Why Won't My Newborn Baby Sleep? 7 Reasons Every Tired Parent Should Know
Newborn sleep is not broken adult sleep
The single most freeing thing I tell new parents: your baby is not a bad sleeper — they are a newborn, doing exactly what newborns are designed to do. They spend about half their sleep in light, easily-disturbed REM sleep, and they surface between cycles every 50–60 minutes. Waking is protective. In this video I go through the seven reasons I see most often — and what actually helps with each.
The 7 reasons, in brief
- Hunger. A newborn stomach holds very little; frequent night feeds are normal and necessary.
- The startle (Moro) reflex. Flailing arms wake them — a snug swaddle settles many babies (stop swaddling once they show signs of rolling).
- Overtiredness. A baby kept up too long becomes wired, not sleepy. Watch for sleepy cues and act on the first yawn.
- Wind and discomfort. A good burp, a dry nappy, and the right temperature (not too warm) remove the usual suspects.
- Day–night confusion. Keep days bright and lively, nights dark and boring, and the pattern sorts itself out over a few weeks.
- They need you. For nine months your heartbeat was their world. Closeness, rocking, and your voice are legitimate sleep tools, not bad habits.
- Growth spurts and cluster feeding. Evenings of near-constant feeding are common around growth spurts — demanding, and temporary.
Safe sleep, always
However tired you are, the safe-sleep rules don't bend: baby on their back, in their own clear sleep space (cot, crib, or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress), nothing soft in the bed — no pillows, bumpers, loose blankets, or toys. If you're at risk of falling asleep while holding your baby, put them down in their cot first. An overtired parent in a safe routine beats any shortcut.
Common questions
How long will the broken nights last?
Most babies begin stretching one longer sleep period by around 6–12 weeks as their circadian rhythm matures. Every baby differs — but it does get better, in steps rather than all at once.
Is it possible to spoil a newborn by holding them?
No. You cannot spoil a newborn with closeness. Responding to cries builds the security that independent sleep later grows from.
When should I worry about sleeping too much?
A newborn who is too sleepy to feed, feeds poorly, has few wet nappies, or is hard to wake should be seen promptly. Trust your instincts — you know your baby's normal.
How to Lose Weight After Pregnancy, Safely
Finally, your own recovery: a safe, steady plan for losing weight after pregnancy.