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Health Information and Tools >  Caring for Your Newborn: Sleeping

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Caring for Your Newborn: Sleeping

Caring for Your Newborn: Sleeping (00:01:14)
Video Transcript

Sleep is probably something you're thinking a lot about now.

Every few hours your baby wakes up hungry, needing a diaper change, or wanting your attention.

And that means you're not sleeping much.

A good sleep routine for your baby can help you both get the rest you need.

When you can see your newborn is starting to get sleepy, put him or her in the crib.

This helps teach your baby that the crib is for sleeping.

Keep the room quiet and darkened.

Try to feed your baby when he or she just starts to wake up and is still calm.

If you can act before your baby gets too upset, it might make getting back to sleep easier.

If your baby needs a diaper change, do it quietly.

Keep the light low.

Don't sing or play with your baby.

Put him or her back in the crib as soon as you can.

As your baby gets older, try to keep a regular bedtime schedule.

And get into a comforting bedtime routine.

Give your baby a bath, sing lullabies, read a book, or tell a story.

And take naps while your baby sleeps.

You really need and deserve some rest too.

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions. Image is used for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted is a model.

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.