Sleep in Newborns: How to Get Your Baby the Best Rest | Midwife Tips

Learn how to improve sleep in newborns with global traditions and practical tips. Discover solutions for crib sleeping, co-sleeping, and creating a sleep-friendly environment.

5 min read

baby in white knit cap lying on green textile
baby in white knit cap lying on green textile

‘’Okay, well... I tried everything but how other mothers can handle this around the world?’’

Let’s take a little trip around the globe and see how different cultures handle newborn sleep. Because, hey, a little cultural wisdom never hurt anyone!🧐

Turkish Traditions

In Turkey, traditional methods like swaddling and gentle rocking are commonly used to lull a newborn baby to sleep. Swaddling mimics the cozy environment of the womb, helping babies feel safe and calm. Many Turkish families also use white noise, which is thought to resemble the soothing sounds of the womb.

Recently, though we don't really recommend it, rocking the baby can sometimes be a lifesaver. No, you're not going to rock the baby like a watermelon. Gently, softly, more like an up-and-down motion rather than side-to-side, and we want to make sure that little jelly-like brain of theirs stays safe. The idea is to replicate the feeling they had in the womb when you were walking around—gentle, rhythmic movements.

Remember, your baby has just met the outside world, and the only world they knew before was the one they spent nine months in, inside you. That world was dark, warm, and probably felt a bit like being gently swayed in a hammock. (Though, let’s be honest, none of us will ever really know, unless someone here remembers their time as a fetus…okay, that was creepy, next.)

American Practices

In the USA, sleep training is a common practice, where parents gradually teach their babies to sleep independently. Crib sleeping seems like the norm as I searched, and there’s a big emphasis on creating a sleep-friendly environment—think dark rooms, cool temperatures, and those must-have white noise machines.

But if one of you could provide inside information, I'd appreciate it🤓😅 The information I get from my Google and TikTok searches about other countries can sometimes be this 🤏much.

European Approaches

Seems like European mothers often focus on routine and consistency. In countries like France, there’s a practice called "La Pause," where parents wait a moment before responding to their baby’s cries, giving the baby a chance to self-soothe. Bedtime routines—bath, book, bed—are also a staple in many European households.

I have a question for the American and North European moms out there. How do you manage to have fewer sleep issues with your babies? From what I’ve seen on TikTok, heard from friends, and observed around (esp whenever i travel it seems obv) it seems like European and American kids are less problematic when it comes to sleep. It feels like there’s less battling over bedtime and fewer crying fits. If that’s the case, what’s your secret, ladies? Please enlighten me in the comments—this is a genuine question born out of curiosity.

Asian Methods

In many Asian cultures, co-sleeping is common. The idea is that keeping the baby close during the night fosters a stronger bond and makes nighttime feedings easier. Additionally, seems like Asian families often use herbal remedies and massage techniques to calm babies before bedtime.

I've seen some people use Tibetan sign bowls (yes, on Tiktok. I'm a Z generation, of course I'll check some info out there sometimeesss😝 💁🏼‍♀️) Anyway, let me know people on comments from anyone who's used Tibetan sign bowl to put their child to sleep. I haven't tried it myself yet, but what I saw on the internet gave me hope 🧞 It's like a savior for hard times🧚

If you're wondering what this could be and want to check it out, I'll be leaving an example here for you👈 (its tiktok and you dont need to make an account to watch)
Also, if you are really really interested, link here that you can find some Tibetan sign bowls 👈

So what do we get in last?

Harmonizing newborn sleep can be a challenge, but remember, you’re not alone! With a little patience, some cultural wisdom, and the tips we’ve covered, you’ll be on your way to helping your baby (and you!) get the rest you both need. You’ll be fine, promise…🫰
yeah girlzz that's all for now. ok byyy🏃‍♀️🌠

Sleep in Newborns: Tips and Solutions for Better Rest

Hello hellooo, new mamas and papas! 🍼 If you're here, you’re probably getting through the whirlwind of newborn sleep, wondering if you’ll ever get a full night’s rest again. Spoiler alert: you will, but let’s talk about how to get there! I'm here to chitty-chat about the ins and outs of newborn sleep. Let’s get into the world of tiny snoozes 💤 😴

Practical Tips for Newborn Sleep

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are some practical tips to help your newborn get the best sleep possible like general rules for all babies.

1. How to Help Your Newborn Sleep in a Crib or Bassinet:

  • Swaddle your baby to help them feel secure.

  • Make sure the crib or bassinet is free from distractions and that the mattress is firm and flat.

2. Sleep-Friendly Environment:

  • Keep the room cool and dark—ideal sleep conditions mimic the womb.

  • White noise can be a game-changer for helping your baby sleep longer stretches.

3. Co-Sleeping or Separate Sleeping:

  • If you choose to co-sleep, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS(Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

  • For separate sleeping, try placing the crib or bassinet close to your bed for easy access during nighttime feedings.

4. Importance of Consistency and Routine:

  • Establish a bedtime routine early on—something simple like a warm bath followed by a lullaby can signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep.

  • Stick to a consistent sleep schedule to help regulate your baby’s internal clock.


If you are in a very difficult situation and your nerves are on edge like a tight rope, unfortunately I have to recommend this method like a last call chance, even though I don't want to: use a pacifier to soothe them.
Sometimes a pacifier can feel like a lifesaver in the middle of a crying fit, i get it. But hear me out: I recommend using it as a last alternative, and here’s why. While a pacifier might bring instant relief, it can also lead to issues with your baby’s teeth and jaw development down the road. We definitely don’t want you and your little one spending years in the dentist’s chair dealing with the aftermath, right?

You see, your baby’s bones, especially in the jaw and palate, are still soft and developing. That’s why I don’t recommend pacifier use, especially in newborns. It can disrupt the natural alignment of their teeth and jaw, leading to problems later on. So, while a pacifier might seem like an easy fix now, it’s something to use sparingly for the sake of your baby’s long-term dental health.

Understanding Newborn Sleep Patterns

First things first, let’s talk about those newborn sleep patterns. Newborns sleep a lot—like, seriously a lot! We’re talking about 14 to 17 hours a day. (please ignore the idea of wishing you were like your baby instead 😆 ) .But here’s the kicker: it’s usually in short bursts of 2-4 hours at a time. This is because their tiny tummies need constant refueling, so they wake up frequently for feedings. 🛻

Why Do Newborns Need Much Sleep?

Newborns are growing at an incredible rate, and all that growth requires a lot of energy, which they get from sleep. Think of sleep as their personal growth spurt engine!

Your baby is full, his/her diaper is clean, and in short, all vital signs are arranged, but are you still having trouble putting your baby to sleep? Since you are on this page, should talk about the possible scenarios you are experiencing.

Your Newborn Won’t Sleep in the Bassinet?

You’re not alone! Many parents struggle with getting their newborns to sleep in a crib or bassinet. We’ll touch on some solutions in a bit.

Your Newborn's Frequent Night Wakings

This is totally normal, but we’ll discuss how to make those wake-ups less disruptive.

mother cares with newborn baby in crib
mother cares with newborn baby in crib