SLEEP 0-3 MONTHS

Newborn sleep is unpredictable, and babies this age often need a lot of help settling.
The goal is to keep sleep safe, reduce overstimulation, and help your baby feel calm and supported.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds parents that newborns wake often, and that’s completely normal.

Watch for early sleepy cues:

Putting babies down before they become overtired makes sleep much easier.

Early cues include:

• Staring or looking away
• Red eyebrows
• Yawning
• Rubbing eyes or face
• Fussing that builds slowly
• Slower movements

Most newborns can only stay awake 45–90 minutes at a time.

Create a simple, calming routine:

This doesn’t have to be fancy. Think:

• Dim the lights
• Lower the noise
• Gentle rocking or holding
• Soft singing or shushing
• Swaddle (if your baby isn’t rolling yet)

These steps help babies shift from “alert” to “ready for sleep.”

Swaddle for comfort:

Swaddling can help newborns feel secure and reduce the startle reflex.
Follow safe guidance from the AAP.

Important:

• Stop swaddling when baby shows signs of rolling.
• Always put baby on their back for sleep.

A wearable swaddle or sleep sack is a safer choice than loose blankets.

Use white noise:

Soft white noise can help babies settle by mimicking the womb.
The AAP says white noise can be helpful when used safely and at a low volume.

Try:

• A sound machine
• A fan
• Gentle “shhh” sounds

Feed if they’re hungry:

Newborns wake often to eat. If your baby shows hunger cues (rooting, sucking motions, bringing hands to mouth), feed before sleep.

Feeding-to-sleep is very normal at this age.
You are not creating “bad habits.”

Put baby down safely:

When baby is calm or asleep, place them:

• On their back
• On a firm, flat surface
• In a crib, bassinet, or play yard

No blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or positioners.

Expect night waking:

0–3 month-olds wake every 2–4 hours for feeding, comfort, and connection.
This is normal, healthy, and temporary.

If your baby wakes:

• Offer comfort
• Feed if needed
• Keep lights low and interactions gentle

You can’t spoil a newborn:

Holding, rocking, feeding, and soothing your baby builds trust. Babies this age rely on caregivers to regulate their bodies and emotions.

Putting a newborn to sleep isn’t about schedules it’s about comfort, safety, and responding to their cues.

If your baby is fed, warm, safe, and supported, you’re doing exactly what they need.

Citations:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Back to sleep, tummy to play.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Swaddling: Is it safe?

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). White noise machines and infants.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Baby sleep basics.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Infant sleep and routines.

Swaddling can help newborns feel snug and calm as long as it’s done safely.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says swaddling is okay for young babies who are not yet rolling, and only when babies sleep on their backs every time.

Here’s a simple, safe way to do it:

Step-by-step: How to swaddle a baby

1. Lay out the blanket

Spread a thin, square blanket on a flat surface.
Turn it into a diamond shape, with a corner at the top.

Fold the top corner down about 6 inches to make a straight edge.

2. Place baby on the blanket

Lay your baby on their back with:

• Shoulders just below the fold
• Head above the blanket edge

3. Bring the first side across

Take the left corner of the blanket and bring it snugly across baby’s chest.
Tuck it under their back on the opposite side.

Make sure baby’s hips and legs can move—the blanket should be snug at the arms but loose around the hips.

4. Fold the bottom up

Bring the bottom corner of the blanket up over the feet, leaving enough space for the legs to bend and move.

5. Bring the other side across

Take the right corner of the blanket and wrap it over the baby’s chest.
Tuck the extra fabric gently under their back.

Baby’s arms can be inside the swaddle (most calming for newborns).

What a safe swaddle should look like

• Snug around arms and chest
• Loose around hips and legs
• Legs should move freely
• No blanket near baby’s face
• Baby should always be placed on their back for sleep

This helps keep baby comfortable and protects their developing hips.

Stop swaddling when:

• Your baby shows any signs of rolling
• Baby breaks free of the swaddle often
• Baby is 8 weeks or older (rolling can start early!)

Once rolling begins, switch to a sleep sack (wearable blanket).

Swaddling is meant to feel like a gentle “hug.” Snug at the arms, loose at the hips, never near the face. And remember: back to sleep every time.