Caring for Your Newborn: Sleeping

Sleep is probably something you're thinking a lot about now.

Every few hours your baby wakes up hungry, needing a diaper change, or wanting your attention.

And that means you're not sleeping much.

A good sleep routine for your baby can help you both get the rest you need.

When you can see your newborn is starting to get sleepy, put him or her in the crib.

This helps teach your baby that the crib is for sleeping.

Keep the room quiet and darkened.

Try to feed your baby when he or she just starts to wake up and is still calm.

If you can act before your baby gets too upset, it might make getting back to sleep easier.

If your baby needs a diaper change, do it quietly.

Keep the light low.

Don't sing or play with your baby.

Put him or her back in the crib as soon as you can.

As your baby gets older, try to keep a regular bedtime schedule.

And get into a comforting bedtime routine.

Give your baby a bath, sing lullabies, read a book, or tell a story.

And take naps while your baby sleeps.

You really need and deserve some rest too.