Baby Care
Baby Sleep Guide: How to Help Your Newborn Sleep Better
7 min read · Updated 1 July 2026
In the early months, sleep feels like the whole world. Newborns sleep in short bursts around the clock, and that is completely normal. This guide walks you through what to expect by age, and the small, gentle changes that help your baby settle more easily.
How much sleep does a newborn need?
Most newborns (0–3 months) sleep 14–17 hours across a 24-hour day, in stretches of 2–4 hours. They do not yet know day from night, so scattered sleep is expected.
By 3–6 months, many babies begin to consolidate night sleep and settle into 2–3 daytime naps. By 6–12 months, night sleep often lengthens with 2 naps a day. Every baby is different, so treat these as gentle guides, not rules.
The three things that matter most
Comfort against the skin. A hot, scratchy layer will wake a baby again and again. Breathable, tagless fabric next to the skin makes a real difference — this is why we make our newborn essentials from soft bamboo-cotton.
Room temperature. Aim for a comfortable 24–27°C. Overheating is a common, overlooked reason babies wake. Dress in light, breathable layers you can add or remove.
A calm, repeatable wind-down. A short, predictable routine (feed, clean nappy, swaddle, dim lights) signals sleep far better than any gadget.
Swaddling for better sleep
A snug swaddle mimics the womb and calms the startle reflex that wakes many newborns. Use a lightweight, breathable muslin swaddle and stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling (usually around 3–4 months).
Keep the swaddle firm around the chest but loose around the hips so the legs can bend up and out.
Gentle routine by age
0–3 months: follow your baby, not the clock. Feed on demand, watch for tired cues (yawning, looking away), and keep nights dark and quiet.
3–6 months: introduce a light, consistent bedtime routine at roughly the same time each evening.
6–12 months: keep naps regular; a predictable rhythm makes nights easier.
Frequently asked
Why does my newborn wake so often at night?+
Newborns have tiny stomachs and short sleep cycles, so frequent waking is normal and healthy in the first months. It gradually improves as they grow.
What should a baby wear to sleep?+
A soft, breathable, tagless layer such as a bamboo-cotton bodysuit or jhabla, plus a light swaddle or sleep sack depending on room temperature. Avoid heavy or synthetic fabrics.
Is bamboo-cotton good for sleep?+
Yes. Bamboo-cotton is breathable and thermoregulating, helping keep babies comfortable and less likely to overheat or wake from being too hot.
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