How to get a newborn to sleep?

Welcome back to the Newborn Tips blog, many parents often wonder how to get a newborn to sleep, a question that is not trivial at all, in fact it can seem like a real challenge, especially for new parents struggling with sleepless nights and unpredictable routines.

In this article, we will explore practical strategies and useful tips to help your little one relax and sleep peacefully. Continue reading to the end to find the support you are looking for and make bedtime easier for the whole family!

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How to get a newborn to sleep?

Getting a newborn to sleep is an experience that every parent faces with a mix of sweetness and challenge.

Therefore, creating the right environment, establishing reassuring routines and knowing the needs of your little one are just some of the fundamental aspects.

In addition, you need to be ready to recognize sleep signals in newborns such as: tiredness, yawning or rubbing the eyes, since they can indicate that it is time to go to bed.

Below you will learn a series of foolproof tricks that will help you get your little one to sleep faster.

What to do if a newborn does not fall asleep?

When a newborn does not fall asleep, it can be frustrating and worrying for parents.

However, there are several strategies that you can try to help them relax and facilitate sleep.

To start, make sure that their basic needs have been met (such as hunger, dry diaper and comfortable temperature) and try to create a calm and dark environment.

In fact, a relaxing routine before bed, such as a warm bath or a gentle lullaby, can work wonders.

So if your little one is agitated, try rocking him gently, using skin-to-skin contact or white noise to calm him down.

How to help a newborn sleep?

Helping children sleep requires patience, consistency and some precautions that can make a difference.

First of all, create an ideal environment for bedtime, that is, a quiet room, with soft lighting and a comfortable temperature.

Then establish a predictable evening routine, such as a relaxing bath, a cuddle or a gentle lullaby.

Next, make sure your little one is well-fed and has a dry diaper.

Also, try putting your newborn to sleep when he is sleepy but still awake, to help him develop the habit of falling asleep on his own.

What position should a newborn sleep in?

The safest position for a newborn to sleep is always on their back, both during daytime naps and at night.

This recommendation, supported by pediatricians around the world, significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

In this regard, make sure that the mattress is firm, without pillows, stuffed animals or blankets that could pose a danger.

Also, avoid having a newborn sleep on their stomach or side, unless specifically indicated by the pediatrician for health reasons. Remember, safety during the sleep of newborns is essential for the peace of mind of the whole family.

How to get a newborn to sleep without the breast?

If you want to get your newborn to sleep without the breast, there are several gentle and effective techniques you can try.

Start by creating a relaxing nighttime routine for your newborn, as mentioned above: a warm bath, a lullaby or a story.

Use physical contact to reassure your baby, such as rocking him in your arms, stroking his back or holding his hand.

In addition, white noise, such as the sound of a fan or a white noise machine, can be very useful for calming your newborn and promoting sleep.

You can also try to put him to sleep with a gentle rocking, walking or using a rocking chair.

Remember that patience and consistency are key: with time, your little one will learn to relax and fall asleep even without the breast.

How to break the habit of sleeping in a newborn’s arms?

Getting a newborn used to sleeping without being held requires gradualness and gentleness. Here are some helpful steps:

Create a soothing routine: Have a consistent bedtime ritual like a bath, a lullaby, or a story so your baby associates these activities with sleep time.
Put your baby down sleepy but awake: Try to put your baby down in his or her crib while he or she is still awake but relaxed, so he or she can get used to sleeping in his or her own crib.
Use reassuring contact: If your baby becomes agitated, stay close to him or her, gently stroke him or speak to him or her in a calm voice, but do not pick him or her up again.
Try a comforting object: A sleeping bag or a light blanket (under your supervision) can help your baby feel safe without the need for your arms.
Be gradual: If your baby is used to sleeping in your arms, start gradually reducing the amount of time you hold him or her. Once he or she has calmed down, try placing him or her gently in the crib.
Reassure him with patience: It is normal for the baby to need time to adapt. Remain constant and reassuring during the process.

However, with time and consistency, your little one will learn to sleep peacefully in his crib.

How to get a newborn to sleep through the night?

Helping a newborn to sleep through the night takes time, but there are strategies that can promote longer and more continuous sleep:

Establish a nightly routine: A constant sequence of relaxing activities (bath, lullabies, cuddles) helps the newborn understand that it is time to sleep.
Promote the day-night alternation: During the day, keep the house bright and involve him in stimulating activities. At night, keep the environment dark and quiet to teach him the difference between day and night.
Put the newborn to sleep sleepy but awake: Placing him in the crib before he falls asleep completely helps him learn to relax on his own and go back to sleep if he wakes up.
Make sure your baby is comfortable: Make sure he or she has a dry diaper, is well fed, and that the room temperature is ideal (between 18 and 20°C).
Try the white noise method: Soft, repetitive sounds can calm your baby and help him or her stay asleep longer.
Avoid unnecessary awakenings: During nighttime feedings, try to maintain a calm atmosphere, with soft lights and gentle movements, so as not to overstimulate your baby.
Gradually lengthen the intervals between nighttime feedings: If your pediatrician confirms that your baby can skip a feeding, try distracting him or her with cuddles or a pacifier to extend the intervals between one feeding and the next.

In short, every baby is unique, so when it comes to how to get a newborn to sleep, it may actually take some time to find the combination of strategies that best suits your little one. With consistency and patience, nighttime sleep will gradually improve.

Finally, the tips provided in this article are designed to help parents manage newborn sleep in a calm and reassuring way. However, it is essential to remember that every child is unique and what works for one may not be effective for another.

Therefore, it is always advisable to consult your pediatrician before adopting any strategy or change in your newborn’s sleep routine. Our advice on how to get a newborn to sleep in no way replaces the advice of a health professional.

ALSO READ: Better liquid or powdered milk for newborns: The complete guide

Newborn Tips, The Editorial Team