How to Settle Your Newborn at Night & Get Them Into a Routine

For first-time parents, we know that learning how to settle your newborn at night is one of the biggest challenges you will face – but it's also one of the most important. Not only does getting your baby into a routine help them sleep better, but it also allows you to get some much-needed rest yourself.

For the first few months after birth, your baby will sleep and wake around the clock. By around 4-7 months, your baby should have learned how to self-soothe, allowing them to snooze for longer stretches at night.

Once your baby hits this age, it’s a perfect time to start establishing positive associations with sleep and bedtime.

Getting a solid bedtime routine nailed down at this age can make life easier in the months and years ahead. You can try to implement a bedtime even sooner if you like, but typically, routines such as these won’t start to stick until around 4 months.

So, here are our top tips on how you can help your little one successfully drift off, as well as ensure you have a great night’s sleep too!

Why is My Newborn Not Settling At Night?

If you've stumbled across this article because your newborn is having trouble settling at night, take comfort in the fact that you're not alone.

Many parents experience this frustration and exhaustion when their little ones struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. It's important to understand that a newborn's sleep patterns are vastly different from adults, and it takes time for them to develop a regular sleep routine.

But there are some other possible reasons why your baby may not be settling at night.

Hunger – Newborns have small stomachs and need to feed frequently, especially other than during their natural sleep cycles. If your baby wakes up crying and seems hungry, try offering a small feeding before attempting to put them back to sleep.
Discomfort – It's common for babies to experience discomfort from gas, colic, or teething pain. If your baby seems fussy and unable to sleep, try soothing them with gentle massages or infant-safe pain relievers as recommended by a paediatrician.
Temperature – Babies have difficulty regulating their body temperature and can become too hot or cold easily. Make sure your baby is dressed appropriately for the room temperature, and use lightweight blankets if needed.
Overstimulation – Too much activity or noise before bedtime can make it difficult for a baby to settle down and fall asleep. Create a calm and quiet environment in the nursery or bedroom before putting your baby down for the night.
Growth Spurts – Babies go through growth spurts where they may need more nutrients and sleep than usual. If your baby is suddenly sleeping longer or having more frequent feedings, it could be a sign of a growth spurt.
Comfort – Some babies may have trouble falling asleep because they are uncomfortable. Check to make sure their nappy is clean and dry, they are not too hot or cold, and their clothes are comfortable. A gentle massage or rocking can also help soothe a fussy baby. The rocking stand on the SnüzPod4 is excellent for gently lulling your baby to sleep, and parents find it works wonders in soothing their little ones.
Sickness – If your baby is sick, they may have trouble sleeping due to discomfort or congestion. It's important to monitor their symptoms and consult with a paediatrician if necessary.

7 Tips for How to Settle Your Newborn At Night

Before we dive into the tips, it's important to note that every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It's all about trial and error and finding what works best for your little one.

And while you most understandably may be feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, remember that this stage is temporary and it will get better. Your unsettled baby isn't at all a reflection of your parenting abilities, and it's important to take care of yourself as well.

As always, if you're ever concerned about your baby's health or well-being, don't hesitate to seek professional advice.

But in the meantime, here are 7 of our tips for settling your newborn at night.

1) Choose the Right Bedtime

Some babies are night owls, while others will be ready for bed by dinnertime. Watch for signs of sleepiness and follow your baby’s lead. There is no perfect time, but between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. tends to work for most babies.

Try to keep to the same time every night so your baby comes to know what to expect each evening.

2) Your Baby’s Bedtime Ritual

It’s very important to develop a routine that is calming, consistent, and short.

At first, simply singing your baby a song or giving them a cuddle while you rock them in your arms might suffice. But, over time, you can introduce some of the tried-and-tested techniques to your routine, like an evening bath or reading a story.

Your baby's bedtime ritual will be completely their own, but here are some ideas to try and include:

A warm bath – This can be a great way to relax your baby and signal that it's time for bed. Just make sure the water is not too hot, and keep an eye on your baby at all times.
Massage – Gently massaging your baby's back, arms, and legs can be very soothing for them.
Soothing music – Playing soft and calming music in the background while you feed or rock your baby to sleep can help create a peaceful environment.
A bedtime story – Reading a book together is not only a great bonding activity but also helps calm your baby's mind and prepare them for sleep.
White noise – Some babies find the sound of white or pink noise, such as a baby sleep aid or a white noise machine, to be very calming and helpful for falling asleep.
Dimming the lights – Dimming the lights in your baby's room can help create a calming atmosphere and signal to their body that it's time for sleep.
Comfort items – Many babies have a favourite stuffed animal or blanket that brings them comfort and security. Allowing your baby to sleep with these items can help them feel more relaxed and at ease.

Experiment to see what works, but be sure to do it in the room where your baby sleeps so they can easily make the connection with bedtime.

Also, if both parents take turns with the baby's bedtime routine now, your child is less likely to want or demand to only be put to bed by mummy when they reach toddlerhood.

3) Keep Your Baby By Your Side

Babies need to feel safe and secure, and this can be easily achieved by being in close contact with their parents.

During the first six months, when your baby is learning how to self-soothe and settle to sleep, having you nearby and being able to see you is going to be extra important.

This is where the SnüzPod4 Bedside Crib is the perfect solution, enabling you to both easily see each other through the breathable mesh sides, and effectively co-sleep in a safe and comfortable environment.

You can securely attach the SnüzPod4 to your bed, so you can reach out and touch your baby whenever they need comforting or feeding. Plus, the crib has 7 adjustable height settings to fit most bed heights and can also be used as a standalone crib if needed.

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4) Darkness Promotes Drowsiness

While this may seem obvious, many parents worry that their little ones will be afraid of the dark. In fact, babies actually find darkness extremely comforting and calming, as they've been accustomed to it for the past 9 months in utero.

Darkness is best for getting your baby’s body into sleep mode, as it encourages the release of melatonin, a hormone that helps the body transition to sleep.

If you prefer a little light to keep from stubbing your toe when you go in for late-night feeds, opt for the SnüzCloud Baby Sleep Aid.

The only baby sleep aid to have two light options, its soft white light is ideal for feeding in the dark, while the calming pink glow is designed to mimic the ambience of the womb and is an extremely comforting colour, particularly during the fourth trimester.

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5) Reduce Nighttime Stimulation

When your baby wakes during the night for a feed or a nappy change, try as much as possible to keep to the same routine you use at bedtime to settle your baby back to sleep. Avoid over-stimulating your baby with bright lights, noise, and talking.

You should also try and make nappy changes as quickly as possible so you can get your baby back down to sleep. SnüzPouch is ideal for this, allowing for minimal disturbance during night changes with its unique nappy change zip.

You can also use the SnüzPod Storage Pocket and attach it to the end of the bedside crib. This allows you to keep all your nighttime essentials close by, making it easier to quickly change and soothe your baby back to sleep, rather than rummaging through drawers on the other side of the room.

6) Put Baby Down Drowsy

We all sleep in cycles throughout the night, and babies typically stir every 40-50 minutes. If they wake up and realise things aren’t the same as when they drifted off, they may cry to alert you something is different and – potentially – wrong.

Your child is much more likely to learn to drift back into a deep sleep if things are unchanged when they stir.

So, the trick is to put your baby down to sleep in the crib when drowsy but still awake, so they learn how to drift off to sleep themself.

Eyelids should be heavy – not shut!

7) Stay Flexible

While consistency is key, your baby's bedtime routine shouldn’t be written in stone. A rigid ritual probably won’t last too long. As your baby grows, so do their bedtime needs.

You’ll find the baby bedtime routine that may have worked last week won’t necessarily cut it this week. Those evening baths that used to be so soothing, could suddenly become playtime!

Adapt to your baby’s changing needs, and above all, be patient and persistent as your child learns their bedtime routine and preferences.

How to Cope With Your Own Unsettled Sleep Routine

Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby at night. It's almost a given that your own sleep will be disrupted with a newborn, but don't let that stop you from getting the rest you need.

Nap when your baby naps during the day, and try to get some help from family or friends so you can get a good night's sleep every now and then.

It's so important not to be harsh on yourself as you adjust to your new role as a parent. Remember that every baby is different and what works for one may not work for another.

Self-care for parents is crucial during this time, so make sure to take breaks and do activities that help you relax and recharge. Do things like...

Go for a walk outside to get some fresh air and exercise – You can take your baby with you in a pram or sling to get some bonding time while also getting some physical activity.
Take a warm bath or shower – Use this as a chance to unwind and let your mind relax. You can even add some calming essential oils or bath salts to enhance the experience.
Read a book or watch a movie – Take some time to escape into another world, away from the responsibilities of parenthood for a little while. Your partner or a trusted family member or friend can help with watching your child while you take this break.
Do something creative – Whether it's drawing, painting, writing, or any other creative outlet, this can be a great way to destress and express yourself. You can do this while your child is napping or after they have gone to bed for the night.
Practice mindfulness – Take a few minutes each day to focus on the present moment and let go of any worries or stress. Doing this just before you go to sleep can also help improve your sleep quality.
Connect with other parents – Seek out local parent groups or connect with other parents online. It can be comforting to talk to others who are going through similar challenges and share advice and support.

When to Seek Help for an Extremely Unsettled Baby

While some fussiness and crying are normal for infants, there are times when it may be a sign of a more serious issue. If your baby is crying excessively and you have tried all the above strategies with little to no improvement, it may be time to seek help from a medical professional.

If you are picking up on other signs that your baby is in discomfort other than lack of sleep, such as trouble feeding or frequent vomiting, it is important to consult with a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your baby's health.

Additionally, if you are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from trying to soothe your unsettled baby, it is important to reach out for support.

Whether it's a family member, friend, or professional therapist, having someone to talk to and lean on during this challenging time can make a world of difference.

Summary: How to Get Baby Into a Sleep Routine

Struggling with getting your baby to sleep through the night isn't in any way an uncommon experience for parents, so don't feel discouraged if your little one isn't snoozing soundly just yet.

Experiment with different soothing techniques, create a bedtime routine and make sure to rule out any medical conditions that could be causing sleep disturbances.

Here at Snüz, we understand the struggles of parenthood and want to help guide you through this difficult time.

We created the SnüzPod4 to support new parents through the first 6 months of their baby's life, promoting the development of healthy sleep habits.

You can discover more about the SnüzPod4 and how it can benefit your family below, and purchase it directly online. Over half a million parents in the UK trust SnüzPod to help their little ones sleep better, so you can rest assured that you are making the right choice for your family.

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FAQs

When Should I Take My Baby to the Doctor for Not Sleeping?

You should take your baby to your GP or paediatrician if your baby is consistently having difficulty sleeping and it's causing concern for you.

Other concerns to look out for include excessive crying, irritability, and difficulty feeding. It's always best to consult a professional if you have any concerns about your baby's sleep habits, no matter how small they may seem.

How Do I Settle a Newborn After a Night Feed?

Rocking and tapping your baby's back gently can help settle them after a night feed. You can also try swaddling your baby and giving them a pacifier to help soothe them back to sleep.

Why Won't My Baby Sleep in the SnüzPod?

If your little one is struggling to sleep in their SnüzPod, we first and foremost recommend the tips we've laid out above to ensure their bedtime routine is comfortable and conducive to sleep.

You should also always follow our best practice guidelines for safe sleeping, including not overdressing your baby and ensuring the room is at a comfortable temperature. Our blog post Creating Your SnüzPod Routine has lots more helpful tips, too.

If these tips don't seem to be working, you can get in touch with our customer support team for further assistance. They may be able to provide additional advice or troubleshoot any potential issues with your SnüzPod crib.

Why is My Baby Restless at Night But Not Crying?

Gassiness is one of the top reasons why babies may be restless at night. This could be due to a number of factors, such as swallowing air while feeding, food sensitivities, or a buildup of gas in the digestive system. Burping your baby is important to help release any trapped gas and alleviate discomfort.