How to Create a Restful Night with Your Newborn
How to Create a Restful Night with a Newborn
If you're a first-time mom, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Sleep when the baby sleeps.” But let’s be honest—between late-night feeds, diaper changes, and the sheer exhaustion of postpartum recovery, restful nights can feel impossible.
The good news? You can create a rhythm that helps you and your baby sleep better, even in those unpredictable newborn weeks. It won’t be perfect (because newborns have their own agendas), but small shifts can make a big difference.
Here’s how you can start setting the foundation for more peaceful nights:
1. Understand Your Baby’s Sleep Cycles
Newborns sleep in short bursts—about 2 to 4 hours at a time—because their tiny tummies need frequent feedings. They don’t know the difference between day and night yet, so your job is to guide them gently.
Start by keeping the daytime bright and active with natural light and regular noise. Then, make nighttime quiet and calm with dim lights and soft voices. This contrast helps your baby recognize night as a time for longer sleep stretches.
2. Create a Simple, Soothing Bedtime Routine
Even newborns can benefit from a consistent pre-sleep routine that signals it’s time to rest. A warm bath, gentle massage, dim lighting, and soft lullabies can work wonders in easing them into sleep.
Want to learn the exact nighttime routine that helps new moms get longer stretches of sleep?
