend any one method, as what is best is highly variable by infant and family. Keeping your response to nighttime waking stable will help your baby learn to sleep through the night independently.
This is a great topic to discuss at well baby visits, or we are happy to arrange a separate visit to discuss options that work for your family.
It is important to know that babies are not able to self soothe until at least 4-6 months of age, so it is not recommended that you let your baby cry it out prior to 4 months of age.