Newborn Sleep: What to Expect in the First Weeks

A Guide To Newborn Sleep for New Parents

Bringing your newborn home is a magical and exciting time, but sleep can feel unpredictable in the early weeks. Newborns typically sleep between 14 and 17 hours a day, but only in short stretches of 2-3 hours at a time due to frequently feeding needs.

At this stage, it is completely normal for babies not to distinguish between day and night. The focus should be on comfort, safety and responsiveness rather than set routine.

A safe, flat and supportive sleep space is essential. A carrycot or newborn-approved sleep environment helps ensure your baby rests comfortably whether at home or on the move.

Key points:

• Expect short and irregular sleep cycles
• Respond to feeding and comfort cues
• Keep sleep environments safe, flat and consistent
• Day/night rhythm will develop gradually

Establishing a Baby Sleep Routine

Once your baby reaches around 12 weeks, you can begin introducing a gentle sleep routine. While flexibility is still important, consistency helps signal when it is time to wind down.

A simple bedtime routine may include:

• A warm bath
• A feed
• Quiet cuddles and a calming book
• Placing baby down drowsy but awake

Repeating these steps each evening helps your baby associate the routine with sleep, making settling easier over time.

The Importance of Safe Sleep

Safe sleep is one of the most important aspects of caring for your baby. To reduce the risk of sleep-related issues, always follow these guidelines:

• Place your baby on their back to sleep
• Use a firm, flat mattress
• Keep the sleep space free from pillows, toys or loose bedding
• Maintain a room temperature between 16-20°C
• Avoid overheating and overdressing

A bedside crib such as the Tutti Bambini Cozee, shown below, allows your baby to sleep safely close to you, supporting bonding while maintaining a dedicated sleep space.For added comfort, breathable layers like the Little Green Sheep Cellular Blanket are ideal for overnight sleep, helping to regulate temperature while keeping your baby cosy. 

Sleep Regressions: What Are They?

Sleep regression is a temporary phase where a baby who previously slept well begins waking more frequently or struggling to settle. This often occurs around 4 months, and again at later developmental stages.

Common signs include:

• Increased night waking
• Shorter or disrupted naps
• Difficulty settling at bedtime
• More clinginess or fussiness

Although challenging, sleep regression is a normal part of development linked to brain growth and new skills! You can manage this period by sticking to your usual routine as much as possible, keeping night-time interactions calming and minimal, and offer gentle reassurance.

Most importantly, try to remember this phase is temporary - most sleep regressions pass within 2–6 weeks.

Baby Naps & Sleep On-The-Go

Maintaining naps outside the home can help support your baby’s overall sleep routine.

A well-designed pushchair or carrycot that allows for lie-flat sleeping is essential for daytime naps while out and about. Smooth suspension and a comfortable sleep surface can help your baby settle more easily and stay asleep longer.

If your baby finds it difficult to settle when on the go, a portable white noise machine can be very helpful. It works by creating a consistent, soothing background sound that mimics the familiar noises your baby heard in the womb, helping to mask sudden external sounds and reduce disturbances.

Need more help? Join us at our Baby Wellness Event on 22nd April at 5:30pm at Kings Baby Shop.

Join us for a Baby Wellness Evening Workshop in collaboration with cult-favourite brand CuddleCo. Hear from a panel of baby experts, including a registered midwife, and gain practical guidance for new and expectant parents.

We’ll cover key essentials including bonding and skin-to-skin contact, sleep and gentle routines, understanding baby cues, safe dressing and temperature control, and everyday safety such as car seats and product use.

Limited spaces available – book here to secure your place. We can't wait to welcome you!