How do I get my baby on a sleep schedule?
Okay. Here’s the deal: most babies eventually will sleep on a schedule, but if what you’re dealing with is a newborn, forget about it.
Because the fact is that newborns are not biologically designed to sleep for long stretches. They need to be fed frequently around the clock. Their little mammalian brains are geared toward what’s familiar and safe: the sound of your voice and your beating heart, the smell and warmth of your skin, the rhythm of your breathing, the comfort of your body. They don’t know yet that the two of you are actually two separate people. They prefer to be held all the time - even when they’re sleeping.
So, know that it’s normal and healthy for your newborn to sleep in short stretches. Because if you expect her to “sleep through the night,” you will not only be tired, you will be frustrated and sometimes angry. Cut that baby some slack. She’s running on pure instinct right now. This is temporary. It will get better!
For now, there are some simple things you can do to help your newborn start organizing sleep cycles.
Bring down the energy at night - avoid screen time, play soft music or white noise, give your baby a warm bath and/or massage, sing lullabies, relax in the evening.
Expose baby to morning light and time outside each day (this is great for mom too!).
Learn and be responsive to your baby’s sleepy cues. (Go here for helpful information about infant states of consciousness.)
Wear your baby in a sling or wrap during the day.
Many parents find that swaddling helps calm baby and soothes the startle reflex.
Sleep close to your baby.
Know that you don’t have to jump at every peep your baby makes. Babies squeak and cry out and wiggle a lot. They have short sleep cycles and will stir & maybe cry as they transition out of deep sleep, but give them just a minute and they may drift right back to sleep.
Remember that this is a time of enormous transition for everyone involved - but especially for your little one. This is temporary. It will get better!