Becoming a new parent often means navigating sleepless nights, and sometimes, the newborn sleep tips offered by your parents, friends, and neighbors—whether you asked for them or not—can be hit or miss. Every baby is different, so the key is to get educated as much as possible and figure out what works for you, whether your baby sleeps in the room next door or on the mattress beside you.
According to The Lullaby Trust, 9 in 10 parents co-sleep with their baby, but less than half know how to reduce risks like SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). While every baby is unique, creating a safer and more soothing sleep environment can make a world of difference for both you and your baby. These newborn sleep tips offer practical strategies to help your little one snooze soundly.
1. Utilize a Swaddle
Swaddling can help recreate the snug comfort of the womb, keeping your newborn calm and secure during sleep. Using a lightweight blanket, wrap your baby snugly without restricting their hip movement. Ensure the swaddle is firm enough to prevent startle reflex but not so tight that it affects your baby’s breathing.
2. Use a White Noise Machine
Babies are used to hearing muffled sounds in the womb. By using a white noise machine, you can replicate that comforting hum to help drown out household noises and create a peaceful setting for sleep. For on-the-go newborn sleep tips, consider using a portable white noise machine or even a white noise app on your phone.
3. Invest in Blackout Curtains
Newborns often struggle to differentiate between day and night. Blackout curtains can help create a consistently dark environment, signaling to your baby that it’s time to sleep. They are especially useful for naps during the day when daylight seeps in.
4. Maintain a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Perhaps most helpful among our newborn sleep tips is routine. Routine creates predictability, which is reassuring for babies. A simple bedtime routine—like a bath, a lullaby, and a cuddle—can help signal that it’s time to wind down. Stick to the same steps and schedule every evening to establish a natural rhythm.
5. Put Baby to Bed When Sleepy, Not Fully Asleep
Encourage your baby to learn self-soothing by putting them in their crib or other sleep space when they’re drowsy but not yet fully asleep. This way, they’ll associate their bed with the process of falling asleep, making it easier for them to return to sleep if they wake during the night.
6. Avoid Overstimulation
Overstimulation can make it harder for your newborn to settle down. Keep their environment calm and relaxing—newborn sleep tips include dimming the lights, lowering any noise, and avoiding overly stimulating playtime in the hours leading up to bedtime.
7. Sing, Read, or Talk Softly Before Sleep
A soft lullaby, a gentle story, or even hearing you speak in calm tones can help relax your baby. These quiet activities not only soothe your newborn but also strengthen the bond between you as part of your nightly ritual.
8. Always Place Baby on Their Back
According to experts, placing your baby on their back to sleep is one of the most important precautions against SIDS. Use a firm mattress and ensure that the sleep space is free of loose bedding or toys that could pose a hazard.
9. Change Diapers Before Putting Baby to Sleep
Nothing disrupts a baby’s sleep quite like a wet or soiled diaper. To minimize middle-of-the-night wake-ups, make diaper changes part of your pre-bedtime routine.
10. Invest in a Quality Mattress for Co-Sleeping
If you co-sleep with your baby, investing in a high-quality mattress is essential for maintaining a safe sleep environment. A firm and supportive sleeping surface, like those available at Tochta, ensures proper alignment and prevents sagging that can be dangerous for newborns. We at Tochta even offer custom mattress sizes to fit unique co-sleeping arrangements.
Creating a Restful Sleep Environment
Caring for a newborn is both incredibly rewarding and undeniably challenging, especially when it comes to sleep. By implementing these newborn sleep tips—like swaddling, keeping a consistent routine, and ensuring a safe sleep setup—you can promote better rest for your baby while reducing stress for yourself.
For those choosing to co-sleep, Tochta’s tailored mattresses provide the support and safety you need for your family’s unique sleeping arrangements. Explore Tochta’s collection today to bring customized comfort into your nights.
