Struggling to sleep with a newborn in the house? You’re not alone. From late-night feeds to unpredictable wake-ups, those early months can be a blur of exhaustion. But there are ways to make nights easier—for both you and your baby. These tried-and-tested tips can help you build healthy newborn sleep habits while catching a bit more rest yourself.
Prioritise Going to Bed Early
It sounds simple, but going to bed early can make all the difference—especially when you don’t know what time your baby will wake next. While you might be tempted to catch up on housework once your little one is asleep, consider resting when they do. Everyone says “nap when your baby naps,” but if you’re not a napper, even lying down and closing your eyes can help.
Your wellbeing is just as important as your baby's. Leave the washing and ironing for later. You’ll be a better parent if you’ve had some rest—and babies thrive when their caregivers are functioning well.
According to experts, newborns need around 8 hours of daytime sleep until they reach three months old, in addition to night-time rest. So take advantage of those naps when you can.
Establish a Soothing Bedtime Routine
A consistent bedtime routine can help your baby learn when it’s time to sleep. Gentle activities like a warm bath and a short story create calming signals and can become familiar sleep cues. You might also want to try a dream feed—a feed given just before you go to bed yourself. The goal is to stretch the time before your baby wakes up hungry again.
Top tip: Track your baby’s naps with a sleep log. Patterns often emerge, and knowing your baby’s natural rhythm can help you plan your day—and your own rest—better.
Be Prepared Before Bedtime
Save yourself stress in the night by getting everything ready in advance. Place a changing mat, nappies, wipes and a spare sleepsuit within easy reach. If you're bottle feeding, sterilise bottles in advance and have your night feeds set up and ready to go.
This kind of preparation helps you handle nighttime wake-ups with less fuss, so everyone gets back to sleep quicker.
Snack Smart for Night Feeds
Night feeds can leave you feeling depleted, so keep healthy snacks close by to keep your energy up. Opt for simple, nourishing options that won’t spike your sugar levels—think grapes, oat bars, or crackers. Avoid heavy or sugary snacks that might keep you awake.
Use a Baby Sleeping Bag
One of the most practical ways to support safe sleep is with a baby sleeping bag. Recommended by both the NHS and The Lullaby Trust, sleeping bags encourage babies to sleep on their backs and help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Benefits of baby sleeping bags:
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They prevent your baby’s head from being covered by loose bedding.
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They maintain a consistent body temperature through the night.
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They reduce the risk of overheating or waking due to cold.
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They promote safe sleep positioning.
At Slumbersac, we offer a wide range of TOG-rated sleeping bags for all seasons—including footed sleep suits for wriggly toddlers and sleeping bags from birth.
Try White Noise for Better Sleep
Many newborns find white noise comforting because it mimics the sounds of the womb. Whether it’s the hum of a fan or a dedicated sound machine, white noise can help your baby settle faster and stay asleep longer—especially if your home has background noise from siblings, traffic or the TV.
Use Nightlights Wisely
Soft nightlights provide just enough glow to allow for nappy changes and feeds without fully waking you—or your baby. They also help prevent bumps and stumbles in the early hours when you're groggy and half-asleep.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Share the load wherever you can. If you’re bottle feeding, take turns with your partner during night feeds. Even if you're breastfeeding, your partner can burp the baby or take over settling afterwards so you can get some rest.
You might also want to express milk during the day and let your partner handle one of the nighttime feeds. A few extra hours of uninterrupted sleep can make a world of difference.
The newborn stage is demanding—but it won’t last forever. By building small routines, staying prepared, and prioritising your rest as well as your baby’s, you can navigate these early weeks with a little more ease.
Safe sleep, simple routines, and shared support make all the difference.
