Newborns sleep an average of 16 hours a day, according to Babycenter. These periods of sleep are often short and irregular. This can be stressful for new parents who are adjusting to the lack of sleep and more demanding lifestyle. Although the amount of time it takes for a baby to sleep through the night varies according to each child, parents can learn tricks and tips that will help their newborn sleep better and longer.
Transition
A newborn needs time to transition before sleeping for an extended period of time. She is still adjusting to her new world of lights, sounds and faces, and newborns often have a lot of new visitors and commotion. Make the hour or so before you put her down for bed a quiet time. Minimize electronic distractions, such as the television, and provide a peaceful environment for sleep, so she can transition easily.
Associations
Newborns learn very early to associate certain things with sleep. If you always rock him to sleep, hold him or give him a feeding, he will come to expect and need these things before falling asleep. You may want to make his associations only things that you are able to provide consistently. If you cannot rock him to sleep every night, avoid doing so at all until he learns different sleep associations. He also needs to learn the difference between night and day, so try not to play with him during nighttime feedings or diaper changes. Go about your normal activities during the day and make nighttime a period of quiet and darkness.
Routine
A consistent routine signals to a newborn that it is time for sleep, which can make her fall asleep faster and easier. Find a bedtime routine that is simple yet effective, and one that you can follow at night. You may want to try giving her a bath, then reading her a story and singing a lullaby.
Timing
A newborn may have trouble falling asleep if he is put to bed while he is overtired and upset. Put him down when he first shows signs of being tired. In order to do this, learn the signs he shows of being tired. He may rub his eyes or become very mellow. If you put him down when he is awake but drowsy will help him learn to fall asleep on his own, which may help him learn the skills to soothe himself if he wakes in the middle of the night.
Comfort
Make your newborn's sleeping area safe and comfortable in order for her to get the best sleep possible. Kids Health states that a safe crib, cradle or bassinet has no toys, pillows or blankets. A newborn should also be placed on her back to prevent sudden infant death syndrome. Some newborns are not comfortable sleeping on their backs or without feeling like they are being held. If this is the case, use a thin blanket to swaddle your newborn tightly. This keeps her wrapped up while preventing her from pulling the blanket near her face.
