Pediatrician’s Top Tips For Newborn Sleep
AI Summary
Summary of “Newborn Sleep: 10 Tips for Better Sleep”
Introduction
- Presented by Doctors Bjorkman, a physician couple (OB-GYN & Pediatrician).
- They recently became parents and are sharing evidence-based newborn sleep tips.
Why Sleep is Important for Newborns
- Newborns sleep up to 18+ hours/day but in irregular intervals.
- Proper sleep supports brain development, emotional well-being, and growth.
- Parents need to help establish sleep patterns and distinguish day from night.
Top 10 Newborn Sleep Tips
1. Babies Sleep a Lot (But Not When You Want)
- Newborns may be awake during inconvenient hours.
- Day-night confusion is common and will improve over time.
2. Light Matters
- Daytime: Keep rooms well-lit during wake periods.
- Nighttime: Keep lights dim (no bright TVs or screens).
3. Wake Windows
- The time between naps should be 45-90 minutes for newborns.
- Avoid overtiredness, which makes it harder for babies to sleep.
4. Keep Baby Awake During Feeds
- Ensures they get full feedings (prevents waking up hungry too soon).
- Strategies: Tickle feet, undress baby, diaper changes mid-feed.
5. Nap Lengths Vary
- Naps can be 20 minutes to 2+ hours.
- Both short and long naps are normal.
6. Establish a (Flexible) Schedule
- Daytime: Wake baby every 2-3 hours to feed.
- Nighttime: Let baby sleep longer stretches (4+ hours).
7. Watch for Sleep Cues
- Yawning, rubbing eyes, fussiness, staring blankly, clenched fists.
- Catching early cues prevents overtiredness.
8. Use Support Systems
- Share night shifts, let family help with naps, and take turns with bedtime routines.
9. The 5 S’s for Soothing
(Developed by Dr. Harvey Karp)
- Swaddle – Helps prevent the startle reflex.
- Sway – Gentle rocking motions soothe babies.
- Shush – White noise mimics womb sounds.
- Side or Stomach (for calming, not sleep position).
- Suck – Pacifier or feeding can release calming endorphins.
10. Survive the First Two Weeks
- The hardest stage but it gets better.
- Developing good habits early leads to better sleep later.
Additional Resources
- Taking Cara Babies (Instagram & newborn sleep class).
- The Happiest Baby On The Block – Dr. Harvey Karp.
- ”12 Hours of Sleep by 12 Weeks” – Book on sleep training.
Key Takeaways
- Light, touch, and sound can help regulate sleep.
- Understanding wake windows and sleep cues is crucial.
- Good feeding = better sleep.