Getting a newborn to sleep is often one of the first troublesome tasks a new parent undergoes. Numerous books, websites and methods are available for parents to choose from in getting their infants to sleep. Selecting the right method requires persistence and experimentation. The best method is the one that works for your family and makes everyone happy. Following a strict method of sleep training is only beneficial if it relieves stress. It is often best to use sleep methods as a guideline instead of a rule to avoid frustration.
Step 1
Make your baby comfortable. Put a fresh diaper on your baby, dress her in appropriate attire for the climate and ensure that her tummy is full. A hungry baby won't sleep.
Step 2
Try to recreate the womb for your newborn. Swaddle him in a receiving blanket, or wrap him in a commercial swaddling blanket. This tight arrangement will make your newborn feel secure.
Step 3
Hold your baby close and rock her. Make a moderately loud "shushing" sound near her ear. The womb was noisy, and some newborns do not appreciate quiet during sleep. The baby may have enjoyed when her mother moved about during pregnancy. In the early days of life, your newborn may require constant movement to drift off to sleep. Allowing your infant to nap in a swing, bouncy seat or other infant movement device will not cause poor sleep habits to develop.
Step 4
Move your infant from the swing, seat or other device after he drifts off to sleep. Gently place him in his crib or bassinet. If your infant did not fall asleep in motion, try cuddling him close to help him drift off to sleep.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep the lights low in the room where your infant will be sleeping. This is especially important at night when you are trying to teach your newborn to follow a day-and-night schedule. Soothe your infant with a pacifier. Babies are born with a strong sucking reflex. Pacifier use has even been linked to a reduction in the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Play soft music or use a "white noise" machine to keep your newborn's environment slightly noisy during sleep. True sleep training does not need to begin at this early age, according to Dr. Alan Greene. In other words, for now it may be best to do whatever it takes to get your newborn some rest and some rest for yourself.
- Wake your infant after four hours of sleep to feed. Until your pediatrician tells you it is safe to let your newborn sleep though the night, it is not advisable to let your baby go longer than four hours without food. Do not allow your baby to sleep unattended in any infant device. The risk of SIDS is higher in such items as swings and bouncy seats. A short snooze in a swing will just help calm your infant and help you transition her to her bed.
