How to Put a Newborn to Sleep in 9 Simple Steps

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! Now that you’ve welcomed your little one into the world, you’re probably wondering how to get them to sleep. Newborns sleep a lot, but they don’t always sleep when you want them to. Here are 9 simple steps to help you put your newborn to sleep:

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1. Establish a Regular Sleep Schedule

Newborns don’t have a natural sleep-wake cycle, so it’s important to help them establish one. Start by putting your baby to bed and waking them up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This will help them learn when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to be awake.

2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

A relaxing bedtime routine can help your baby wind down before bed. Start by giving your baby a warm bath. Then, massage your baby with a gentle lotion. Finally, read your baby a story or sing them a song. These activities will help your baby relax and fall asleep.

how to put a newborn to sleep

3. Make Sure Your Baby Is Comfortable

Your baby needs to be comfortable in order to sleep well. Make sure your baby’s room is dark, quiet, and cool. You may also want to use a white noise machine to help block out any noise that could wake your baby up.

How to Put a Newborn to Sleep in 9 Simple Steps

4. Feed Your Baby Before Bed

A hungry baby is not going to sleep well. Make sure your baby is fed before bed. If your baby is breastfed, you may want to nurse them right before bed. If your baby is bottle-fed, you may want to give them a bottle of warm formula.

5. Swaddle Your Baby

Swaddling your baby can help them feel secure and cozy. This can help them fall asleep more easily. There are many different ways to swaddle a baby. You can find instructions on how to swaddle a baby online or in a parenting book.

1. Establish a Regular Sleep Schedule

6. Rock Your Baby

Rocking your baby can help them fall asleep. You can rock your baby in your arms, in a rocking chair, or in a swing. If you’re rocking your baby in your arms, be sure to support their head and neck.

7. Sing to Your Baby

Singing to your baby can help them relax and fall asleep. You can sing your baby a lullaby, a nursery rhyme, or even just a song that you like. If you’re not sure what to sing, you can find many lullabies and nursery rhymes online or in a parenting book.

8. Be Patient

It may take some time for your baby to get used to a regular sleep schedule. Be patient and consistent with your bedtime routine. Eventually, your baby will learn to fall asleep on their own.

9. Talk to Your Doctor

If you’re having trouble getting your baby to sleep, talk to your doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that is preventing your baby from sleeping well.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips that may help you put your newborn to sleep:

Avoid giving your baby caffeine or sugar before bed.
Make sure your baby’s room is free of clutter.
Avoid exposing your baby to bright lights before bed.
If your baby wakes up during the night, don’t immediately pick them up. Give them a few minutes to see if they will fall back asleep on their own.

Conclusion

Putting a newborn to sleep can be a challenge, but it’s important to be patient and consistent. By following these simple steps, you can help your baby get the sleep they need.