Helping Your Baby Learn to Rest

Newborn sleep can be confusing for parents. Some babies seem to sleep all the time, while others wake every time they are placed in the bassinet. Many babies have their days and nights mixed up, and most newborns need help settling down.

This is normal. Babies are adjusting to life outside the womb, and parents are learning how to comfort a brand-new person with brand-new needs.

At Laurelwood Pediatrics, we’re here to help you understand newborn sleep, build healthy routines, and learn safe ways to soothe your baby.

What Newborn Sleep Is Like

Newborns usually sleep a lot, but they do not sleep on an adult schedule. Most babies sleep in short stretches, wake to eat, and then go back to sleep. Some babies fall asleep easily after feedings. Others need more help calming their bodies.

In the early weeks, your baby may not know the difference between day and night. It is common for newborns to be sleepier during the day and more awake or fussy in the evening or overnight.

Over time, babies gradually begin to sleep for longer stretches. Your pediatrician can help you know what is reasonable for your baby based on their age, feeding pattern, weight, and overall health.

Healthy Sleep Habits

Healthy sleep habits begin with safe sleep. Place your baby on their back for every sleep, on a firm, flat sleep surface. Keep pillows, loose blankets, stuffed animals, bumpers, and other soft items out of the sleep space.

In the first weeks, it helps to keep nighttime calm and boring. Use dim lights, keep feedings quiet, and avoid too much stimulation overnight. During the day, let your baby experience normal daylight, household sounds, and gentle interaction when awake.

You do not need a strict schedule for a newborn, but small routines can help. A simple pattern of feeding, burping, changing, swaddling when appropriate, and placing your baby down safely can begin to teach your baby what to expect.

Helping Your Baby Tell Day from Night

Many newborns seem to have their days and nights reversed. This does not mean anything is wrong. It simply takes time for babies to develop a rhythm.

During the day, keep the room bright, open the curtains, talk to your baby, and allow normal household noise. At night, keep things darker, quieter, and less interesting.

These small differences help your baby begin to learn that daytime is for activity and nighttime is for rest.

Soothing a Fussy Baby

All babies cry. Crying is one of the main ways newborns communicate. Sometimes they cry because they are hungry, tired, wet, overstimulated, gassy, or uncomfortable. Sometimes they cry even when everything seems fine.

Common soothing strategies include swaddling when appropriate, rocking, gentle bouncing, walking, using white noise, offering a pacifier, burping, changing positions while awake, or holding your baby close.

Different babies respond to different things. What works one day may not work the next. This can be frustrating, but it is normal.

Swaddling and Pacifiers

Swaddling can help some newborns feel secure and may reduce startling during sleep. If you swaddle, make sure your baby is placed on their back and that the swaddle is snug around the arms but loose enough around the hips for comfortable movement.

Stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of rolling or when your pediatrician recommends stopping. Once a baby can roll, swaddling can become unsafe.

Pacifiers can also be helpful for soothing. Some babies like them right away, while others are not interested. If you are breastfeeding and have questions about when to introduce a pacifier, we can help you think through the timing.

Evening Fussiness

Many babies have a fussy period in the evening. They may want to feed more often, be held more, or seem harder to settle. This can be exhausting for parents, especially when it happens every night.

Evening fussiness is common in newborns and usually improves with time. It does not always mean that your milk supply is low, that your baby is sick, or that you are doing something wrong.

If the crying is intense, persistent, or different from your baby’s usual pattern, call us so we can help decide whether your baby needs to be seen.

When Sleep Feels Hard

Newborn sleep can be one of the most stressful parts of early parenting. Parents often feel exhausted, frustrated, or unsure whether they are creating bad habits.

In the newborn period, your baby still needs comfort, feeding, and closeness. You are not spoiling your baby by responding to them. Over time, we can help you gradually build routines that support longer stretches of sleep and more predictable rest.

If sleep is becoming overwhelming for your family, let us know. We can talk through your baby’s schedule, feeding pattern, soothing strategies, and safe sleep setup.

We’re Here to Help

You do not have to figure out newborn sleep on your own. Every baby is different, and every family has different needs.

At Laurelwood Pediatrics, we’re here to answer your questions, support healthy sleep habits, and help you find safe, practical ways to soothe your baby.

Get the Sleep & Soothing Support Your Family Needs

Laurelwood Pediatrics provides comprehensive sleep and soothing guidance to help your child develop healthy rest patterns. Our team has served Memphis families since 1957 with over 66 years of combined experience. We understand that establishing good sleep habits is essential for your child's growth and development. Reach out to us to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward better sleep.

How to Know When Your Child Needs Sleep & Soothing Help

Many parents struggle with their child's sleep challenges. Laurelwood Pediatrics can help identify and address these concerns.

• Frequent night wakings disrupting the household
• Difficulty establishing bedtime routines
• Resistance to falling asleep independently
• Excessive crying during sleep times
• Inconsistent nap schedules
• Parental exhaustion from sleep deprivation
• Questions about age-appropriate sleep expectations

Our locally owned practice offers 24-hour access to an on-call nurse for urgent calls. Let us guide you through these challenges.

Why Choose Laurelwood Pediatrics

Our practice has been caring for Memphis children for over six decades. Laurelwood Pediatrics combines experience with personalized attention to support your family's unique needs.

• Over 66 years of combined pediatric experience
• Founded in 1957 with deep community roots
• Convenient patient portal for appointment scheduling
• 24-hour on-call nurse access for urgent concerns
• Acceptance of most commercial insurance plans
• Locally owned and committed to Memphis families
• Individualized sleep plans tailored to your child

Trust our experienced team to provide guidance that works for your family. Connect with us today.

Contact Us

Laurelwood Pediatrics is ready to help your family achieve restful nights and peaceful days. Our team provides practical sleep and soothing strategies based on decades of pediatric care experience. From newborn sleep patterns to toddler bedtime battles, we offer solutions that fit your family's lifestyle.

Contact us today to schedule your sleep and soothing guidance consultation.