Becoming a parent is a beautiful, overwhelming whirlwind — and understanding newborn sleep is often one of the trickiest parts to navigate. If you’re in the thick of those bleary-eyed early days, you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong.

Newborns have incredibly immature sleep systems, and while we can’t control their sleep just yet, we can create the right foundations for rest — gently, responsively, and safely.

Let’s walk through what’s normal, what to expect, and how you can support your baby (and yourself!) during these early weeks.

Understanding Newborn Awake Windows

One of the most helpful things you can do in the early days is to watch the clock — just a little because
Newborns have very short wake windows, and overtiredness is one of the most common reasons babies become unsettled.

Here’s a rough guide:

What Is the “Witching Hour”?

If your newborn becomes cranky, clingy, and inconsolable in the early evening… welcome to the witching hour.

This common phase usually peaks between 5–8 weeks and it’s often caused by:

• Overtiredness from shorter daytime naps
• Overstimulation
• Hunger or digestion issues
• Normal neurological development

While it can be distressing, it is temporary.

Try:

• Wearing baby in a sling for closeness and motion
• Feeding frequently (cluster feeding is common)
• Holding or rocking in a dim, quiet room
• Swaddling and white noise

Settling Strategies for Newborns

Newborns need help to fall asleep — and that’s normal.

You can’t “spoil” a newborn or create bad habits at this stage. Responding to their needs builds trust and lays the foundation for self-settling later.

Gentle settling strategies include:

• Swaddling
• White noise to mimic the noise they heard in the womb.
• Rocking, holding, or bouncing
• Shush pat
• Feeding to sleep (this is biologically normal at this stage!)
• Using a dummy/pacifier, if baby accepts it

The goal isn’t perfect naps or long stretches — it’s about creating a calm rhythm and helping your baby feel safe and supported.

 Overtiredness

Overtiredness makes it harder for babies to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Signs of overtiredness in newborns:

• Arching back or stiffening body
• Fussing or crying when trying to settle
• Seeming “wired” or very alert
• Short naps or frequent waking

Avoiding overtiredness is more effective than fixing it — so aim to catch sleepy cues early and offer naps frequently.

Safe Sleep Always Comes First

No matter how (or where) your baby falls asleep, safety is the top priority.

Always follow the ABCs of safe sleep:

• Alone (no pillows, blankets, bumpers, or toys)
• Back (always place baby on their back)
• Crib (or bassinet, or other flat, firm sleep surface)

For more info, read the official Safe Sleep Recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics

 You’re Doing Better Than You Think

Understanding Newborn sleep can be tricky and that’s okay.
If your baby is fed, cuddled, and loved, you’re already giving them the best start.

Trust your instincts. Rest when you can and know that if sleep feels overwhelming, help is always available.

If you’d like support during the newborn stage or you’re wondering how to gently guide your baby toward better rest, I’m here to help because no one can fully prepare you for this period but you can come armed with lots of useful tips. You can grab my Newborn Sleep Guide full of information and useful information about the fourth trimester.