1. Why should I learn about newborn sleep before birth?
 

Before your baby arrives, it's the perfect time to understand how newborns actually sleep. You’ll learn why frequent waking is protective and normal, what realistic expectations look like, and how to reduce the pressure so many new parents feel in those early weeks.

 

2. Can I prepare my baby’s sleep rhythm before they’re born?
 

Yes - by syncing your own circadian rhythm. Start a 12-hour light/dark cycle at home: bright, natural light in the morning; dim lighting in the evening. Your baby will continue to rely on your hormonal cues (melatonin the sleepy hormone and cortisol the waking hormone) after birth.

 

3. What should I set up in the sleep environment before baby arrives?
 

Create a sensory-friendly sleep space using warm, dim amber lighting, white or pink noise, and simple, calming décor. These elements help regulate your baby’s nervous system and create a familiar, soothing environment from day one.

 

With a Newborn (0–3 Months)

 

4. How does connection impact newborn sleep?

Connection is sleep support. Skin-to-skin, cuddles, and quiet time together help regulate your baby’s nervous system. A baby who feels emotionally safe is far more likely to sleep calmly and restfully.

 

5. Should I focus on routines with a newborn?

Not rigid ones. Instead, focus on rhythms: morning light exposure, calm feeding cues, quiet alert times, and a gentle bedtime wind-down. These patterns help your baby feel secure without creating pressure.

 

6. Are contact naps a bad habit?

Not at all - they’re biologically normal. Holding your baby, using a sling, or letting them nap on your chest supports emotional security and often helps your baby sleep better as a newborn.

 

Beyond the Newborn Stage (4–6 Months and Up)

 

7. What’s the best way to introduce a bedtime routine?

Try the 3-stage model:

Connect – one-on-one time, lullabies, eye contact

Contain – swaddle/sleeping bag, dark room, familiar sleep space

Calm – white noise, gentle movement or stillness, quiet presence

This helps babies understand sleep is safe and predictable.

 

8. Should I be teaching my baby to “self-settle”?

Focus on self-regulation instead of independence. Babies learn to settle when they feel safe. Support them through consistent soothing, connection, and presence - not by leaving them alone to cry.

 

9. What if sleep still isn’t improving?

Zoom out. Holistic sleep support means looking at the whole child - are they teething? Constipated? Developmental milestone? Under-stimulated? True sleep support considers temperament, nutrition, environment, and development.

 

10. When should I get help with sleep?

You don’t have to wait until you're at breaking point. Whether you’re expecting or navigating night wakes with a six-month-old, early support can gently shift your experience - and help you feel more confident, calm, and in control.


Visit The Peaceful Sleep Company at Olympia, London, stand NK16! In the meantime, you can access Laura's 'Baby Sleep Essentials Pack' here.