How to Help Your Baby Sleep Better: Best Places for Your Baby to Sleep
A newborn baby will spend most of its time sleeping. Sleep helps the baby adapt to new conditions without much stress—being born was enough of a challenge! This adaptation lasts through the neonatal period: the first four weeks of life (28 days). This period marks the transition from life inside the womb to life outside. That's why it's so important to create the right sleeping environment for your baby.You should think ahead about where your newborn will sleep.
First, consider the room where your baby will spend time during the day and sleep at night. It’s best to avoid carpets, as they collect dust. Aim for healthy minimalism. The floor should be cleaned every day, and the room should be tidy and well-ventilated. It's ideal to use an air humidifier. Keep the room temperature a bit cooler rather than warmer.
Babies are more sensitive to stuffy air than to coolness. If you often feel cold, don't rely on your own sensations—they're not suitable for a newborn. Trust devices designed for this purpose. The optimal temperature is between 18-20°C, with humidity at 50-70%. If you feel cold, dress yourself more warmly. This allows your baby to sleep well and reduces them waking due to thirst. If you worry the baby will be cold, simply dress them a little warmer, such as with a vest and a onesie.
Second, consider what your baby will sleep on. You will need a crib with a proper mattress, soft bedding, a blanket, and perhaps a sleep nest or cocoon. Let’s discuss each item. The crib should have protective guards, and a drop-side design is convenient if you want to keep the crib near your own bed for the first few months. This way, the mother can comfort or feed the baby at night without getting up.
The mattress should be flat and firm, made from natural materials like buckwheat hulls or coconut coir. This prevents injury or misalignment of the infant's delicate spine.
A cocoon or sleeping nest helps the baby feel comfortable, similar to being in the womb. If the baby wakes at night upon being placed in the crib, a cocoon can help. This isn't necessary if the baby sleeps beside you, as they’ll sleep deeply next to their mother. However, keep in mind that if a tired mom falls asleep deeply, she might unintentionally harm the baby. Also, it becomes more challenging to move the baby to their own crib and room later.
The blanket should be lightweight and appropriate for the season. If the room is warm, a soft sheet is enough. Duvets are not recommended, as they may cause allergies or accidentally cover the baby's face, posing a suffocation risk. Feather pillows should not be used during the first two years, due to both anatomy and safety. There’s a risk if the baby turns their face into a pillow. Don't worry—newborns and toddlers sleep well without pillows.
Choose soft, smooth bedding made from natural fabrics for your baby.
Important! In their first weeks, babies can’t control their arms and legs, which move suddenly and chaotically. For a sound sleep, it’s recommended to swaddle your baby at night.
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Now that you know how to prepare the room and crib for your newborn, it’s time to learn more about newborn sleep specifics. In the early days, your baby spends almost all their time sleeping and eating. On average, they sleep 18 to 20 hours a day, waking only to eat. This happens often because their stomach is small and milk is quickly digested. During the day, newborns wake up every 2.5 to 3 hours—sometimes more often—depending on individual needs. Night sleep usually starts around 9 p.m. and lasts until 8 or 9 a.m. If room humidity and temperature are right, and the baby isn’t overbundled, the baby won’t get thirsty and wakes only to feed. The interval between night feedings is typically three to four times per night. If your baby sleeps next to you, they might want to nurse constantly.
Important! For the first 1.5 to 2 months, make sure your baby sleeps on their side, alternating sides every 2–2.5 hours. The skull bones are still soft and can become misshapen if the baby lies on one side too long.
It is also not recommended, for safety, to put your baby to sleep on their back, as they could choke on spit-up milk or saliva. Tummy sleeping is also unsafe until your baby can turn over on their own.
During the first and second week, your baby’s behavior does not change much. They gradually adjust to life outside the womb, and their nervous system is developing. At this stage, they aren’t bothered by noises or soft lights, so there’s no need to whisper or turn off the TV. However, since they can’t distinguish between day and night, you’ll need to help establish a routine. Sometimes babies mix up day and night, making nights sleepless for parents. To avoid this, dim the lights and reduce noise before bedtime, starting 30 to 60 minutes beforehand.
Important! Create a bedtime ritual to help your baby develop the habit of falling asleep at the same time each night. This makes sleep easier for both baby and mom. Start this from the very first days.
The following may help:
- Evening walks in fresh air;
- Bathing in warm water before bed;
- Feed your baby after their bath;
- Play quiet, soothing music or, even better, sing a lullaby.
Try to walk, bathe, and feed your baby at the same time every day. This helps your newborn develop a sleep routine, making it easier for you to plan your days and evenings.
Starting from the third or fourth week, your baby gradually becomes more active and more sensitive to sounds, so their sleep may become lighter. Don’t eliminate all noise or whisper constantly—this can result in your baby being unable to sleep unless it’s completely silent, which isn’t practical. Maintain reasonable noise levels.
At night, your baby still sleeps about 10 hours; during the day, they sleep 7-8 hours on average. Wakeful periods lengthen, as do the gaps between naps—usually about 40-50 minutes. This gives parents time to change diapers, play, and feed the baby. If outdoor walks were brief during the first two weeks, now you can take your baby outside as much as possible.
It’s recommended to go for walks at least twice a day—in the morning and evening—for 2–3 hours each, or more if possible. Sleeping outdoors is good for babies. If the weather or your own health makes walking difficult, let your baby nap on a balcony, dressed warmly.
Important! If your baby seems lethargic and sleeps constantly, consult a doctor right away—it could be a sign of illness.
A healthy baby sleeps well. If your baby cries, can’t fall asleep, or wakes up constantly, look for possible causes: maybe they’re hot, thirsty, hungry, or need a diaper change. It could also be a tummy ache. If your baby is formula-fed, make sure you have the right formula. Sometimes the mother’s diet is the cause, or perhaps the baby just misses their mother’s warmth. Remember, babies never cry without a reason. If you’ve tried everything but your baby is still unsettled, contact your doctor.