Start with a calm, repeatable wind-down routine, then place your baby on their back in a firm, flat, level, separate sleep space with only a tightly fitted sheet. A quiet feed, diaper change, dim lights, a song or cuddle can help signal that bedtime is coming. Newborns often wake frequently and may not follow a schedule yet; that is normal. Safe sleep matters every time, for naps as well as overnight. HealthyChildren.org
The short answer
- Notice your baby’s sleepy cues and begin winding down before they become overtired.
- Keep the routine simple and repeat the same few steps.
- Place your baby on their back in a crib, cot, bassinet, or portable crib/play yard with a firm, flat mattress and fitted sheet only.
- Keep pillows, loose blankets, positioners, plush toys, and other soft objects out of the sleep space.
- If you are exhausted, put your baby down in their safe sleep space before you doze off.
What is normal baby sleep?
In the first weeks and months, babies commonly wake to feed, need help settling, and sleep in short stretches. Newborns’ sleep patterns are still developing, so a strict bedtime or “sleeping through the night” is not a realistic expectation for every baby. The NHS notes that newborns have their own sleep patterns and often wake repeatedly at night during the first months. The AAP says babies do not have regular sleep cycles until around 4 months. NHS
As your baby grows, a familiar bedtime routine may become easier to follow. But waking at night can continue, and it does not automatically mean that you are doing anything wrong. If you are concerned about feeding, weight gain, reflux, breathing, or unusually difficult settling, ask your baby’s pediatrician or healthcare professional for advice tailored to your child.
A simple bedtime routine you can repeat
A bedtime routine does not need to be long or elaborate. Try a short sequence that works for your family:
- Lower the stimulation. Dim the lights and move toward quieter play.
- Feed and change your baby as needed. Follow your clinician’s feeding guidance, especially for a newborn.
- Use a familiar comfort cue. A quiet song, short story, gentle cuddle, or calm voice can become a predictable signal.
- Dress for the room. Choose appropriate sleep clothing and avoid overheating. If you use a wearable blanket, follow its sizing and care instructions and do not add loose bedding.
- Place your baby in their sleep space. Always begin sleep by placing your baby on their back.
A warm bath can be part of the routine if your baby enjoys it, but it is optional. The Sunlove Everyday Comfort Baby Care Set includes a hooded bath towel and muslin washcloths that can be used during the bath-to-pajamas part of the routine. These are care items; keep towels, washcloths, and all other loose items out of the crib or bassinet when your baby sleeps.
What is the safest way to put a baby down to sleep?
For every nap and nighttime sleep, place your baby on their back on a firm, flat, level surface designed for infant sleep, such as a safety-approved crib, cot, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that fits the mattress snugly, and keep the sleep space otherwise empty. Room-sharing—having your baby’s sleep space in the same room as you, but not in the same bed—is recommended for at least the first 6 months by the AAP and NHS. HealthyChildren.org
Do not use an adult bed, sofa, armchair, nursing pillow, lounger, nest, swing, or inclined product as a routine sleep space. If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, swing, carrier, or sling, move them to a firm, flat sleep surface as soon as it is practical. The AAP advises against soft objects and loose bedding in the sleep area. HealthyChildren.org
If you are choosing a bassinet sheet, check that it is made for the exact mattress and fits tightly all around. Sunlove’s Muslin Bassinet Sheet – 2 Pack lists dimensions of 32 × 17 inches; compare those dimensions with your bassinet mattress and its manufacturer’s instructions before use. A product description or sheet alone does not establish that a bassinet or mattress meets current safety requirements.
Should you swaddle a baby to help them sleep?
Some families choose to swaddle a newborn because snug wrapping may help calm them. Swaddling does not prevent SIDS and must not restrict breathing or hip movement. Always place a swaddled baby on their back, and stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll. Do not use weighted swaddles or weighted objects. HealthyChildren.org
Sunlove’s 100% Cotton Muslin Baby Swaddle Sleep Sack is one optional swaddling product. Check its label, fit, fasteners, and age/size guidance before use. If your baby is showing signs of rolling, do not use a swaddle; move to an appropriately sized, non-swaddling wearable blanket if you choose to use one.
For babies who are no longer swaddled, a non-weighted wearable blanket can be an alternative to loose blankets, provided it fits correctly and is used according to the manufacturer’s directions. Sunlove’s Bamboo Zipper Baby Sleep Sack lists 1.0 and 1.5 TOG options. Use the garment’s own temperature and care guidance, dress your baby appropriately for the room, and check for signs of overheating. Do not layer a swaddle and sleep sack together unless product instructions and your clinician specifically advise it.
What if your baby will not settle?
First check common needs: hunger, a wet diaper, burping, temperature, or a need for comfort. Hold, rock, gently pat, or sing to your baby while you are awake and attentive. If your baby falls asleep in your arms, transfer them to their safe sleep space and place them on their back.
A sound machine is optional; it is not necessary for every baby and cannot make an unsafe sleep space safe. The AAP cautions that some infant sleep machines can be too loud and advises placing them as far from the baby’s head as possible and using them for a short time. If you choose one, keep the volume low, place it well away from the crib, and use a timer rather than relying on continuous loud sound. Sunlove’s Portable Baby White Noise Machine has sound and timer options; follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the AAP guidance on sound exposure. HealthyChildren.org
If crying is overwhelming, place your baby on their back in a safe, empty crib or bassinet and take a brief moment to regroup or call someone for support. Never shake a baby. If the crying is unusual, your baby seems ill, or you are worried about their breathing or feeding, contact a healthcare professional.
Should you put a baby down drowsy but awake?
Some families find it helpful as their baby gets older, but it is not a rule that every newborn must follow. The AAP discusses putting babies down drowsy rather than fully asleep for babies around 4 months and older. In the early newborn period, feeding, comforting, and helping your baby settle are normal parts of care. You can try a gradual approach that feels right for your family and discuss sleep concerns with your pediatrician. HealthyChildren.org
Baby sleep FAQs
How do I get my newborn to sleep at night?
Keep nighttime care quiet and dim, respond to feeding and comfort needs, and repeat a short bedtime routine when possible. Newborns often wake overnight; do not expect a consistent schedule in the first weeks. For every sleep, place your baby on their back in a clear, separate sleep space.
Is it safe for a baby to sleep on their side or stomach?
Place babies on their backs for every sleep until age 1. If a baby who can roll both ways moves independently to their stomach or side, the AAP says they can remain in the position they choose, as long as the sleep space is clear of blankets, pillows, toys, and other soft items. Continue to start each sleep by placing your baby on their back. HealthyChildren.org
Can a white noise machine help a baby sleep?
Some babies may find steady sound soothing, but it will not work for every baby and is not a safe-sleep measure. If you use one, keep it quiet, place it well away from your baby’s head, and limit how long it runs. HealthyChildren.org
When should I stop swaddling?
Stop as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll. Do not use weighted swaddles or add weighted objects. If you need help choosing a transition product or your baby has a medical condition, ask your pediatrician. HealthyChildren.org
Is it okay if my baby wakes at night?
Yes. Night waking is common, especially in the early months. Babies vary in their sleep patterns and feeding needs. Ask your baby’s healthcare professional if waking is accompanied by concerns about health, feeding, or growth.
The takeaway
A calm routine can help your baby recognize that bedtime is coming, but there is no single routine that works for every family. Keep the steps simple, respond to your baby’s needs, and make every sleep safe: back, firm and flat surface, separate sleep space, fitted sheet only. Products such as a swaddle garment, wearable blanket, fitted sheet, or sound machine are optional routine items—not substitutes for safe sleep practices or medical advice.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Safe-sleep guidance and product regulations can vary by country. Follow your local public-health guidance and ask your baby’s healthcare professional about your child’s individual needs.
