How to Get Your Newborn Baby to Sleep Through the Night: Proven Tips That Actually Work
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Before I became a mom, I thought motherhood would be all about going with the flow—sleep when the baby sleeps, feed when they’re hungry, and everything would naturally fall into place. But when it came to newborn sleep, I quickly realized that was far from the truth.
For the first four weeks, my baby was an amazing sleeper. He could sleep through vacuuming, TV noise, and even the dog barking. Then, around five or six weeks, everything changed—he would not sleep no matter what I did.
Like many sleep-deprived moms, I turned to TikTok, researching baby sleep training tips, wake windows, feeding schedules, and bedtime routines. I tried everything—feeding every two hours, following wake windows, and even purchasing an overpriced sleep cream. Guess what? Nothing worked.
But here’s the truth: your baby will not sleep through the night until they’re ready. Most of baby sleep is determined by their development and temperament. The good news? There are things you can do to encourage longer sleep stretches while keeping your sanity intact.
1. Change Your Perspective on Baby Sleep
Instead of expecting your baby to sleep through the night early on, go into each night knowing that frequent wake-ups are normal. Here’s why:
- Newborns wake often to feed, which helps regulate their growth and protects against SIDS.
- Some nights will be easier than others—babies have unpredictable sleep patterns.
- Short naps, fussiness at bedtime, and frequent wakings are part of their normal development.
By shifting your mindset, you can relieve some of the frustration that comes with sleep deprivation.
2. Establish Healthy Sleep Habits for Your Baby
While you can’t force your baby to sleep, you can create an environment that promotes better sleep. Here are some tips:
Follow Sleepy Cues
Yawning, rubbing eyes, and fussiness indicate your baby is ready for sleep. Putting them down before they become overtired makes falling asleep easier. You can utilize the Huckleberry App to track their sleep and avoid overtiredness.
Prioritize Daytime Feeds
Ensuring your baby gets enough milk during the day can reduce frequent nighttime feedings.
Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine
A simple, predictable bedtime routine helps your baby associate certain activities with sleep. Try this sequence:
- Bath
- Gentle massage with lotion
- Pajamas
- Feeding
- Reading a short book
Use Darkness to Your Advantage
- Keep the nursery dimly lit during night feedings and diaper changes.
- Avoid overstimulating your baby before bedtime.
Lay Them Down Drowsy but Awake
Teaching your baby to self-soothe instead of relying on being rocked or nursed to sleep can help them settle back to sleep when they wake up at night.
Key takeaway: These habits support better sleep but won’t necessarily make your baby sleep through the night immediately.
3. Be Patient—They Will Sleep Through the Night Eventually
Think about it—do you still need your mom to fall asleep? Do you wake up every two hours? No. Neither will your baby.
- Some babies naturally sleep longer stretches earlier than others.
- Sleep training (if you choose to do it) can start around 4 months.
- Even if you don’t sleep train, your baby will eventually sleep through the night.
4. Sleep Products That Actually Help
You don’t need expensive, gimmicky sleep products, but some things do make a difference.
Best Swaddles for Better Baby Sleep
Swaddling helps prevent newborns from startling themselves awake. Some swaddle recommendations:
- Love to Dream Swaddle UP (Great for babies who prefer arms up)
- SwaddleMe by Ingenuity (Affordable and easy to use)
- SleepingBaby Zipadee-Zip (Best for transitioning out of a swaddle)
Important: Stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling over or is able to break out of the swaddle.
Why White Noise Helps Babies Sleep
The womb is a loud environment, so babies often find comfort in white noise. A sound machine can:
- Mimic the womb’s background noise
- Drown out household sounds
- Become a sleep association cue
I personally use Momcozy White Noise Machine because it’s:
✔ Affordable
✔ Phone-controlled
✔ Portable (great for travel or car rides)
5. Surviving Sleep Deprivation: Tips for Moms
1. Sleep When You Can
Even a short nap can make a difference. Don’t feel guilty for resting when your baby sleeps.
2. Accept Help
If a partner, family member, or friend can take over for a few hours, let them! Uninterrupted sleep is crucial for your mental and physical health.
3. Take Care of Yourself
- Eat nutritious meals
- Stay hydrated
- Get fresh air—even a short walk can boost your mood.
4. Remember—This Phase is Temporary
Right now, it might feel like your baby will never sleep, but one day, you’ll look back and miss those sweet newborn cuddles. Try to soak in these moments while they last.
Final Thoughts
Baby sleep is unpredictable, and every baby is different. Instead of chasing a magical solution, focus on healthy sleep habits, managing your expectations, and taking care of yourself. Eventually, your baby will sleep through the night, and you’ll finally get the rest you deserve.
Have you struggled with baby sleep? Share your best tips or ask questions in the comments!
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