Sleep Habits – Infant

At night, set a soothing routine. Bathe your baby, sing lullabies, read a book, or tell a story.
When your baby is sleepy, put them in their crib in a quiet, darkened room. This will help them learn to go to sleep in their crib.
Rocking your baby to full sleep after four to six months is not recommended. Rock your baby until they are drowsy but still awake, then lay them down to sleep.
When your newborn wakes up, they will usually be hungry and need to be fed (on demand). Your baby will feed and falling asleep is easier if they are not fully crying.
It is usual for a baby to murmur and be restless every 50 to 60 minutes. This restlessness lasts a few minutes, and babies usually fall back to sleep if left alone.
Settle your baby to sleep as quickly as possible if they are not hungry during a nighttime feed.
If your baby wakes up and doesn’t settle down, check if they are hungry or need a diaper change. Feed or change your baby quietly. Keep the light low. It might help to not play or sing. Put them back in the crib as soon as you can.
Try to stay calm. Young children are very aware of a parent’s feelings of frustration.
Try to be consistent with sleep schedules.

Services related to this information:

811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555

SITE A TO Z