Newborn Sleep: Gentle Tips to Lay Healthy Foundations (0–3 Months)
Bringing a newborn home is such a mix of emotions — magical, overwhelming, exhausting, beautiful. As a mum of two girls, I’ve been through those early weeks twice now, and I remember wondering if I’d ever feel truly rested again. If you’re in that stage right now, please know you’re not alone.
In the first three months, sleep isn’t about strict routines — it’s about survival, connection, and laying down gentle foundations that will support healthy sleep as your baby grows.
As a newborn sleep consultant in Melbourne, I work with families every day to help them find calm and confidence in these early weeks. And one of my favourite approaches is Dr Harvey Karp’s 5 S’s — a simple, gentle toolkit that can transform how you settle your newborn.
Why Early Sleep Foundations Matter
Newborns have tiny tummies, short sleep cycles, and absolutely no idea the difference between day and night. That’s why sleep feels so unpredictable. But by introducing small, consistent patterns now, you can help your baby feel safe and secure — and in turn, make sleep easier for both of you.
My Gentle Tips for Newborn Sleep
1. Watch Wake Windows
Most newborns can only stay awake 45–90 minutes before they need sleep again. Instead of the clock, watch your baby’s sleepy signs — yawning, jerky movements, or glazed-over eyes. Catching those cues early helps avoid overtiredness (which makes settling so much harder).
2. Create a Calm Sleep Space
It doesn’t need to be fancy. A dimly lit room, a comfortable bassinet or cot, and the addition of white noise can make the world of difference. I still remember how much white noise helped with both of my girls — it mimics the womb and signals to your baby that it’s time to rest.
3. Use Day/Night Cues
Help your baby’s body clock by making daytime bright and interactive (open curtains, play, go outside), and nighttime calm and quiet (low lights, soft voices, quick feeds). Over time, these cues help them figure out when it’s time to sleep.
The Power of Dr Harvey Karp’s 5 S’s
When my girls were tiny, this method was such a lifesaver. Dr Harvey Karp’s 5 S’s are all about recreating the snug, soothing environment of the womb — and they work beautifully for settling newborns:
Swaddle – A snug (but safe) wrap can help your baby feel secure and prevent startling awake.
Side or Stomach (in arms only) – Holding your baby on their side or tummy in your arms can feel calming (always place them on their back when sleeping).
Shush – White noise or a gentle “shhh” mimics the sounds of the womb and can instantly calm fussiness.
Swing – Small, gentle rocking or bouncing helps soothe (think slow, rhythmic movements, not fast jiggling).
Suck – Whether it’s breastfeeding, a bottle, or a dummy, sucking is incredibly calming for newborns.
Used together, the 5 S’s can work wonders for settling a fussy baby — I wish I had known this when my girls were newborns. As those nights when nothing else works, layering these techniques helps newborns fall back to sleep peacefully.
Remember: Cuddles Count
Some days, your baby may only want to nap in your arms. And that’s okay. These moments aren’t “bad habits” — they’re about building trust and connection. That sense of security is the foundation for healthy, independent sleep later on.
When to Reach Out for Support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just unsure what’s normal — please know you don’t have to do it alone. Every baby is unique, and sometimes a little personalised support makes all the difference.
As a baby sleep support consultant in Melbourne, I work alongside parents to find gentle, practical strategies that fit your family’s needs (and help you reclaim some rest too!).
A Final Word from One Mum to Another
The newborn stage is a blur — nappies, feeds, naps, cuddles — and it can feel never-ending. But the little things you do now, like following your baby’s cues and using gentle tools like the 5 S’s, really do make a difference over time.
💜 If you’d like a hand navigating these early weeks, I’d love to chat. Book a free discovery call and let’s work out a plan that gives your whole family more rest.