Newborn Sleep Routines: Tips to Calm, Soothe, and Survive the First 12 Weeks

If you’re a new mom running on coffee and cuddles, welcome to the club. Most newborns wake up every few hours - night and day - because they are hungry and need to eat. So keep in mind that during your child's few few weeks, their sleep pattern will be driven by their hunger (and not the clock). 

It can feel unpredictable, but just know that this early stage is temporary. Babies slowly start consolidating their sleep around 6–8 weeks, with longer stretches at night by 3 months. Until then, the goal may be finding some type of consistency or schedule that works for your family. 

This mom is using a carrier that allows her to babywear while her infant is sleeping. 

1. Create a Calm Sleep Environment

A soothing environment helps signal to your child that it's time to rest. There are a few things you can do to make that a reality. 

• Keep it dark and quiet: Dim lights, close blinds, and use a white-noise machine or soft fan to mimic the womb. We used a sound machine from Amazon (in addition to an app on my phone when we traveled and I forgot the sound machine). Both worked well. We also used cheap blackout curtains that stick right inside the window. You can find them at most hardware stores. 

• Watch for sleepy cues: Rubbing eyes, yawning, turning away from stimulation—all mean your baby’s ready to sleep. When your baby is fussing that is also a sign they may be ready to sleep. 

• Use safe sleep practices: Always place your baby on their back, with no blankets or pillows in their crib. 

Consistency builds comfort. If you follow a similar pattern—feed, cuddle, swaddle, sleep—your baby will soon start recognizing these cues.

2. Learn to Soothe Like a Pro

Newborns cry for all kinds of reasons—hunger, overstimulation, gas, or simply wanting to be held. Try these proven calming tricks:

• Swaddle: Wrapping snugly (but safely) helps mimic the security of the womb.

• Sway or bounce: Gentle motion can help your baby settle.

• Shush or sing: Rhythmic sounds remind them of your heartbeat and breathing.

• Offer skin-to-skin contact: This releases oxytocin and helps regulate your baby’s temperature, heart rate, and stress levels.

• Try a pacifier: Sucking is naturally soothing for many babies.

You’ll quickly learn what works best for your little one—and it's normal for that to change almost daily! 

3. What to Expect: Weeks 1 – 12

Every baby is different. In the first few weeks, according to Stanford Medicine, your child will sleep most of the night and day. They will wake up to feed. Their sleep patterns will change as they develop. 

Here's what to expect in the early months:

Remember: every baby’s rhythm is unique. Try not to compare your newborn’s sleep to anyone else’s.

4. Tips for Tired Moms

You can’t pour from an empty cup—your rest matters too.

• Nap when your baby naps (even if it’s 20 minutes). 

• Find time for you. Even if it's just 10 minutes to shower, find a few moments to have some time for you. 
  
  

• Share nighttime duties like diaper changes and bottle prep. 

• Use cozy nursing clothes that make feeds easier day or night! I liked the soft zip-access hoodies or lift-up tops designed for easy access. 

• Let go of perfection: Laundry can wait. A rested mom is more important than a spotless kitchen.

This mom is wearing a nursing yoga tunic with easy zipper access for breastfeeding. 

5. Ask for Help

If your baby cries for hours and nothing seems to help, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out. Your pediatrician or a lactation consultant can check for reflux, tongue tie, or other issues that may affect feeding and sleep. Many of these issues are common! 

You can also look for local or online new-mom support groups (La Leche League, WIC, or hospital-run programs). Sharing your struggles with other parents can make a world of difference. Here is more information on how to find a lactation consultant if you're looking for one. Often times your insurance will cover certain visits with a lactation consultant. There are also several online groups where new moms share tips during these new stages in life. There are also groups like BeMyBreastfriend that offer great tips and a supportive community for new nursing and pumping moms. 

The Bottom Line

In the first months, your newborn’s sleep will be beautifully messy—and that’s okay. Focus on creating comfort, watching your baby’s cues, and building gentle routines.

The more you relax and follow your baby’s lead, the more peaceful both of you will feel. Before you know it, those long nights will turn into quiet memories of sweet snuggles and sleepy smiles.