10 tips for settling your newborn baby

The first weeks are a confusing blur for most parents. Here are our expert tips for helping your newborn baby settle easily to sleep.

1. Darkness. Babies aren’t afraid of the dark. Keep the room as dark as possible to limit visual distractions. Many babies find high contrast patterns (black and white) very stimulating so remove anything like this from around the cot.

2. Boredom. The place your baby sleeps should be the most boring place in the house. Keep toys, mobiles, moving lights etc out of the cot and bedroom.

3. Security. Make your baby feel safe and secure by wrapping firmly in a swaddle. If they can roll over then use a well-fitted sleeping bag instead.

4. Consistent sounds. Steady, repetitive sounds can help your baby calm down for sleep. White noise, rain, and cicada sounds can be slowly phased out later on.

5. Rhythmic sensations. Gentle patting in a slow, steady and predictable pattern is very soothing for babies.

6. Ignore grizzles. Some babies find it soothing to make grizzling, whining noises before they fall asleep. Before rushing in, listen – if they are crying then go to them. If they are grumbling or grizzling it’s ok to wait and see if they resettle.

7. Get the timing right. Babies aged 0-3 months are really hard to settle when overtired. When you see signs of tiredness start your settling routine straight away. Young babies will stare in to the distance and their movements will become jerky. If they are crying then they may already be overtired so don’t wait until they’re crying to put them to bed.

8. In to their cot awake You have heard this before and it’s true – babies that are placed in their cot when awake and who drift off to sleep without help from a parent, sleep much better and for longer.

9. Persistence. It takes a lot of practice for a baby to learn how to fall asleep in their cot. Practice for a few minutes each time you put them down for a nap, and if it doesn’t work out, then try again next time. Gentle persistence will help your baby adjust.

10. Get personalised help if you’re struggling. The first 9 tips work for most babies but if you’re still struggling after trying these then please reach out. Personalised expert help is the fastest, easiest way to make lasting improvements to your baby’s sleep.

- Dr Fallon Cook

Paediatric Sleep Practitioner

Dressing your baby for sleep

Ever wondered if your baby wakes up because they’re too hot or too cold? Babies find it harder to regulate their temperature than adults, and will wake up if they aren’t comfortable.

Follow these tips to dress your baby for sleep.

1. Feel the back of your baby’s neck when they are asleep. Sweaty and clammy shows they are too hot, and cool to the touch suggests they are cold. Warm and not sweaty is just right. It’s normal for their hands and feet to feel cool.

2. Choose clothes and bedding made from natural fibres. Think cotton, wool, bamboo. These are more breathable and won’t get so sweaty.

3. Little babies (who can’t roll) can be swaddled. Use breathable material, and make sure the swaddle isn’t too tight on their hips - leave room for their little legs to wriggle!

4. Baby sleeping bags that fit well are excellent for baby sleep. They keep baby warm and can’t be kicked off. Make sure the sleeping bag isn’t loose around your baby’s neck. If they wriggle down it may come up around their face and obstruct their breathing.

5. Choose the right TOG ratings for baby sleeping bags. The TOG rating tells you how warm the sleeping bag is. Choose lower ratings for warmer days and nights, and higher ratings for colder times.

6. Avoid loose, bulky blankets. Never use hot water bottles, electric blankets, or weighted blankets, in your baby’s cot. Do not put a hat on your baby’s head when they are sleeping.

As a general rule, babies tend to sleep best in a cooler room with warm clothing. They like the snug feeling that thicker layers provide.

If you want to find out more about creating a safe place for your baby to sleep, take a look at the Raising Children Network.

- Dr Fallon Cook and Dr Laura Conway

Infant Sleep Practitioners