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What to expect
- It is normal for babies to wake up in the night because they are hungry or unsettled. By the time they are 4 months old, many babies can sleep for 4 to 5 hours and sometimes longer, without waking up.
- It takes babies around 3 to 30 minutes to fall asleep. If they wake up and you comfort them gently, it may take 25 to 30 minutes to fall back asleep.
- Babies will stay awake for 1 to 2 hours between naps.
By around 3 to 4 months of age, you can start a routine before bedtime by doing similar things each day. This can include:
- spending some time outside in the daylight but in the shade
- helping them have some tummy time and floor play every day. This makes them tired for good sleep
- feeding your baby when they are hungry and stopping the feed when they show they are not interested anymore
- giving a warm bath before their night sleep
- changing their nappy before putting them to bed
- massaging your baby if they enjoy this
- having quiet playtime together like reading a book, talking or cuddling
- trying to avoid screentime (using your phone, computer or watching TV)
- turning off bright lights 1 hour before bed
- putting them down to sleep when they seem tired
- if you use a baby wrap, make sure you wrap them before putting them into bed. Once your baby starts rolling, it is important to stop using a baby wrap.
Karitane and Tresillian can give you more information to understand your baby’s sleep cycle.
What if they are still not sleeping?
If you have tried everything and your baby still won't sleep, it's okay to take a break from settling and do one or more of the following:
- give them a bath
- take them for a walk outside
- feed the
- ask someone else to help if they are around.
Helping your baby sleep
There are many healthy habits that you can do from birth to help your baby have regular feed, play and sleep patterns. What works best for sleep will be different for each family and baby.
Babies usually sleep well when they are relaxed, fed, and feel safe.
If your baby is restless, crying or can not sleep, try:
- lowering any loud noise or activity
- talking or singing to them softly: use gentle words in your language like "it is okay" or "time for sleep." Remember, loud or sudden noises can scare them
- touching them gently: put your hand on their belly or gently stroke their arm or head
- patting the mattress: slowly pat the mattress near their body
- rocking them slowly: gently move their bassinet or cot back and forth
- holding and comforting: pick your baby up and hold them close, supporting their head and neck. You can try holding them in different ways such as on your lap, chest, or shoulder.
Settling your baby
Coping with a crying baby
Learning to cope when a baby cries a lot can be hard.
It is important to care for yourself when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Your baby will be sensitive to changes in what is happening around them, which can make them cry more.
Sometimes you may need to leave your baby safely in their bed, or with another person so you can take a few minutes to calm yourself. Once you are calm go to your baby as soon as possible.
To calm yourself, try to:
- take deep breaths
- drink water
- say positive things to yourself, such as: "this is only temporary”, “crying is normal”, and “I can get through this”
- talk to a friend or family member or call a parent support service.
Ways to soothe and calm a crying baby:
- check if they are hungry, tired, or need a nappy change
- move them to a quieter place, inside or outside
- hold them close and gently rock them
- sing softly or play calm music
- take them for a walk in a pram
- take slow deep breaths; babies will sometimes learn from your calm state to calm down too.
Always remember: the most important thing is to keep your baby safe. If you ever feel out of control, it is important to get help so your baby is cared for by someone calm.
How to keep your baby safe while sleeping
Follow these six tips to help your baby sleep safely and lower the risk of sudden unexpected death:
- Lay your baby on their back: this is the safest position for them to sleep in.
- Keep their head and face clear: do not put hats, beanies, necklaces or beads around their neck when they are sleeping (including amber beads).
- Make your baby’s bed safe.
- Use a baby bed that is safe and approved. Check if your baby bed is approved.
- Use a mattress that fits the bed well and is firm, clean, and flat.
- Do not put big blankets, pillows, toys, or other items in their bassinet or cot.
- Make their sleeping area safe:
- No smoking at home, in cars or near baby.
- Do not use hot water bottles, wheat packs or electric blankets in your baby’s bed.
- Keep heaters far away from the cot if used in the baby’s room.
- Let them sleep close to you: It is good for your baby to sleep in the same room as you for the first 6 to 12 months, in their own bassinet or cot.
- Breastfeeding can also reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death
Image: Safe Sleep for your Baby brochure NSW MOH
Helplines that are available to you include:
1300 227 464
1300 272 736
1800 882 436
If you want to buy products to help with baby sleep, talk to your maternal, child and family health nurse or family doctor to make sure they are medically recommended for safe sleeping.
