Becoming a new parent is a whirlwind of emotions—joy, excitement, and, of course, exhaustion. One of the biggest challenges parents face in the early months is navigating their baby’s sleep patterns. If you’ve found yourself Googling, “Why won’t my baby sleep?” at 3 a.m., you’re certainly not alone.
In this blog, we’ll explore what’s normal when it comes to infant sleep during those first three months, how to set realistic expectations, and how The Mindful Parenting Company can help with gentle sleep tips and self-care support for parents.
What is Normal Sleep for 0-3 Month Olds?
It’s important to know that newborn sleep is vastly different from adult sleep. Your baby isn’t broken—they’re biologically wired to sleep in short bursts, wake frequently, and need a lot of care during the night. THIS IS NORMAL! And the best thing you can do is embrace it rather than change it as going against it will make you more exhausted. Let’s break it down:
1. Sleep Cycles are Short
- Babies spend about 16-18 hours a day sleeping, but this is spread out across multiple naps and wakeful periods.
- Newborns’ sleep cycles are shorter. This means they wake more frequently, often during the transition between cycles.
2. Frequent Night Waking is Normal
- Babies have tiny tummies, so they wake often to feed. Expect your baby to wake every 2-3 hours for breast or bottle feeds, day and night.
- Night waking isn’t just about hunger—your baby may also wake for comfort, warmth, or because they’re processing the new world around them.
3. Sleep Patterns Are Unpredictable
- Newborns don’t develop a circadian rhythm (the body’s internal clock) until around 2-3 months. Until then, they can’t distinguish day from night, and sleep times may feel random.
How Can You Support Your Baby’s Sleep?
While you can’t make (or even encourage) a newborn to sleep through the night, you can create a soothing environment to support their natural sleep patterns.
1. Focus on Day-Night Distinction
- Expose your baby to natural light during the day and keep the lights dim at night. This helps them gradually learn the difference between day and night.
2. Use Gentle Soothing Techniques
- Try swaddling (only in the first few weeks), rocking, or using white noise to mimic the comforting environment of the womb.
3. Create a Calming Bedtime Routine
- Even at this early stage, a simple routine like a warm bath (always supervise), cuddles, and a lullaby can help signal that it’s time for sleep.
4. Embrace Safe Sleep Practices
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm mattress, and without loose bedding or soft toys in the crib. Check out The Lullaby Trust website for more information.
Taking Care of Yourself is Just as Important
In the fog of sleepless nights, it’s easy to forget about your own needs. But a well-rested, cared-for parent is the best gift you can give your baby. The Mindful Parenting Company is here to help you take care of yourself too.
Each of our monthly boxes includes:
- Sleep Tips: Practical advice tailored to your baby’s age and stage to help you navigate sleep challenges.
- Mindful Gifts for Parents: Think calming teas, self-care journals, or even a soothing candle—because your calm matters too.
- Bonding Activities: Gentle ways to connect with your baby during their awake time, building attachment and trust.
The Bottom Line
Newborn sleep can be unpredictable and exhausting, but understanding what’s normal can ease the pressure. Your baby’s short sleep cycles, frequent night wakings, and need for comfort are all part of their healthy development.
And remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. The Mindful Parenting Company is here to support you with age-specific sleep advice, bonding ideas, and little moments of self-care—delivered to your door every month.
Want to learn more? Visit us today and discover how our monthly boxes can make those sleepless nights just a little bit easier for you and your baby.
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